Four Main Vision Conditions

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a very common refractive error that effects about 30% of people in the United States. It is a refractive error that occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, which causes light to hit the retina too early. The images in the distance are blurry, while near objects typically appear sharp.

Hyperopia, or far-sightedness, is a refractive error that occurs often when the cornea is too flat and causes light to come into focus behind the retina. People with hyperopia can see images in the distance better than images that are close to them. They may experience eyestrain or headaches from prolonged reading or writing.

Presbyopia is a gradual change in near vision. When we are young, the lens in our eye is flexible and helps the eye focus. As we age, the lens in our eye hardens and makes it difficult to focus up close. People with presbyopia will start holding things farther from their face, need more light to read, and may experience eye strain and headaches from near work.

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the eye is not perfectly round, so light focuses on two different points in the back of the eye.  Astigmatism is very common, and causes blurry vision, squinting, and headaches.

Luckily, all of these are treatable with eyeglasses and/or contact lenses; which focus light more precisely on the retina to make objects as clear and sharp as possible. It is important to have your yearly comprehensive eye exam for the best vision possible. Schedule here.