Understanding the effects of glasses on young children with vision problems
Spectacle Prescribing in Early Childhood (SPEC)
This study is looking at whether giving glasses to toddlers with astigmatism helps them see better and develop more effectively compared to waiting until they're older to get glasses, so we can find the best way to support young children's eye health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10653907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early spectacle treatment on toddlers with moderate refractive errors, specifically focusing on astigmatism. It aims to determine whether providing glasses to children aged 12 to 36 months leads to better developmental and visual outcomes compared to delaying treatment until they are older. The study will measure developmental progress and visual acuity using established assessment tools, while also exploring factors that influence compliance with wearing glasses. By addressing gaps in current guidelines, this research seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for eye care in young children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 12 to 36 months diagnosed with astigmatism who require spectacle correction.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have refractive errors or are older than 36 months may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vision and developmental outcomes for young children with refractive errors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated the importance of early intervention in vision correction, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill significant gaps in existing literature.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Twelker, John Daniel — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Twelker, John Daniel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.