Question 21: Average hypermetropia in a newborn is
- A. + 2.5 D (Correct Answer)
- B. + 10 D
- C. + 1 D
- D. + 5 D
Explanation: ***+ 2.5 D***
- Most **newborns** are **hypermetropic** (farsighted) due to a shorter axial length of the eye.
- The average hypermetropic correction needed at birth is approximately **+2.5 diopters (D)**.
*+ 10 D*
- A hyperopia of **+10 D** would represent a very significant degree of **hypermetropia**, far exceeding the typical physiological range for a newborn.
- Such high hyperopia in a newborn might suggest an **ocular anomaly** or a condition like **microphthalmia**.
*+ 1 D*
- A hyperopia of **+1 D** is a mild degree of hypermetropia, which is less than the average physiological hyperopia found in **newborns**.
- While within a normal range for some infants, it does not represent the typical average for **newborns**.
*+ 5 D*
- A hyperopia of **+5 D** is a higher degree of hypermetropia than the average seen in **newborns**.
- While possible, it is not the most common or average refractive error at birth, which is typically around **+2.5 D**.