Myopia (nearsightedness)
In myopia, the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye) is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry, while close objects appear clear.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
In hyperopia, the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat. This causes light to focus behind the retina instead of on it. As a result, close objects may appear blurry, while distant objects appear clear.
Astigmatism
In astigmatism, the cornea or lens is not perfectly round. This causes light to be focused in more than one spot on the retina, resulting in blurred vision at all distances.
Refractive vision problems are usually corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. These devices change the way light enters the eye so that it focuses correctly on the retina. In some cases, refractive vision problems can be corrected with surgery.
How Refractive Vision Problems Affect the Eyes
Refractive vision problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Squinting
- Difficulty seeing at night
Refractive vision problems can also lead to more serious problems, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should see an eye doctor for an evaluation.
Treatment for Refractive Vision Problems
There are a variety of treatment options available for refractive vision problems. The best treatment for you will depend on your specific condition and needs. Some common treatment options include:
- Eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Refractive surgery
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are the most common way to correct refractive vision problems. Eyeglasses use lenses that change the way light enters the eye so that it focuses correctly on the retina.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses are another option for correcting refractive vision problems. Contact lenses are thin, plastic discs that are worn directly on the eyes. They work in the same way as eyeglasses to change the way light enters the eye and focuses on the retina.
Refractive surgery
Refractive surgery is a type of surgery that can permanently correct refractive vision problems. There are a variety of different refractive surgery procedures available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common types of refractive surgery include:
- LASIK
- PRK
- LASEK
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
Refractive surgery is typically only recommended for people who are not able to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses or who do not want to wear them.
