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After your child undergoes a pediatric refraction eye exam, it’s crucial to understand the results and what they mean for their vision. You may have scheduled the exam due to concerns like your child squinting, complaining of headaches, or finding it difficult to see the board at school. A pediatrician may have recommended additional testing following a routine vision screening. No matter the reason, understanding the results will help you take the next steps in addressing your child’s eye health and vision needs.
While the eye doctor will explain the results to you, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of what the results indicate so you can feel confident about the course of action for your child’s vision care. Below, we break down what you need to know about the results of a pediatric refraction eye exam.
A refraction test is a standard part of a pediatric eye exam. These tests are designed to assess how clearly a child can see by measuring how light interacts with the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye. The results help determine if your child requires eyeglasses or another form of vision correction. Several types of refraction tests may be performed by your child’s eye doctor, including:
Computerized Test: This test uses a machine to measure how much light passes through your child’s eyes, helping to determine their vision clarity.
Manual Light Reflex Test: In this test, the doctor shines light into each eye and measures the amount of light reflected by the retina, offering insights into the child’s vision.
Phoropter Test: During this test, your child will look through a mask-like device called a phoropter, which is positioned in front of their face. They’ll then view an eye chart from 20 feet away and identify the smallest row of letters or pictures they can see clearly.
Since children often focus on nearby objects rather than distant ones, eye dilation is commonly used to ensure accurate results. Optometrists may use a cycloplegic refraction, where special eye drops temporarily relax the focusing muscles in the eye, allowing for a precise measurement of farsightedness and any refractive errors.
During your child’s first year, it’s important to schedule an eye exam between 6 and 12 months to check that their eyes are properly aligned and to screen for conditions like congenital cataracts, significant farsightedness, and early amblyopia. The next comprehensive eye exam should take place between ages 3 and early kindergarten. This is a critical time for identifying uncorrected refractive errors, binocular vision issues, and amblyopia—conditions that respond best to early treatment.
Once your child begins school and completes an initial baseline eye exam, which confirms they have clear, comfortable vision for reading and near tasks, annual visits to the eye doctor are recommended. These yearly exams help keep prescriptions up to date during rapid growth phases, monitor the progression of nearsightedness, and detect symptoms of digital eye strain.
When an eye doctor tells you that your child has 20/20 vision, it means that there are no refractive errors to correct. On your child’s chart, you’ll see a zero, indicating that their vision is normal and not in need of correction. However, refractive errors are fairly common in children, and they simply mean that light passing through the eye isn’t hitting the retina in the correct spot. The most common refractive errors include:
Myopia (nearsightedness) makes it difficult to see objects in the distance, such as the board in a classroom. In myopia, light is focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) causes difficulty focusing on close-up objects. In hyperopia, light is focused behind the retina. Some children may experience mild hyperopia in early childhood, which can sometimes correct itself as they grow older.
Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. It occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape—often more like an oval than a sphere. This irregular shape causes light to be refracted to multiple points, making clear focus difficult. Astigmatism can be present from birth or develop later due to injury or illness. It’s also possible for a child to have astigmatism alongside myopia or hyperopia.
Taking your child to see an eye doctor can be a stressful experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Here are some of the most common concerns parents have when scheduling eye exams for their children.
If you’ve noticed your little one squinting at the TV, holding tablets inches from their face, or complaining of headaches after school, those behaviors can all point to an uncorrected refractive error. A pediatric refraction pinpoints whether the eyes are focusing light properly so problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism don’t sneak up on learning and play.
The whole process only takes about 15 minutes and is totally painless. Here’s a quick, simple rundown of what will occur:
Retinoscopy/Autorefractor – The doctor shines a light or uses a hand‑held device while your child looks at a target; no answers required.
Phoropter choices – Older kids look through the familiar lens dials and simply pick “Which is clearer, 1 or 2?”
Cycloplegic drops (if needed) – A mild, temporary eyedrop keeps the focusing muscles from “cheating,” giving the most accurate prescription for fast‑changing young eyes.
The terms on your child’s prescription can be confusing. We’ve provided a short list to help you, but you can always bring the slip to any EyeCare Associates location and we’ll translate it again, no judgment.
Sphere (SPH): How strong the lens must be to sharpen vision. Negative means nearsighted, while positive means farsighted.
Cylinder (CYL): Extra power to correct astigmatism (football-shaped cornea).
Axis: The direction the astigmatism correction sits in the lens.
OD / OS / OU: Right eye / left eye / both.
Once your child’s exam results are available, the optometrist will explain the prescription in simple terms—what the numbers mean, how they affect near and distant vision, and whether any immediate action is required. It’s a good idea to ask for a printed copy of the results or take a photo, so you can easily share them with teachers or caregivers. If a refractive error is detected, eyeglasses are usually the first option. The doctor will recommend durable frames and impact-resistant lenses, perfect for children’s active lifestyles.
As your child grows, they may become interested in trying contact lenses. For kids as young as 8-10 years old, daily disposable contacts may be suitable, especially for sports or self-esteem. Your optometrist will review different contact lens options and help choose the best one based on your child’s age, needs, and activities.
Lastly, a follow-up appointment is typically scheduled about a year later to monitor your child’s vision and any changes in their prescription. These check-ups are crucial for ensuring your child has the correct prescription as they grow, helping them succeed in school, sports, and social interactions.
Now that you have a better understanding of the results from your child’s pediatric refraction eye exam, you’ll feel more confident going forward. Our pediatric vision specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. We even have vision therapy available at select locations to ensure your child has all they need to succeed.
At EyeCare Associates, we are dedicated to supporting your child’s eye health with comprehensive pediatric exams. Whether it’s your child’s first eye exam or a follow-up visit, we are here to provide personalized care. Find a location near you and schedule an appointment today to ensure your child’s vision is always clear and healthy.