Eye and Vision Care

Prescription changes

08/09/2005

Question:

My daughter who is almost 4 years old recently had an eye exam. She also had an eye exam last year and was given an eyeglass prescription. The new eyeglass prescription seems quite different from her old prescription. Can you explain why they are so different, especially for her right eye? Old prescription: O.D. = +0.25 +0.75 x 90 O.S. = +3.75 +1.25 x 102 New prescription: O.D. = +0.00 +1.25 x 100 O.S. = +3.75 +1.50 x 95 Thanks for any help!

Answer:

I can't be sure, but it is possible that her eyeglass prescription did change over the past year. Children have different growth rates; and if she grew a lot taller and/or heavier between ages 3 and 4, that could explain the difference.

Also, at age 3, she may not have been able to give the eye doctor precise answers to the "which is better, one or two?" questions we all use to refine the final eyeglass prescription. At age 4, I'm sure her responses were more accurate.

The most important finding in an eye exam is her best corrected visual acuity in each eye. If she has good and equal vision in each eye, then her current prescription is accurate and her eyes are healthy.

PS: The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye exams for children until they are about 18 - their eyes can change rapidly in the elementary and high school years!

For more information:

Go to the Eye and Vision Care health topic, where you can:

Read articles on this topic
Browse the previously asked questions
Ask your own question.

Response by:

Robert D. Newcomb, OD, MPH, FAAO
Professor of Clinical Optometry
College of Optometry
The Ohio State University