{"id":19940,"date":"2021-11-18T11:53:34","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T11:53:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=19940"},"modified":"2021-11-18T11:53:34","modified_gmt":"2021-11-18T11:53:34","slug":"does-hyperopia-impact-learning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/childrens-vision\/vision-for-school\/does-hyperopia-impact-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Hyperopia Impact Learning?"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 13% of all students have hyperopia, a vision problem that may be impacting their ability to learn.<\/b><\/h2>\n

What is hyperopia?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Hyperopia (farsightedness)<\/a> occurs when light is focused behind the retina, instead of directly onto the retina, resulting in blurred near vision.<\/p>\n

This can be caused by any of the following anatomical reasons: the eyeball is too short, the cornea is too flat, or the lens is too thin.<\/p>\n

It is estimated that 1 in 7 children has hyperopia, though many cases often go undiagnosed\u2014 resulting in misdiagnosis of learning problems, ADHD<\/a> and behavioral issues.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Often, in children under ten years old, the eye\u2019s lens is able to compensate for blurred near vision by utilizing the focusing muscles to yield clearer vision.<\/p>\n

However, this involves putting extra stress on the focusing muscles, often leading to eye strain and fatigue, and resulting in academic, attentional and behavioral problems in the classroom.<\/p>\n

It is therefore essential to be aware of the signs of this vision condition, as it can save your child from years of academic stress.<\/p>\n

Does hyperopia impact learning?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Yes.<\/i><\/p>\n

The following signs may indicate your child has hyperopia:<\/p>\n