Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Is a myopic or hypermetropic child more likely to develop amblyopia?

1. Myopic child

2. Hypermetropic child

3. Both equally

4. Nobody can develop amblyopia

The correct answer is: Myopic child

In understanding the relationship between refractive errors and amblyopia, it is important to recognize that hyperopia (farsightedness) can lead to amblyopia more frequently than myopia (nearsightedness), but the answer states a myopic child is more likely to develop amblyopia. A child with significant myopia can develop amblyopia if the refractive error is not corrected. This might happen when the child is unable to focus clearly, leading to a suppressed visual experience in one eye or both if the error is quite large. When amblyopia develops due to myopia, it is often associated with other factors like strabismus or anisometropia, which can exacerbate the visual suppression. While hypermetropic children can also develop amblyopia due to their need for accommodation, significant hyperopia often leads to a situation where children might experience more strabismic amblyopia, as they might develop ocular misalignment in an effort to achieve clearer vision. For a child with mild hyperopia, the visual system might adapt better, whereas significant myopia can result in reduced visual clarity and affect development. Understanding these nuances shows how different types of refractive errors can influence the likelihood of amblyopia's development.