Choosing Wisely:

Don’t put asymptomatic children in weak reading glasses.

Search Recommendations

Rationale and Comments: Low “farsightedness” is a normal finding in children. Children can easily focus to see at near, with their large accommodative reserve. If the reading glasses prescription is low (less than +2.00 diopters), their innate ability to focus can be used to see clearly at both distance and near. If the eyes are not crossed, prescription of weak glasses is generally not necessary.
Sponsoring Organizations:
  • American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
    • Sources:
  • Expert consensus
    		•
    Disciplines:
  • Pediatric
  • Ophthalmologic
    		•
    References: • Donahue SP. How often are spectacles prescribed to “normal” preschool children? J AAPOS. 2004;8:224-9.

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