Refractive Error

Refractive error is when light coming into the eye does not focus properly on the light sensitive part of the eye (the retina). Refractive errors include myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far- sightedness), or astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye).

In adults, these conditions are easily treated with glasses, contact lenses, or surgical procedures. In children, if refractive error
is not appropriately diagnosed and corrected, the connection from the eye to the brain will not form properly, leading to permanent visual impairment from amblyopia.

Any child who fails a vision screening exam or that shows signs of problems with the vision should be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmology promptly.