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At a glance: Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye). Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. More than 150 million Americans have a refractive error — but many don’t know that they could be seeing better. That’s why eye exams are so important. If you
have a refractive error, your eye doctor can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly. There are 4 common types of refractive errors: What are the symptoms of refractive errors?The most common symptom is blurry vision. Other symptoms include:
Some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. It’s important to get eye exams regularly — so your eye doctor can make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible. If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have these symptoms, you might need a new prescription. Talk to your eye doctor and get an eye exam if you are having trouble with your vision. Am I at risk for refractive errors?Anyone can have refractive errors, but you’re at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses. Most types of refractive errors, like nearsightedness, usually start in childhood. Presbyopia is common in adults ages 45 and older. Talk with your doctor about your risk for refractive errors, and ask how often you need to get checked. What causes refractive errors?Refractive errors can be caused by:
Did you know?Refraction is the bending of light rays as they pass through one object to another The cornea and lens bend (refract) light rays to focus them on the retina When the shape of the eye changes, it also changes the way the light rays bend and focus — and that can cause blurry vision How will my eye doctor check for refractive errors?Eye doctors can check for refractive errors as part of a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away. Then, they may give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and check for other eye problems. What’s the treatment for refractive errors?Eye doctors can correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses, or fix the refractive error with surgery. Glasses. Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will prescribe the right eyeglass lenses to give you the clearest possible vision. Learn more about eyeglasses Contacts. Contact lenses sit on the surface of your eyes and correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will fit you for the right lenses and show you how to clean and wear them safely. Learn more about contact lenses Talk over your options with your eye doctor. Remember these tips:
Refractive Errors ResourcesLast updated: June 10, 2022 What is hyperopia with astigmatism and presbyopia?Most people who need corrective lenses usually have Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or Astigmatism. These refractive errors all occur when light fails to focus properly on the retina. Learn more about how your eyes are affected by these common eye problems.
Can you have both hyperopia and presbyopia?Yes. People who are naturally farsighted will start to notice presbyopia sooner than people who are not farsighted. That's because people with hyperopia really need to work hard to see up close. As presbyopia sets in and their lenses get stiffer, the extra work becomes noticeable very quickly.
What is hyperopia of both eyes with astigmatism?In astigmatism the abnormally curved cornea causes the lighted object to strike the retina in two different spots causing vision blurring for objects close or far away. Hyperopia is caused by distant objects being focused behind the retina making objects up close appear out of focus.
What is the treatment for myopia hyperopia astigmatism and presbyopia?Refractive surgery is an ophthalmological specialty that involves surgically correcting refractive defects, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. Its objective is that patients no longer require glasses or contact lenses, thus improving their quality of life.
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