Refractive errors are just one potential cause of blurred vision, so it is important for your child to have an examination right away if they are experiencing symptoms.

The most common refractive errors in children are:

• Myopia (also called nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (also called farsightedness)
• Astigmatism (distorted vision)
• It is possible to have two or more types of refractive error at the same time

Treatment

• Consists of starting appropriate glaasses early to prevent amblyopia.
• Myopia is a worldwide epidemic.Children who have rapid rate of progression can be started on 0.01% atropine eyedrops to stabilize the refractive error.
• Children should be encouraged for more outdoor activities and adequate exposure to sunlight to delay onset of myopia