Uncorrected hyperopia linked to reduced visual engagement during storybook reading in preschoolers

Uncorrected, moderate hyperopia in preschool-aged children was associated with significantly reduced visual attention during storybook reading compared with emmetropic peers, according to a study evaluating eye movements and on-task behavior.

Researchers assessed 4- and 5-year-old children using cycloplegic refraction to classify refractive status and exclude amblyopia, strabismus, and ocular disease. Eye movements were recorded with infrared tracking while children participated in shared storybook reading, with fixations categorized as “on-task” when directed at text or images.

Among 55 children with analyzable data, those with hyperopia demonstrated approximately 20% less visual on-task time than emmetropic children (P = 0.02). Across all participants, greater accommodative lag was moderately associated with lower on-task time (P = 0.02). No significant relationships were found between on-task time and near visual acuity or stereoacuity.

Reference
Oechslin TS, Fogt N, Ciner E, et al. Attention to text and pictures during storybook reading in preschool children with moderate hyperopia. Optom Vis Sci. 2026;103(2):e70030. doi: 10.1002/ovs2.70030. PMID: 41926782.