What are refractive errors?
Refractive errors are common vision problems in which your eyes are not able to focus clearly on an object. It occurs when light rays from an object do not focus correctly on the retina (light-sensitive inner back layer of the eye). Blurred vision is the most common symptom of refractive error, while impairment of vision may occur in severe cases. You may also experience other symptoms such as headache, squinting, double vision, or eye strain.
Refractive errors are classified as follows:
- Myopia or near-sightedness: Light rays are focused in front of the retina, thereby causing distant objects to appear blurred.
- Hyperopia or farsightedness: Light rays are focused behind the retina and causes nearby objects to appear blurred.
- Astigmatism: Irregularly curved cornea (dome-shaped front part of the eye) causes light rays to get distorted, affecting distant and near vision.
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty in focusing on objects at near.
How are refractive errors diagnosed and treated?
Your surgeon and her staff will conduct an eye examination to diagnose refractive errors. You may be prescribed corrective glasses or contact lenses, Some patients prefer surgery to treat refractive errors, freeing them from glasses and contact lenses. These treatment options include: