Suspected Farsightedness at the 3-Year-Old Checkup: How Should a Parent Take It?

The Beginning of Anxiety

This happened the other day when I went to the 3-year-old checkup.

The results of the vision test indicated, "There is a suspicion of amblyopia."

I thought, "Huh??" and my mind just stopped.

The doctor said, "I will write a referral letter, so please go get an examination at an ophthalmology clinic."

"Well, it's probably nothing. It's common to get flagged in a health checkup and find out there's no problem after all."

Thinking that, I accepted the referral letter.

However, a small seed of anxiety had sprouted deep in my heart.

And yesterday, we had the examination at the ophthalmology clinic.

The result was, "There is a possibility of farsightedness."

They said they will perform a more detailed examination in two months.

At that moment, my mind went blank.

"Wait, why farsightedness? No one in our family has bad eyesight."

I myself, my parents, my wife, and my wife's parents all have good vision.

Even so, why does my daughter have farsightedness?

Without knowing the reason, my anxiety just kept growing.

Reasons I Cannot Accept

I could not accompany my daughter to this ophthalmology exam due to work.

My wife took her, and since I didn't hear the explanation directly, questions keep popping up one after another.

I looked into various things.

Farsightedness is a condition where it is difficult to see things up close, and the focus falls behind the retina.

It is said that if it is not corrected with glasses by around age eight, it could affect vision.

"But glasses at three years old... is it really okay to decide that so quickly?"

I have had good vision since I was a child and have never worn glasses.

That is precisely why I feel a strong sense of discomfort about my daughter wearing glasses at such a young age.

I feel so sorry for her.

Furthermore, I heard that this test used the method of answering the direction of the opening in the "C" shape.

"Can a three-year-old even understand the meaning of the opening in the C?"

According to my wife, she lost concentration halfway through and was barely looking at it.

Even so, being told there is a "suspicion of farsightedness" is something I just cannot accept.

By the way, I have mild strabismus.

But my vision has been quite good since I was a child.

My mother's younger brother also has strabismus, and my mother herself is slightly strabismic.

"Is this genetic factor being taken into account?"

At this ophthalmology clinic, they didn't ask anything about whether the parents have strabismus.

Including points like that, I just cannot be convinced.

How to face this as a parent

A refraction test using atropine eye drops is scheduled for two months from now.

I hope to have a thorough discussion with the doctor again at that time.

And, if possible, I am thinking of seeking a second opinion from another pediatric ophthalmologist.

If she truly has farsightedness, I want to receive an explanation and testing that I can be satisfied with, so that I can think, "I'm glad we caught it early."

I want to ensure my daughter's vision is protected for the future.

To that end, I want to find what I can do as a parent.

According to my research, about 1 in 50 children are suspected of having amblyopia at their 3-year-old checkup.

"I can't believe my child is one of them..."

The anxiety is endless.

I keep telling myself to "stay calm."

She is my daughter, who is more precious to me than anyone else.

I want to do whatever I can for her.

If there is anyone who has had a similar experience or is knowledgeable about eyes, I would be grateful if you could gently share your opinions or personal stories.

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