Toronto Eye Clinic

Visual Acuity refers to the clarity of vision or how well a child sees, measured at a distance of 20 feet (6 metres). Normal visual acuity is commonly termed 20/20 vision. (In Canada, the metric equivalent of 20/20 is 6/6.) A child with 20/20 vision can see clearly at 20 feet what an adult with normal vision can see at that distance. A child with 2... 0/100 vision must be as close as 20 feet to see what an adult with normal vision can see at 100 feet. Visual acuity develops steadily throughout early childhood, and reaches adult-level by age 6-7 years. At age 4-5 years, visual acuity of 20/20 20/40 (6/6 6/12) is expected. Refractive Error occurs when, due to the size and/or shape of the eyeball, images formed on the retina are not in sharp focus, resulting in blurred vision. Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Hyperopia is a condition in which the eyes must exert extra focusing effort to see objects clearly, especially at close distances. Hyperopia results when the length of the eyeball is shorter than average. Most children have mild hyperopia, and, with a strong focusing ability, have no difficulty seeing clearly at all distances. However, children with severe farsightedness may experience fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, lack of concentration and/or crossed eyes. Myopia (Nearsightedness) is a condition in which near objects are seen clearly however distant objects appear blurred. Myopia results when the eyeball is longer than average. Children who are born prematurely or have family members with severe myopia are more likely to develop myopia at a young age. Children with significant myopia often hold materials very close or move up close to objects to see them. Astigmatism is a condition in which objects appear distorted or blurred, both at distance and at near. Astigmatism usually occurs when the cornea (front surface of the eye) is not evenly curved and is more oval than round. It often occurs in combination with farsightedness or nearsightedness. Children with significant astigmatism often turn their head to the ...Read More