Refraction errors
Refractive errors occur when light does not focus correctly on the retina - resulting in blurry vision. They are the most common cause of reduced vision and can occur at any age.
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The most common vision disorders
Myopia (short-sightedness)
Myopia is a condition in which the image forms in front of the retina - distant objects appear blurry, while near objects are seen clearly.
It occurs when the eye is longer than normal, or the refractive power of the eye is too strong.
Most common symptoms of myopia:
difficulty seeing at a distance
squinting to sharpen the image
eye strain
headaches from eye strain
Hypermetropia (long-sightedness)
Hypermetropia is a condition in which near vision is blurry, while distant objects are seen more clearly. In more pronounced cases, vision may be blurry at both near and far distances.
It occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal, or the cornea is too flat - causing light rays to focus behind the retina.
Many people are born with hypermetropia, but symptoms often appear later in life.
Most common symptoms of hypermetropia:
difficulty reading and working up close
eye fatigue
frequent headaches
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition in which vision is blurry or distorted at all distances - as if looking through a distorted mirror.
It is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, which prevents light rays from refracting evenly. It can be congenital, develop over time, or result from an eye injury or disease.
Most common symptoms of astigmatism:
blurry or distorted vision
difficulty seeing at night
squinting to sharpen the image
eye fatigue and headaches
If astigmatism is progressing rapidly, especially in younger people, an ophthalmologist may suspect keratoconus - a condition in which the cornea becomes thinner and takes on a cone shape.
Presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness)
Presbyopia is an age-related vision condition - as we age, the natural lens of the eye loses elasticity and has increasing difficulty focusing up close, such as when reading, using a phone, or working at a computer.
This is a natural process that most commonly occurs after the age of 40 and progresses gradually.
Most common symptoms of presbyopia:
difficulty reading small text and working up close
needing to hold objects further away to focus the image
headaches and eye strain when reading
Today there are modern solutions for correcting presbyopia - including advanced refractive surgery methods that allow good vision without glasses or multifocal lenses.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia is a reduction in vision that is not the result of eye disease - but of abnormal visual development in childhood.
It most commonly occurs due to:
strabismus (crossed eyes)
a difference in prescription between the eyes
inadequate vision correction
If left untreated in time, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
When should you have an examination?
An examination is recommended if you notice:
blurry vision
headaches and eye strain
difficulties reading
vision problems in children
How are refractive errors treated?
Depending on the type and degree of the refractive error, treatment may include:
wearing glasses or contact lenses
vision correction with lens implantation (monofocal, multifocal...)
Frequently asked questions
Can myopia (short-sightedness) worsen over time?
Yes - myopia most commonly progresses during childhood and adolescence, and stabilises around the age of 20.
Can amblyopia be treated in adults?
Amblyopia is most successfully treated in childhood, while vision is still developing. In adults, treatment outcomes are limited - which is why early detection is key.
Are refractive errors be inherited?
They can be. Myopia and hypermetropia have a genetic component - children of parents with a prescription have a higher chance of developing one. However, environmental factors such as time spent outdoors and close-up habits also play a role.
Every refractive error is different.
Schedule an examination and find out which treatment is right for you.