Eye Conditions in Infants and Children: Myopia and Hyperopia

Patients with poor vision screening results should be referred to an ophthalmology subspecialist for further testing to define the refractive error. Refractive errors are influenced by the optical power of the cornea and lens, along with the length of the eye (ie, total of the lens thickness, anterior, and vitreous chamber depth). Refractive errors include myopia, in which the visual image focuses in front of the retina, and hyperopia, in which the visual image focuses behind the retina. Patients with myopia, or nearsightedness, are able to see near objects better than those at a distance. Being outdoors or participation in physical activity outdoors may prevent myopia. Eyeglasses, surgery, and pharmacotherapy also have been studied to correct and prevent progression of myopia. Patients with hyperopia, or farsightedness, have good distance vision but may have more difficulty with reading. Another concern for children with hyperopia is development of strabismus because of refractive error. Eyeglasses and surgery are the management options for hyperopia.