Final answer:
In treating esophoria in a child, a bifocal lens is typically used to correct for both distance and near vision, accommodating the child's eyes for near tasks. This specific lens type provides two distinct optical powers in one lens, aiding in focusing on close objects and addressing convergence issues associated with esophoria.The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
If treating a child with esophoria, a type of binocular vision anomaly that can contribute to eye strain and blurred vision, multifocal lenses can be used. These lenses provide different focal points for viewing various distances. Specifically, a bifocal lens would be most commonly used in cases of esophoria, particularly when there is an accommodative component, meaning the eyes have difficulty adjusting the focus for near tasks. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Bifocal.
Bifocal lenses have two distinct optical powers: the main part of the lens typically corrects for distance vision, while a smaller segment in the lower part of the lens is adjusted for near vision, aiding in focusing on close objects. This helps address the convergence excess that is often seen with esophoria. It's important to distinguish that bifocals are different from trifocals, progressive, or spherical lenses, which have different applications.
However, the ultimate decision on which type of multifocal lens to use should be determined by an eye care professional based on a comprehensive eye examination that considers the specific needs and visual demands of the child.