Refractive Errors: What Are Their Common Causes?

Refractive errors occur when the eye doesn’t adequately bend or refract light to focus on the retina. This misalignment can lead to various symptoms, including blurry vision, headaches and eye strain. Regular visits to your local eye clinic can help detect refractive errors early. Moreover, a deeper understanding of these eye problems can aid in improving overall eye health, preserving vision and enhancing daily activities. 

What Are the Different Types of Refractive Errors?

Astigmatism

An uneven curvature of the cornea or lens characterizes astigmatism. Patients with this condition might experience blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It can affect one or both eyes and cause discomfort and poor night vision.

Hyperopia or Farsightedness

If you have hyperopia, you might see distant objects clearly, while close objects appear blurry. This eye condition happens when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has very little curvature. Farsighted individuals often suffer from eye strain when attempting to focus on close-up tasks, such as reading.

Myopia or Nearsightedness

Myopia causes faraway objects to look unclear. Nearsightedness occurs due to an elongated eyeball or excessively curved cornea. Those with this eye condition often squint or strain their eyes to improve clarity when looking at objects at a distance. 

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error that typically develops in adults over 40. The gradual loss of elasticity in the eye’s lens causes this eye condition. People with presbyopia often find it difficult to see close objects, such as text on a page or small print. 

What Causes These Eye Problems?

The eye’s structure affects how light is bent and focused on the retina. If the cornea is too steep or flat or the eyeball is the wrong length, it can lead to vision problems. A deformed cornea may not focus images correctly on the retina. An eyeball that is too long can cause nearsightedness, while one that is too short can lead to farsightedness.

These vision problems often come from both genetics and environmental factors. Regular eyeglasses or contact eye exam appointments are crucial to detecting changes in your vision. It can also help ensure you have the correct prescription eyewear and save you from discomfort.

How Are They Diagnosed and Treated?

A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose refractive errors. This includes a visual acuity test, a refraction test and a slit-lamp exam. These assessments allow eye doctors to identify vision problems and determine ideal treatment options.

If you have a refractive error, your eye specialist might recommend prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Modern technology has made laser surgeries like LASIK and PRK more common, providing a long-lasting alternative for many patients who don’t wish to wear glasses or contacts.