During an exam for
nearsightedness, your doctor will ask
questions about your health, lifestyle, medicines you are taking, and past eye
problems. Answers to questions about your family members can help determine
whether you may have inherited eye problems.
When a child is too young to be aware of blurred vision (younger than
age 7 or 8), the doctor commonly asks the parents questions such as those
listed below. The answers may help the doctor know whether the child is nearsighted.
After about age 8, most children can usually describe the blurred
vision caused by the start of nearsightedness, so these questions may not be
needed as much.
The doctor inspects the eyelids and other external
parts of the eye for signs of disease. Nearsightedness rarely has external
To look for problems with the muscles that control movement of the
eyeball, the doctor will ask the person to look in different
directions (such as up and down). In a child, severe nearsightedness in one eye
can sometimes cause
amblyopia (lazy eye).
Jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus) may be seen in children who
have poor vision.
June 24, 2011
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
& Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
We are happy to take your appointment request over the phone, or, you may fill out an online request form.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.