CAUSES

- Size of the eye.
- Shape of the cornea
- Lenticular

MYOPIA OR NEAR SIGHTEDNESS

A Myopic eye is longer than usual or has a steep cornea where the image falls in front of the eye. The near objects appear clear and the distant objects are blurred.

HYPEROPIA OR FARSIGHTEDNESS

A small eye, or a flat cornea focuses the image behind the retina. The far objects appear clear while the near objects are blurred.

ASTIGMATISM

When the incoming rays are not able to form a clear image inside the eye because of the different curvature of cornea in different axis of the eye. The image formed is blurred or distorted.

PRESBYOPIA

It is not an error of refraction, while it is a condition where the accommodation power of the eye, thereby the ability to change focus from far to near is lost after the age of 40.

WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL TO SCREEN THE CHILDREN

Every child has a refractive error. Children have the capacity to accommodate and see images clearly. Thats why minor Hyperopia and Myopia can just be observed. Children with more errors need to be examined and prescribed glasses accordingly. Children as young as 6 months are prescribed Glasses to prevent squint and lazy eye.

Uncorrected refractive error leads to
- Lazy eye or Amblyopia
- Reduced or Delayed Visual Maturation
- Deviated eyes or Squint

TREATMENT

NON SURGICAL (GLASSES)

Glasses are the first line of treatment for the refractive errors and are time tested.

The advantages are
- Affordablility
- Versatiity
- Ease of use and maintenance.

The disadvantages are
- Restriction of peripheral vision
- Limitations due to weather conditions
- Magnification of images
- Visual aberrations
- Limited Life
- Impact on the appearance
- Certain occupational and recreation limitations.