Refractive Error

What is a refractive error?

A refractive error occurs when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, leading to blurry vision. This condition can affect both children and adults.

Refractive Error in Children

• Problem with focusing light accurately onto the retina due to eye shape.
• Resulting in blurred image formation.
• 8 out of 100 children have refractive error.
• Types include Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism.

What causes refractive error?

Refractive Error Causes in Children

• Some children inherit refractive error from parents.
• Others develop it during childhood.
• Research indicates increased near work hours in children increases the risk of myopia.
• Premature births and delayed developmental milestones increase susceptibility.
• Children with behavioral issues and delayed developmental milestones also face refractive error.

What are the symptoms of refractive error in children?

Infant and Toddler Observations

• Infants often lack self-expression due to vision impairment.
• Parents may observe lack of eye contact and social smiles.
• Toddlers and pre-schoolers may exhibit close eye contact, squeezing eyes, and developing head postures.
• School-going children may struggle with copying from blackboards or report inability to copy correctly.

Types of Refractive Errors

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Distant objects appear blurry, while close objects are clear. This occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Close objects appear blurry, and sometimes distant objects can also be blurry. This happens when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.

Astigmatism

Blurred or distorted vision at all distances. This is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina.

Presbyopia

Difficulty focusing on close objects due to age-related loss of lens flexibility. This typically occurs after age 40 and is a natural part of aging.

Key Points to Remember

• Refractive errors are very common.
• They can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and managing refractive errors.

How is refractive error diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Refractive Error in Children

• Reading visual acuity chart.
• Various methods and lens use in preverbal children.
• Additional tests for power confirmation in some children.

How is refractive error treated in Children?

Corrective Lenses

• Prescription of spectacle or contact lenses.
• If diagnosed early, amblyopia (lazy eye) can be detected and treated.