Effect of spectacle correction on hyperopic children.

Background: Hyperopia is a significant refractive error in children, often leading to vision impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether partial or full spectacle correction is benefit for hyperopia in preschool-aged children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on hyperopic children visited to teaching medical center outpatient clinic between October 2011 and October 2018, and were categorized into three groups: full correction, overcorrection, and undercorrection. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee of Tri-Service General Hospital. Results: Following a minimum of one-year follow-up period, no statistically significant differences were observed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) among children receiving full, over, or under spectacle correction. Notably, the overcorrection group exhibited a significant reduction in spherical equivalent (SE) compared to both the full and under correction groups, indicating a better SE with spectacle overcorrection. Conclusions: Spectacle overcorrection may offer potential benefits for enhancing SE in preschool children with hyperopia. Nevertheless, further investigation through randomized controlled trials is warranted to establish the validity of this approach and its impact on visual outcomes in this hyperopic pediatric population.

Comparing efficacies of 0.5% apraclonidine with 4% cocaine in the diagnosis of horner syndrome in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 0.5% apraclonidine with that of 4% cocaine and to evaluate its safety in the diagnosis of Horner syndrome in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study, wherein 10 patients with a probable diagnosis of Horner syndrome were assigned to undergo pharmacological testing with 4% cocaine and 0.5% apaconidine. The difference in the pupil diameters of each eye was recorded under dim light before and 1 h after 0.5% apraclonidine or 4% cocaine was instilled. Any adverse effects were noted during examination or reported by the patients' parents were recorded. RESULTS: The mean differences in pupil diameter before and after 4% cocaine testing were -2.08 and -2.97 mm, respectively (P = 0.0047). All patients had an anisocoria greater than 1 mm after 4% cocaine testing. The mean difference in pupil diameter before and after 0.5% apraclonidine was instilled were -2.04 and +1.08 mm, respectively (P = 0.005). All patients showed a reversal of anisocoria after 0.5% apraclonidine testing. Conjunctival hyperemia was noted in 2 patients, but systemic adverse effects were not noted during examination nor reported by the patients' parents. CONCLUSIONS: The application of 0.5% apraclonidine in pediatric patients is safe and effective in the diagnosis of Horner syndrome.