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Refractive Errors

Clear Vision Care for Children and Growing Eyes

Refractive errors are common vision conditions that occur when the eye cannot properly focus light onto the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. These conditions can affect children and adults and often develop during early childhood as the eyes grow.

At Stewart Eye, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye care to diagnose and manage refractive errors, helping children achieve clear, comfortable vision and succeed in school and daily activities. Care is led by Dr. Sara Stewart, with a gentle, child-centered approach.

Causes of Refractive Errors

Causes of Refractive Errors

Refractive errors may develop due to a combination of factors, including:

Genetics

Vision problems often run in families.

Eye Shape

Abnormal eye length or corneal curvature can prevent proper focus.

Age-Related Changes

Changes in the eye’s lens over time may affect focusing ability.

Environmental Factors

Prolonged near work, excessive screen time, and poor lighting may contribute to vision changes.

Understanding these factors helps guide appropriate vision care and correction.

Understanding Refractive Errors

Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye or the curvature of the cornea prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina.

Common types of refractive errors include:

Without correction, refractive errors can affect learning, concentration, and overall quality of life.

Managing Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are commonly managed with:

With proper correction and regular follow-up, children can maintain clear vision and reduce eye strain.

Importance of Regular Eye Examinations

Routine eye exams are essential for detecting refractive errors early, tracking changes in vision, and ensuring prescriptions remain accurate as your child grows.

Early detection and proper management support better visual outcomes and academic performance.

Our Refractive Error Care Procedure

A Simple 3-Step Approach to Clear Vision

Our approach focuses on accurate diagnosis and personalized vision correction.

Step 1: Vision Assessment

We evaluate visual clarity at near and far distances.

Step 2: Refractive Evaluation

Dr. Stewart determines the type and degree of refractive error.

Step 3: Personalized Vision Plan

A customized plan is created to correct vision and support long-term eye health.

Schedule a Refractive Error Evaluation

If your child is having trouble seeing clearly or has failed a vision screening, early evaluation can help. Use the form below to request an appointment, and our team will contact you to confirm availability.

Request an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Are refractive errors common in children?
Yes. Refractive errors are one of the most common vision issues in children.
They can change as a child grows, which is why regular eye exams are important.
Yes. Glasses or contact lenses effectively correct vision in most cases.
Vision needs may change over time. Regular monitoring helps determine ongoing needs.

Most vision or medical insurance plans cover eye exams and refractive error evaluation.