When it comes to vision problems, refractive errors are the most common ones that people experience. With these, the shape of the eye or its ability to focus light changes, causing different kinds of visual acuity issues or visual anomalies.
Since refractive errors are so common, it’s wise to understand what they are and how they impact vision. Here’s a look at the three most prominent refractive issues causing vision problems.
Three Common Vision Problems
Myopia
Also called nearsightedness, myopia is a condition where close-up vision remains reasonably strong, but objects far away look blurrier than they should. The condition develops when changes to the shape of the eye alter where light is focused in the eye, causing it to concentrate in front of the retina instead of on it.
Usually, the most obvious symptom of myopia is issues with long-distance vision. However, needing to squint to see clearly and eye strain can both be symptoms. The same goes for headaches, though those aren’t as common as with certain other refractive errors.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia – also called farsightedness – is a condition where close-up vision degrades while distance vision remains intact. It occurs when changes in the shape of the eye cause light to focus behind the retina instead of on it.
With hyperopia, trouble seeing objects up close is the most definitive symptom of the condition. However, eye strain and headaches, particularly when reading or doing other up-close activities, can also be signs of farsightedness.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea or lens of the eye change shape. Usually, this leads to visual distortions or blurriness, depending on the nature of the changes. Often the distortions are particularly noticeable when looking at a light at night, such as oncoming vehicle headlights after dark. The lights may look streaky, starred, or haloed, depending on the nature of the eye changes.
Blurry vision is another common sign of astigmatism, as well as needing to squint to see clearly. Trouble seeing at night may also be a symptom, along with eye strain and headaches.
It’s important to note that a person can have myopia or hyperopia and astigmatism. That means it’s possible to have two refractive errors impacting your vision.
Treating Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are traditionally treated with corrective lenses. This can include prescription glasses or contacts. With those, the lens can compensate for the changes in the eye that lead to the vision change, allowing a person to see clearly when wearing their glasses or contacts.
In some cases, alternative vision correction options – like laser eye surgery – may also be an option. However, that will depend on the severity of the vision loss, whether your vision is stable or continuing to change, and certain other factors.
At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of a refractive error or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.
