Are you struggling to see clearly? It could be because of refractive errors, a type of vision problem. These eye problems occur when the shape of your eye keeps you from focusing well. The cause could be the shape of the eyeball or ageing of the lens. As one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata, we share with you important insights on refractive errors:
1. They are the most common problems: Refractive errors are the most common eye disorders. The most common symptom of refractive errors is blurred vision. Often, refractive errors can be easily treated. They are usually not serious but in some severe cases, they may cause visual impairment.
2. Symptoms of refractive errors: Besides blurry vision, the symptoms of refractive errors include:
- Double vision
- Hazy vision
- Squinting
- Headaches
- Eye strain (when your eyes feel tired or sore)
- Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer
3. Types of refractive errors: There are 4 types of refractive errors, namely: - Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia 4. Astigmatism causes blurred distance and near vision: This is a condition that involves an abnormal curvature of the cornea. This abnormal curvature can cause two focal points to fall in two different locations making objects appear blurry up close or at a distance. Astigmatism causes straining of the eye accompanied by myopia or hyperopia. This condition can be treated by wearing prescribed eyeglasses, contact lenses or corrective surgery.
5. Myopia makes objects farther away appear blurry: Myopia is a condition in which the image focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. It is also known as nearsightedness. This occurs due to the eyeball axis being too long than normal or due the refractive power of the eye being too strong. Myopia results in distant objects appearing out of focus and causes eye strain or headaches. Myopia can be corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, as they correct vision by adjusting the focusing power. Corrective surgery can also treat myopia by shaping the cornea to a more spherical or round shape.
6. Hyperopia makes nearby objects appear blurry: Hyperopia is a condition in which the light or image focuses behind the retina instead of on it. It is also known as farsightedness. Hyperopia can affect people from all age groups and can also be inherited. In this condition, distant vision is clear while close vision is blurry. In advanced hyperopia, vision can be blurred at all distances. Like Myopia, this can also be treated and corrected by using eyeglasses, contact lenses or by performing a corrective surgery.
7. Presbyopia becomes noticeable usually in early 40s: Presbyopia can be termed as the ageing of the lens in the eye. After 40 years of age, the lens in the eye becomes rigid and there is a reduction in flexibility. This causes the eye to lose its focusing ability and makes it more difficult to see or read from a close distance. This normal ageing of the lens can also be combined with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Presbyopia can be treated using prescription glasses and contact lenses. However, if it is severe and causing trouble then it is advised to undergo corrective surgery.
8. Who is at the risk of developing refractive errors? Anyone can have refractive errors, but you’re at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses.
9. How are refractive errors diagnosed? A visual acuity test is done to diagnose refractive errors. The eye doctor will ask to read a vision chart while testing which lenses are the best to suit your vision. Special imaging or other testing is rarely necessary for refractive errors.
Here’s a useful read on why wearing the wrong eyeglass prescription can cause problems.
Looking for the best eye hospital in Kolkata?
We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best eye doctors who can prescribe the right eyeglasses and contact lenses for you. We also have in-house optical stores. We also offer refractive surgery that reduces the dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Visit your nearest branch or book an online consultation.