If poor vision is detected, go to the hospital for cycloplegic refraction and follow up at the recommended intervals as advised by the doctor

Cost: The examination and glasses fitting typically cost several tens to several hundred yuan. After using the eye drops, children may be sensitive to light and have blurry near vision; it usually takes half a day to a couple of days for this to subside.

In plain terms: Cycloplegic refraction involves using special eye drops that relax the eye’s focusing muscles, allowing an accurate measurement of refractive errors. This test is performed in hospitals and is the most reliable method for diagnosing myopia. The Health Commission confirms these drops do not harm healthy eyes and that vision returns to normal after they wear off. Do not rely on quick computerized refraction tests at optical shops for diagnosis, and do not withhold glasses from children out of fear that it will worsen their myopia.

Benefit: The “Ten Core Principles for Preventing and Controlling Myopia in Children and Adolescents” outlines how cycloplegic refraction works: it uses a cycloplegic agent to relax the focusing muscles before measuring refractive errors. This medical procedure is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing myopia, providing the most accurate results. The drops themselves are safe for healthy eyes; side effects such as light sensitivity and blurred near vision are temporary and resolve after treatment ends. Once myopia is confirmed, timely corrective measures—such as wearing appropriate glasses—are essential. Proper glasses can correct vision and slow progression of the condition. Children aged preschool through elementary school should have their vision rechecked every 3–6 months, while middle and high school students should be checked every 6–12 months, depending on individual needs. Regular refractive screenings are also recommended at ages 1–3, 4–6, and thereafter to monitorhyperopia reserve (远视储备量, "farsightedness reserve") (the amount of reserve focusing ability). (National guidelines issued July 2023)

Evidence grade: B

Sources:国家卫生健康委办公厅 (2023). 防控儿童青少年近视核心知识十条（国卫办妇幼函〔2023〕278 号）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202307/content_6894284.htm

Notes: This grade is assigned because the information originates from official public health publications rather than original research containing specific quantitative data. Because high myopia increases the risk of complications such as retinal detachment, follow-up visits serve purposes beyond simply updating prescriptions. “Poor vision” noted during school screenings is merely an initial indicator; a full ophthalmologic evaluation at a hospital is still required, as detailed in item 7.