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Myopia |
Myopia (near sighted) – This is a condition where the distance vision is
blurred, but the child can usually see well for reading or other near tasks. The
parallel rays from a distant object come to a focus in front of the light
sensitive layer of the retina. The prescription for glasses will indicate a
minus sign before the prescription (for e.g. -2.00 D). Usually these children
have a longer than average eye ball.
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Top: Myopic eye. Bottom: Correction with a concave (minus) lens |
The role of the teacher
The effects of refractive errors are often first noticed in school. A child
cannot see the blackboard clearly, or finds it difficult to read or write. The
child may complain of eye strain or may have occasional crossing of eyes
especially towards the end of the day. You as teachers may be the first one to
notice the disability and can provide important input into the decision
regarding the need for glasses. When a child is prescribed glasses he/she needs
to wear them constantly. Since a teacher’s words carry a lot of weight for a
child, you may play a role in the initiation. The children who need patching of
one eye also need extra support so as to be comfortable in school. Teasing by
classmates is an important cause for refusal of the child to wear glasses or
undergo occlusion therapy.
Refractive Errors |
Myopia | Hyperopia |
Astigmatism | Anisometropia
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