Effect of spectacle correction on hyperopic children

TL;DR

This study examines how different levels of spectacle correction affect preschool children with hyperopia and finds that overcorrection may improve vision.

Contribution

The study introduces evidence suggesting spectacle overcorrection may improve spherical equivalent in hyperopic preschool children.

Findings

No significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity were found across correction groups.

Overcorrection led to a significant reduction in spherical equivalent compared to full and under correction.

Further randomized trials are needed to confirm the benefits of spectacle overcorrection.

Abstract

Background: Hyperopia is a significant refractive error in children, often leading to vision impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether partial or full spectacle correction is benefit for hyperopia in preschool-aged children.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on hyperopic children visited to teaching medical center outpatient clinic between October 2011 and October 2018, and were categorized into three groups: full correction, overcorrection, and undercorrection. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee of Tri-Service General Hospital.

Results: Following a minimum of one-year follow-up period, no statistically significant differences were observed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) among children receiving full, over, or under spectacle correction. Notably, the overcorrection group exhibited a significant reduction in spherical equivalent (SE) compared to both the full and under correction groups, indicating a better SE with spectacle overcorrection.

Conclusions: Spectacle overcorrection may offer potential benefits for enhancing SE in preschool children with hyperopia. Nevertheless, further investigation through randomized controlled trials is warranted to establish the validity of this approach and its impact on visual outcomes in this hyperopic pediatric population.