The average refractive error in full-term newborns is approximately what value?

The average refractive error in full-term newborns is approximately what value?

• A. +1.50 D
• B. +2.00 D
• C. Plano
• D. -0.50 D

Answer: (B)

Newborn eyes are typically hyperopic, and the average refractive error in full-term newborns is about +2.00 diopters. This reflects a shorter axial length at birth with a relatively powerful cornea and lens, which together produce a mild hyperopic shift. As the eye grows during infancy, axial length increases and the refractive error moves toward emmetropia (emmetropization). So +2.00 D is the most representative value for term newborns. A value like +1.50 D is less typical, plano would indicate no refractive error at all, and -0.50 D would be myopia, which is not expected in newborns.

Newborn eyes are typically hyperopic, and the average refractive error in full-term newborns is about +2.00 diopters. This reflects a shorter axial length at birth with a relatively powerful cornea and lens, which together produce a mild hyperopic shift. As the eye grows during infancy, axial length increases and the refractive error moves toward emmetropia (emmetropization). So +2.00 D is the most representative value for term newborns. A value like +1.50 D is less typical, plano would indicate no refractive error at all, and -0.50 D would be myopia, which is not expected in newborns.