Case Study: Olivia, a 6-year-old girl from the U.S., loves reading and using a tablet for learning. During a routine eye check-up, her parents were told that her farsighted reserve was lower than normal for her age. Worried that she might develop nearsightedness early, they looked for ways to protect her vision.
What Is Farsighted Reserve?
Most babies are born farsighted because their eyeballs are smaller. As they grow, their eyes naturally lengthen, reducing their farsightedness. This built-in farsightedness is called farsighted reserve. It acts as a buffer to help prevent nearsightedness (myopia). If a child’s farsighted reserve runs out too quickly, they are more likely to become nearsighted at an early age.
How Do You Know If a Child’s Farsighted Reserve Is Low?
Eye doctors use a refraction test to measure farsightedness. The expected ranges for different ages are:
- Age 3: +2.00D to +2.50D
- Age 6: +1.50D to +2.00D
- Age 8: +1.00D to +1.50D
If a child’s farsightedness is below these levels, it may indicate low farsighted reserve, meaning they could develop myopia sooner than expected.
What Causes Low Farsighted Reserve?
- Too Much Screen Time and Reading – Spending too much time looking at things up close, like books, tablets, or phones, can make the eyes work harder and speed up changes in vision.
- Not Enough Outdoor Time – Studies show that natural sunlight helps control eye growth and reduces the risk of myopia.
- Bad Eye Habits – Reading in dim light, holding books too close, or lying down while using a tablet can strain the eyes.
How to Protect a Child’s Vision
- Spend More Time Outdoors – At least 1–2 hours outside every day helps slow down the development of myopia.
- Limit Screen Time – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away (about 6 meters).
- Practice Good Eye Habits – Use good lighting, keep books at least 30 cm (12 inches) away, and screens at least 50 cm (20 inches) away.
- Get Regular Eye Check-ups – Visit an eye doctor every 6–12 months to monitor vision changes.
- Eat Eye-Healthy Foods – Include foods rich in vitamin A, C, and calcium, like carrots, spinach, dairy, and fish.
FAQ
1. Can low farsighted reserve be reversed?
No, but good habits like more outdoor time and less screen use can slow down the development of myopia.
2. When does farsighted reserve naturally decrease?
It decreases as kids grow. By age 12, most children should have close to zero farsightedness and normal vision.
3. How often should kids get eye check-ups?
At least once a year. If their vision changes quickly, check-ups should be more frequent.
4. Do blue light glasses help prevent nearsightedness?
There is no strong evidence that blue light glasses prevent myopia. The best way to protect vision is by reducing screen time and spending more time outdoors.
References
- American Optometric Association. "Children’s Vision: FAQs and Guidelines." https://www.aoa.org
- World Health Organization. "Myopia Prevention and Control Strategies." https://www.who.int
- National Eye Institute. "Protecting Children's Vision." https://www.nei.nih.gov
- Optometry Times. "Understanding Hyperopia and Its Impact on Kids." https://www.optometrytimes.com
