What is spectacle correction?

Spectacle correction exploits the far point to provide clear distance vision. A lens is placed in front of the eye such that its secondary focal point coincides with the far point of the eye. Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children. The development of the visual system is extremely age sensitive and hence early detection and treatment of visual problems in children is absolutely critical.

Common eye problems in children

Refractive errors (spectacle number) account for 80% of visual impairment in children. This includes Myopia or near-sightedness, where distance vision is blurred, but a child can usually see well for reading or other near tasks. This occurs most often in school age children. The prescription for glasses will indicate a minus sign before the prescription (for example, -2.00 D). Eye glasses (spectacles) are a simple way to correct your child’s blurred eyesight. Single vision glasses do not control progression of myopia. Recent release of specialized myopia control lens designs have been shown to be among the most effective treatment options for slowing progression of myopia in children. There are evidence that eyedrops helps to slowdown the myopia progression. Early detection and regular followup are essential to prevent the myopia progression.

Astigmatism is also common and is caused by a difference in the surface curve of the eye. Instead of being shaped like a perfect sphere (like a basketball), the eye is shaped with a greater curve in one axis (like a rugby ball) and this causes fine details to look blurred or distorted. Here, the prescribed glasses have greater strength in one direction of the lens than in the opposite direction.

Hyperopia or far sightedness or plus number spectacle is a situation where the eyeball length does not grow upto the normal range for that age. Children can get plus spectacle number at early age. Hyperopia in children, child cannot see distance as well as near objects.

Uncorrected spectacle number can lead to lazy eye/amblyiopia sometimes squint too.