REFRACTIVE
ERRORS
Refractive errors deal with a variety of conditions that distort vision.
Refractive errors are when the cornea is abnormally shaped and can’t focus light directly on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in out-of-focus and blurry vision.
Conditions include short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia).
What are the types of refractive errors?
Short-sightedness (Myopia)
Difficulty in seeing longer distances.
Long sightedness (Hyperopia)
Difficulty seeing things up close.
Astigmatism
A blurry portion of vision. Astigmatism commonly occurs together with short or long-sightedness.
Age-related long-sightedness (Presbyopia)
Can develop from 40 years of age.
What are the causes of refractive errors?
Refractive errors are typically genetic although short-sightedness can be caused by environmental factors such as excessive eye strain from continued focus on a computer screen, TV or book.
Age related long-sightedness is due to a hardening of the lens caused by age. Astigmatism can occur from an eye injury but is also, and primarily, a genetic condition.
What are the symptoms of refractive errors?
Apart from the obvious definitions above, some people are not aware that they may have a refractive issue, particularly if they have had it all their life or it occurs gradually. The following symptoms may indicative a refractive issue:
- Double-vision
- Haziness
- Glare or halos around bright lights
- Squinting
- Headaches
- Eye strain
What are the treatment options for refractive errors?
Refractive errors of varying degrees are very common in the population. The following treatment options include:
Glasses and contact lenses
The main non-surgical solutions to refractive errors.Laser Eye Surgery
These procedures alter the shape of the cornea so the light is focused correctly on the retina. Three generations of laser eye surgery are available including SMIE, LASIK and PRK.
Lens replacement
Used in aged-related long-sightedness or when laser surgery isn’t possible.Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
Inserted between the iris and the lens. This is used when laser eye surgery is not possible due to thin corneas or the strength of prescription is too high.
Related Articles
What are the Risks of Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery has been a miracle of modern medicine. For over 30 years it has restored vision to millions of people across the world who were previously
Am I Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery?
Sick of wearing glasses or messing about with contact lenses? Laser eye surgery is a proven solution to correct vision for many people who are short-sighted, long-sighted or
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery – The Latest Revolution in Vision Correction
Ever since the 13th century, refractive errors in human eyesight have been corrected in some fashion. From spectacles and contact lenses to the advances of laser eye surgery.