Impact of uncorrected hyperopia on visual function and academic performance in preschool and school-age children

Many children with a moderate amount of farsightedness do not see as well up close as children who are not farsighted, and they often have significantly more problems with near visual function (near visual acuity, stereoacuity, and accommodation), early literacy skills, reading, and attention. Problems with early literacy skills often lead to difficulties with reading in first grade and beyond. Controversy exists among eye care providers regarding whether moderately hyperopic children have adequate visual function without correction or whether correction provides benefit. Furthermore, the effect of correction is unclear, and further research is needed to determine whether hyperopic correction allows farsighted children to overcome deficits in near visual function, early literacy, reading, and attention.