Is a child's vision of 4.7 considered nearsighted?

Written by Lian Wen Xi
Pediatrics
Updated on March 24, 2025
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Children's vision at 4.7 does require a comprehensive analysis to determine if they are nearsighted. Generally, a child with a vision of 4.7 is likely to be nearsighted, but this single parameter should not be used to diagnose myopia. It's necessary to differentiate whether the child has true myopia or false myopia.

Additionally, the issue could be amblyopia, astigmatism, or farsightedness. Moreover, the child's age also plays a significant role in assessing vision. For instance, a vision of 4.7 might indicate nearsightedness in a child aged seven or eight, but for a child around three years old, a vision of 4.7 is considered normal. Parents are advised to take their child to the hospital for a dilated refraction test to ascertain the specific condition.

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What department should you visit for nearsightedness?

People with nearsightedness should visit the ophthalmology department, as it is a major type of refractive error in outpatient services. Nearsightedness means clarity when looking at close objects, but blurriness when viewing objects at a distance. Currently, nearsightedness in adolescents is a significant health issue in China. Patients with nearsightedness should see an ophthalmologist at a qualified hospital for eye examinations to rule out any eye diseases, and then wear prescription glasses with the correct diopters to prevent the progression of nearsightedness. Additionally, those with nearsightedness must regularly visit the doctor to check their eyes.

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Can eye fatigue cause nearsightedness?

Eye fatigue can exacerbate myopia, and it is an important factor in worsening nearsightedness. When the eyes look into the distance, they are in a completely relaxed state, which does not cause or worsen myopia. Myopia occurs due to near-distance eye activities. Prolonged close-distance eye activities and working too closely can lead to chronic fatigue in the external eye muscles. When this happens, the eye axis is stretched and, over time, cannot fully return to its original state, resulting in the onset or worsening of myopia. Therefore, during daily eye use, it is essential to avoid excessive duration and too close distances to prevent fatigue and thus avoid worsening myopia.

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Does nearsightedness surgery require an incision?

There are two types of myopia surgery. One is performed using lasers, and the other involves making a small incision on the edge of the cornea to implant an artificial lens into the eye. Corneal laser surgery uses a laser to create a concave mirror on the cornea to resolve the symptoms of blurry vision when looking at distant objects. The ICL surgery, which involves the implantation of an artificial lens, significantly improves the patient's vision after the procedure. Both types of myopia surgeries are currently quite advanced in terms of technology. Therefore, patients who wish to stop wearing glasses and have clear indications from pre-operative examinations can consider undergoing myopia surgery treatment.

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The difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Myopia is characterized by clear vision up close and blurred vision at a distance; hyperopia is characterized by clear vision at a distance and blurred vision up close. The main difference between myopia and hyperopia is the issue with the eye’s axial length. In an unaccommodated state, when parallel light rays enter the eye and focus in front of the retina, it is called myopia; when they focus behind the retina, it is called hyperopia. Myopic glasses are concave lenses, while hyperopic glasses are convex lenses. When myopia or hyperopia occurs, it is important to rest, reduce close-up activities, avoid eye fatigue, use eyes properly, eat a light diet, adjust your attitude, have regular check-ups, and pay attention to vision health.

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How can children with myopia recover their eyesight?

Children with myopia should go to a formal optometric center for eye examinations and to get properly prescribed glasses. After wearing glasses, it is important in daily life to not read or write in dim environments and to maintain a correct posture while reading or writing. Abide by the "rule of three": the distance between the eyes and the book should be about one foot; the distance between the body and the desk should be about one fist; and the distance from the tip of the pen to the holding point should be about one inch. This can help prevent the deepening of myopia in children. Additionally, after using the eyes for forty minutes, it is recommended to gaze into the distance or perform eye exercises to relieve eye fatigue. Children should engage in outdoor activities for more than two hours per day, and more than fourteen hours per week, and they should have regular check-ups, generally every six months, to ensure the prescription of the glasses matches the degree of myopia. Currently, there are also options like orthokeratology lenses that can be worn at night to effectively control the progression of myopia.