Refractive Error

$Refractive Error$

What are refractive errors?

Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).

Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. More than 150 million Americans have a refractive error — but many don’t know that they could be seeing better. That’s why eye exams are so important.

If you have a refractive error, your eye doctor can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.

Types: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, presbyopia

Most Common Symptom: Blurred vision

Diagnosis: Eye exam

Treatment: Eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery

What are the types of refractive errors?

There are 4 common types of refractive errors:

Nearsightedness (myopia) makes far-away objects look blurry
Farsightedness (hyperopia) makes nearby objects look blurry
Astigmatism can make far-away and nearby objects look blurry or distorted
Presbyopia makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close

What’s the treatment for refractive errors?

Eye doctors can correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses, or fix the refractive error with surgery.

Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will prescribe the right eyeglass lenses to give you the clearest possible vision.

Contact lenses sit on the surface of your eyes and correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will fit you for the right lenses and show you how to clean and wear them safely.

Some types of surgery, like laser eye surgery, can change the shape of your cornea to fix refractive errors. Your eye doctor can help you decide if surgery is right for you.

What are the symptoms of refractive errors?

The most common symptom is blurry vision. Other symptoms include:

Double vision
Hazy vision
Seeing a glare or halo around bright lights
Squinting
Headaches
Eye strain (when your eyes feel tired or sore)
Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer

Some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. It’s important to get eye exams regularly — so your eye doctor can make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have these symptoms, you might need a new prescription. Talk to your eye doctor and get an eye exam if you are having trouble with your vision.