Download information for patients Why does my child need glasses?

information for patients
Why does my child need glasses?
In most cases glasses are prescribed for children to improve vision, they
man also be given to prevent poor vision from developing or to treat a
squint. Glasses are not always ordered, even if the child is found to be
long or short-sighted.
There are various factors that may influence the decision of whether or not to
prescribe glasses, which include:




The age of the child
The strength of the glasses
Whether the child has a squint
The vision in each eye
What is the refraction?
This is a test to determine if your child requires glasses and involves instilling
drops in both eyes in order to enlarge the pupil (the black part of the eye) and
temporarily stop[ the eyes from focusing. Please read the ‘Eye Drops’ leaflet for
more information.
Once the pupils are enlarged, the eye specialist has a good vie of the back of
the eye to check that it is healthy. Next, using lenses and by moving a line of
What does
short-sighted
light across
the back
of themean?
eye – the eye specialist can judge what strength of
glassesShort
are sight
required.
refraction,
the results
the test
will
berays
discusses
(Myopia)After
can bethe
a result
of the eye being
longer theof
normal;
causing
light
entering the eye to focus before the retina (the back of the eye) so the child sees a blurred
with you.
What
image. Children with myopia have reduced near and distance vision, however distance id
more affected. Glasses correct this condition to enable images to be focused on the retina for
does
long-sighted mean?
all distances.
Longsight (Hypermetropia) can be a result of the eye being shorter the normal;
causing light rays entering the eye to focus behind the retina (back if the eye) so
the child sees a blurred image. Children with longsight have reduced near and
distance vision. Glasses correct this condition to enable images to be focused
is astigmatism?
properlyWhat
on the
retina for all distances.
PTO
What does short-sighted mean?
Short sight (Myopia) can be a result of the eye being longer the
normal; causing light rays entering the eye to focus before the
retina (the back of the eye) so the child sees a blurred image.
Children with myopia have reduced near and distance vision,
however distance id more affected. Glasses correct this condition
to enable images to be focused on the retina for all distances.
What is astigmatism?
As well as long or short sight, your child may have astigmatism.
Astigmatism is a result of light rays entering the eye being focused
at different distances from the retina. It distorts and blurs vision for
both near and far objects. In a Normal eye, the cornea (front of the
eye) is round like a football. If you have astigmatism, the cornea is
shaped more like a rugby ball.
Where do we get the glasses?
If glasses are necessary, a voucher, HES (P), will have been
provided which will state the strength of the glasses required. This
can be taken to any optometrist (previously called an Optician)
The voucher entitles you to a set amount of money towards one
pair of glasses. Many optometrists can supply a basic glasses
frame and the lenses required which are covered by the voucher
cost.
However, if you find a pair of fames that are slightly more
expensive than the voucher covers, you can add some money of
your own in order to make up the cost. Prices vary – it pays to
“shop around” before purchasing.
Why Child Needs Glasses: May 2014
Review date: May 2016
Directorate: Ophthalmology (Surgical
Specialties)