The ROP FAQ
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The following post from the ROP list explains how nearsightedness is evaluated in infants. The ROP list was moderated by Dr. Scott Richards until August, 2002. The list is now hosted at YahooGroups.
Date: December 2, 1998
From: Scott Richards
Nearsightedness can be diagnosed in infants or even preemies using a retinoscope to measure the refraction. If one eye is much more nearsighted than the other, there is a significant risk of amblyopia (lazy eye), and glasses are usually started within the first year or two as needed to prevent this. If the two eyes are equally nearsighted and there is no amblyopia, nothing needs to be done until the child complains of having trouble seeing the blackboard at school. Almost all of a child's world is within arm's reach, and nearsightedness is not much of a handicap. The level of nearsightedness is related in part to prematurity. Preemies tend to be more nearsighted, and kids with ROP (especially if it needed treatment) are even more likely to be nearsighted. As we go through puberty, almost everyone gets more nearsighted, but for most of us that's OK, since we start off farsighted as kids. But don't be surprised if there is a big shift towards more nearsightedness during the teen years - that's expected.
By far the strongest association with nearsightedness is genetics - if Mom and dad wear glasses, the kids are likely to as well. Remember that nearsightedness is not such a bad handicap in today's world of glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery. A more important consideration is the best-corrected vision - what the vision is with the best possible glasses in place. This is what may limit a child's future vocational and avocational options.
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