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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Binocular Dynamic Visual Acuity in Eyeglass-Corrected Myopic Patients
Published on: March 29, 2022
An analysis of high myopia in a pediatric population less than 10 years of age
David E Fitzgerald1, Ida Chung, Ira Krumholtz
1State University of New York, State College of Optometry, New York, New York 10036, USA. dfitzgerald@sunyopt.edu
Insights
Children under 10 with high myopia (≥6.00 diopters) frequently experience amblyopia, strabismus, and anisometropia. These conditions significantly impact vision in young myopic patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Clinical Research
Background:
- High myopia in children is a growing concern.
- Early detection of associated visual conditions is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of amblyopia, strabismus, and anisometropia in pediatric patients under 10 years with high myopia (≥6.00 diopters).
- To establish a clinical profile of this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for pediatric patients (<10 years) with high myopia (≥6.00 diopters).
- Data collected from examinations at SUNY State College of Optometry between 1998 and 2001.
Main Results:
- 178 patients met the criteria; 75.8% had amblyopia, 31.5% had strabismus, and 35.4% had anisometropia.
- Among 145 patients without other significant conditions, strabismus or anisometropia caused amblyopia.
- Bilateral high myopia (64.8%) was more common than unilateral; anisometropia was more prevalent in unilateral cases (78.4%).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients under 10 years with high myopia exhibit a high incidence of amblyopia, strabismus, and anisometropia.
- These findings underscore the importance of thorough ophthalmic examinations in young children with high myopia.
Purpose:
The purpose of this article is to document a comprehensive clinical profile-including the prevalence of amblyopia, strabismus, and anisometropia-of a pediatric population less than 10 years of age who manifested 6.00 diopters or more of myopia.
Method:
A retrospective record review was performed on all pediatric patients less than 10 years of age, examined at the State University of New York (SUNY) State College of Optometry between 1998 and 2001, and with a spherical equivalent of 6.00 diopters or more of myopia.
Results:
One hundred seventy-eight patients met the criteria. Amblyopia or reduced corrected visual acuity was present in 75.8% of the patients. Strabismus was present in 31.5% of the patients, with essentially equal numbers of esotropes and exotropes. Anisometropia was present in 35.4% of the patients. One hundred forty-five patients had high myopia in the absence of significant ocular or systemic compromising conditions. In this sample of 145, strabismus or anisometropia was an etiology for amblyopia. There was a greater prevalence of bilateral high myopia (64.8%) than unilateral high myopia. Anisometropia was present in 10.6% of the bilateral high myopes, and 78.4% of the unilateral high myopes.
Conclusion:
Children less than 10 years of age with high myopia have a high risk of having amblyopia, strabismus, and anisometropia.
