Refractive errors occur when your eyes develop structural changes, which can cause light to enter your eyes unevenly, leading to impaired vision. There are four general types of refractive errors that are usually detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Here, your expert eye doctor from Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic discusses these different types and how we manage them.
1. Hyperopia or Farsightedness
An unusually short eyeball or rigid cornea may result in this refractive error, which result in light being directed to the back portion of the retina instead of on top of it. You will have difficulties seeing objects up-close and accomplishing near-range activities, while your far-range vision remains intact. Wearing corrective eyewear or undergoing refractive surgeries are some common and effective treatment methods.
2. Myopia or Nearsightedness
Myopia is found in eyes, where the eyeball is too long or have an overly curved cornea, which causes light to accumulate in front of the retina rather than on top of it. With myopia, nearby objects are clear, while distant ones are blurry or distorted. Your trusted eye doctor may prescribe corrective eyewear like eyeglasses or contacts, or even LASIK.
3. Astigmatism
Corneal or lenticular changes can cause light focusing problems for the retina, leading to blurred or distorted near and distant vision. Toric lenses are a good treatment option for astigmatism; they have a sliced donut shape to allow different refractive levels.
4. Presbyopia
As you age, your eyes’ natural lenses may start to lose their flexibility, causing presbyopia. The characteristic symptom of presbyopia is impaired focusing abilities, particularly when looking at nearby objects or engaging in close-range activities. Your reliable eye doctor may suggest using bifocal or progressive lenses, which have two prescriptions in a single lens—the upper part is for viewing distant objects, and the lower is for close-range vision.
For more information on the different types of refractive errors, call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. We serve Redmond, Kirkland, and other nearby areas in Washington.