Latent hyperopes and children especially require what type of refraction?

Latent hyperopes are individuals who may not exhibit noticeable signs of their hyperopia because they can accommodate sufficiently to see clearly at distance and near. However, this can lead to issues, especially in children who may not report their visual difficulties. Cycloplegic refraction is utilized in these cases to temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle, inhibiting accommodation. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the true refractive error without the influence of the eye's accommodation.

In children, particularly, using cycloplegic agents ensures that any existing hyperopia can be effectively measured. It is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as relying solely on subjective measures might lead to an underestimate of their refractive error. This method is particularly important for children since they often cannot communicate their visual difficulties clearly, and unaddressed hyperopia can impact their academic performance and overall development.