How These 4 Types of Refractive Errors Are Corrected

Refractive errors refer to a type of vision problem that makes it difficult to see clearly. They occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing correctly on your retina, or the light-sensitive tissue layer found in the back of your eye. More than five million Americans suffer from refractive errors, impacting their quality of life. But the good news is that this vision problem can be corrected. The premier optometrist in the area, Lumen Optometric, shares a quick overview of different refractive error types and their treatment.

 

1. Myopia. Also called ‘nearsightedness’, this particular refractive error makes it hard for people to see far-away objects. Myopia happens when the eye is too long in the back, or when there’s a problem with the shape of the cornea (the clear front layer of the eyes) or the lens (the inner part of the eye that helps with focusing).

2. Hyperopia. To those with hyperopia, or ‘farsightedness”, nearby objects will appear blurry. This refractive error happens when the eyeball grows too short from front to back, or when the cornea or lens has a different shape than normal. Unlike those who suffer from myopia, which may develop in patients between the ages of 6 and 14, people with hyperopia are usually born with this vision problem.

3. Astigmatism. When a person has astigmatism, they’ll have trouble seeing both far-away and nearby objects clearly. This is caused by a differently-shaped cornea or lens, which makes light bend differently as it enters the eye.

4. Presbyopia. This type of refractive error affects middle-aged and older adults. Presbyopia is an age-related vision problem that makes it hard for people to see things up close because the eye lenses have become harder and less flexible, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina.

How Refractive Errors are Treated

Before a refractive error can be corrected, it has to be diagnosed accurately during a comprehensive eye exam performed by a trusted eye care professional like Lumen Optometric. Once the vision problem is diagnosed, it may be corrected using prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Myopia and hyperopia may also be fixed without the benefit of eyeglasses or contacts through orthokeratology. This safe, FDA-approved and non-surgical treatment involves the use of custom lenses that gently reshape the eyes as you sleep. Ask us more about this particular solution and determine whether this will be a viable option for you.

Safe and Worry-Free Eye Care Services in the Sierra Madre

Achieving clear and healthy vision can be easy – you just need to turn to a premier eye doctor like Lumen Optometric to handle your vision correction needs. Call us today at (626) 921-0199, or fill out this convenient form to schedule your appointment. We remain your go-to specialist for advanced and high-quality eye health services in and around Sierra Madre, CA.