Refractive Errors

 What are Refractive Errors?

Refractive error means that the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in a blurred image. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina

What are the types of Refractive Errors?

·         Near-sightedness (myopia) - makes far-away objects look blurry

·         Farsightedness (hyperopia) - makes nearby objects look blurry

·         Astigmatism - can make far-away and nearby objects look blurry or distorted

·         Presbyopia - makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close

Most types of refractive errors, like near-sightedness, usually start in childhood. Presbyopia is common in adults ages 40 and older.

 

What are the signs & symptoms of Refractive Errors?

The most common symptom of refractive errors is blurry vision. Other Symptoms include:

·         Double vision

·         Hazy vision

·         Seeing a glare or halo around bright lights

·         Squinting

·         Headaches

·         Eye strain (when your eyes feel tired or sore)

·         Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer

 

Am I risk for Refractive Errors?

In fact, anyone can have refractive errors, but you’re at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses

What causes refractive errors?

• Eyeball length (when the eyeball grows too long or too short)
• Problems with the shape of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye)
• Aging of the lens (an inner part of the eye that is normally clear and helps the eye focus)

 

What’s the treatment for refractive errors?

A refractive error can be diagnosed by an eye care professional during a routine eye examination. They are commonly treated using:

·         Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses

·         Refractive surgery (such as LASIK

Presbyopia, in the absence of any other refractive error, can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter reading glasses. There is no way to slow down or reverse presbyopia.

To emphasize, some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. So, it’s important to get eye exams regularly and then your eye doctor can make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.