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What Do The Following Refraction Readings Of The Eye Suggest?

Posted on Tue, 6 Oct 2015

Question: On a recent Optometrist visit, my son was found to have high astigmatism (R: pl-375x010 and L: +050-400x160). The optometrist "suspect he has refractive amblyopia" and recommend us to consult a ophthalmologist, and perhaps get a prescription glasses. She said her prescription is not good enough. However, in the public healthcare system, we were only able to get an ophthalmologist appointment in mid XXXXXXX 2016 (yes, in 4 months). so my son won't get his glasses until perhaps 5-6months later.

Shall i be concerned about his delay? will he develop lazy eye as a result? i'm tempted to take him to see a private ophthalmologist instead of waiting for the public health care. Is it necessary?

I don't know if there is private ophthalmologist clinic in Canada (we live in Toronto area) or perhaps in the US (we can easily drive across the border to XXXXXXX or Detroit). Not sure if you have any recommendations.

In addition, although he is quite at par with language and appears to be quite smart otherwise, he still couldn't tell the colors, even though we keep teaching him. I suspect he may have some level of color blind?

Thanks!
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You need to consult your ophthalmologist at the earliest.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care Magic

I am Dr. Dadapeer K, an Ophthalmologist and I will be answering your question.

I reviewed your history.
The refraction reading is quiet high for this age. The age between 6 months to 6 years is very vital for the visual development. Hence correction of any refractive error is very important in this age group.
The presence of refractive error or any other problem in this age poses risk for development of ambylopia or lazy eye. Hence the refractive error needs to be corrected in this age accurately.

The refraction needs to be done under cycloplegic drugs. If there is ambylopia occlusion treatment needs to be started.

Hence you need to consult ophthalmologist at the earliest. Waiting for 4 months is not a good option as this carries the risk of development of ambylopia.

Hope I have answered your questions.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dadapeer K (2 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Dadapeer! Our optometrist and paediatrician have the same opinion. So we will try to find a private clinic as fast as we can!
Thank you again for the fast response!
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Do write back to me after consulting your ophthalmologist.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar