Thank you for responding Dr. Kutryb. I have my son an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist next Friday. Thanks!
Sometimes, the hyperopia improves on its own over time - sometimes it doesn't. These kids in the +5 range are very high risk for strabismus and amblyopia. I'm not into speculating as to who will and who will not need glasses. The bottom line is that he should see a pediatric ophthalmologist to not only see if he needs glasses but also what power glasses to actually prescribe which can be rather tricky sometimes. Take my advise - this is definitely what I would do. I appreciate what you are saying and like you, I just worry about things like amblyopia and strabismus.
MJK MD
er, I mean AOA, as in the American Optometric Association
AOE says:
In most hyperopic children, the process of emmotropization leads to a gradual reduction in the degree of hyperopia by 5-10 years of age. Some children do not go through this process, however. They remain significantly hyperopic and at increased risk for developing strabismus and amblyopia. Although patients under 5 who have over 3.25 D of hyperopia appear to benefit from early optical correction to reduce the risk for strabismus and amblyopia, the results of animal studies suggest that early optical correction, especially in infants, can interfere with emmetropization. Thus, early treatment has the potential to result in the maintenance of the refractive error throughout life.
I think hyperopia in children does often correct itself by the time they are about 10, and that correcting it with glasses could interfere with this. Is this right, Dr. Kutryb?
If it was my child I would get a second oponion with a pediatric ophthalmologist. You can find one at www.aao.org.
MJK MD