Researchers recruited 492 four- and five-year-olds, 244 of whom were farsighted and 248 of whom had normal vision. All the children were given the Test of Preschool Early Literacy, which includes subtests on print knowledge, definitional vocabulary and phonological awareness. None of the children in the study wore glasses.
Here are five points:
1. The children in the study with hyperopia performed worse on the test than those without, and the lowest scores were in children with worse near vision or decreased depth perception.
2. Between 4 percent and 14 percent of preschool children have hyperopia.
3. There is not a large amount of research done on the effects of hyperopia on early reading and learning development.
4. Elise Ciner, a professor in the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in Elkins Park, said this study is helping how medical professionals can approach moderate farsightedness in the preschool age group.
5. Researchers said further studies need to be done to see if prescribing glasses improves the children’s scores.
More articles on healthcare:
12 things for ASC leaders to know about ACOs
10 big healthcare industry trends for 2016
Trump: Let Medicare negotiate drug prices — 5 points
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.