Refractive errors are a very common eye condition that affect how your eye focuses light. When your eye doesn’t focus light properly, images appear blurry or distorted. The good news is that refractive errors are easily corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or even surgery.
Here’s a breakdown of what refractive errors are and how they affect your vision:
The Root of the Problem:
Normally, your eye bends (refracts) light rays so they focus directly on your retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This creates sharp, clear vision. However, if the shape of your eye or cornea (the clear dome at the front of your eye) is abnormal, light rays don’t focus correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
Types of Refractive Errors:
Myopia (Nearsightedness): This is when you can see close objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Think of your eye as too long, causing light to focus in front of your retina instead of directly on it.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): This is the opposite of nearsightedness. Close objects are blurry, while distant objects may be clearer. Here, your eye may be too short, causing light to focus behind your retina.
Astigmatism: This can cause blurred vision at all distances. It occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular curvature, similar to a football compared to a basketball. Light rays are focused unevenly on the retina.
Presbyopia: This is an age-related condition where your ability to focus on near objects gradually worsens. As we get older, the lens in our eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus for close-up tasks like reading.
Signs and Symptoms
Blurred vision at near, far, or all distances
Difficulty seeing at night
Squinting
Eye strain
Headaches
Correcting Refractive Errors:
The most common way to correct refractive errors is with eyeglasses or contact lenses. These lenses help focus light rays so they land directly on your retina, restoring clear vision.
For those who prefer not to wear glasses or contacts, refractive surgery may be an option. These procedures permanently change the shape of the cornea to improve your focus.
See An Eye Doctor
If you experience any signs of a refractive error, schedule an appointment with Permeff Eye Care for a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and correction can help you maintain good vision and eye health throughout your life.
