Paediatric Refraction
Paediatric refraction is the assessment of a child’s eyes to detect refractive errors or the need for spectacles. Refractive error is the most common cause of vision impairment in children and, if not detected early, can lead to permanent visual deficiency.
A refractive error occurs when the eye is unable to focus light properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or unclear vision. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for normal visual development and prevention of amblyopia (lazy eye).
Common Refractive Errors in Children
Children may have one or more refractive errors at the same time.
Myopia
(Near-sightedness)
Myopia
(Near-sightedness)
Distant objects appear blurred while near objects are clear. It occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea is too steep. Myopia is increasingly common in school-going children. Myopia progression can be controlled with special eye drops and advanced spectacle lenses.
Hyperopia
(Far-sightedness)
Hyperopia
(Far-sightedness)
Near vision is blurred due to a shorter-than-normal eyeball. Children may experience eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with reading or close-up tasks.
Astigmatism
-
Astigmatism
Vision is distorted or blurred for both near and distant objects. It is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea. Astigmatism can occur alone or along with myopia or hyperopia.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Sitting very close to books or TV
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Poor school performance
- Head tilt while looking at objects
Treatment for Paediatric Refractive Errors
- Prescription spectacles
- Regular eye examinations
- Myopia control therapy (when required)
- Lifestyle guidance for healthy vision
- Early treatment helps prevent lazy eye and permanent vision loss.
Refractive Surgery (Adults Only)
- Refractive surgeries are not recommended for children and are suitable only after vision stabilizes in adulthood. Available options include:
- LASIK / PRK
- Custom LASIK
- SMILE
- Presbyopic Laser
- Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) – Permanent Contact Lens
Refractive Surgery (Adults Only)
- Regular paediatric eye check-ups help ensure healthy vision, support learning and development, and prevent long-term visual problems. Vision screening is advised during infancy, before school, and at regular intervals thereafter.