How Severe is My Child’s Myopia?
JUN 10, 2014
Question:
My 9-year-old son has a -1.25 prescription—how severe it that for his age?
Answer:
This is considered low myopia (nearsightedness), and should not be expected to be a burden to him. Were drops put in his eyes to obtain this prescription? Unless cycloplegic eyedrops were used, this number may actually be lower; i.e., he may be even less nearsighted than -1.25. An ophthalmologist would ordinarily use this technique in a child of this age. He should be rechecked annually to be certain that the prescription remains stable. However, small changes (progression) are normal as he is growing. High myopia (greater than six diopters) carries a higher risk of retinal detachment (when the retina peels away from the back of the eye).