Refractive errors (glasses)
What is long sight?
Long sight is also known as farsightedness, hypermetropia or hyperopia. It occurs when the eye is too short and images focus behind the retina (the retina is the light sensitive layer of the inner eye which sends images to the brain). People with long sight can often see in the distance but have blurred vision close to them. If they have a high degree of long sight they may not see properly for near or distance. Long sight is usually hereditary and can be present from early childhood.
What is short sight?
Short sight is also know as myopia or near sightedness. It occurs when the eye is too long and images focus in front of the retina (the retina is the light sensitive layer of the inner eye which sends the images to the brain). People with short sight have difficulty seeing in the distance. Some children have short sight; however, it more commonly develops in the teenage years. Short-sightedness is also hereditary.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is caused by an unequal curvature of the front of the eye and this results in blurring of vision.
Will my child need glasses?
If your child is found to have a refractive error, glasses will be given to allow vision to develop properly. Some squints, particularly those which are caused by long sight, respond well to wearing appropriate glasses. Wearing glasses will not make the eyes weaker. It is possible that a mild degree of long sight in a child may be overcome with time and glasses may be discontinued when older. Short sight usually increases with age and so glasses will always be needed. A child with astigmatism usually has to continue to wear glasses in order to obtain clear vision.