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Causes of Abnormal Refractive Errors in Children

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be addressed to: C. Gail Summers, M.D., Department of Ophthalmology, MMC 493, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. e-mail: summe001{at}umn.edu

Background and Purpose: Refractive errors that deviate from the expected are unusual in children. This paper sought to identify systemic, orbital, and ocular causes of some of these abnormal refractive errors.

Methods: Causes of abnormal refractive errors are divided into external/orbital, anterior ocular, and posterior ocular. The mechanism of the induced refractive error is identified.

Results: Abnormal refractive errors occur in association with compression of the globe or cornea, visual deprivation, changes in the cornea or lens, and/or genetic factors.

Conclusions: Recognition of the relationships between refractive errors and systemic, orbital, and ocular disorders helps in understanding why excessive refractive errors develop, in making the correct diagnosis, and in counseling parents.