Expected Refractive Error in Eye Care

Refractive Errors

In optometric diagnostics, understanding the range of expected refractive errors is crucial for setting benchmarks against which patient data can be evaluated. Expected refractive errors vary widely among individuals but generally fall within a range that is considered normal for various age groups and visual demands. For example, mild hyperopia is often seen in younger patients, while presbyopia becomes more prevalent as patients age. By establishing a clear understanding of these expected norms, optometrists can better identify when a refractive error stays within a normal range or when it may necessitate corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses.

Expected Refractive Errors

VAAbsolute Myopia/HyperopiaUncorrected Astigmatism
20/200.00Small
20/300.501.00
20/400.751.50
20/601.002.00
20/801.503.00
20/1202.004.00
20/2002.00-3.00High