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At a glance: 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 ÔÇö but many donÔÇÖt know that they could be seeing better. ThatÔÇÖs 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. There are 4 common types of refractive errors: What are the symptoms of refractive errors?The most common symptom is blurry vision. Other symptoms include:
Some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. ItÔÇÖs important to get eye exams regularly ÔÇö so your eye doctor can make sure youÔÇÖre 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. Am I at risk for refractive errors?Anyone can have refractive errors, but youÔÇÖre at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses. Most types of refractive errors, like nearsightedness, usually start in childhood. Presbyopia is common in adults ages 45 and older. Talk with your doctor about your risk for refractive errors, and ask how often you need to get checked. What causes refractive errors?Refractive errors can be caused by:
Did you know?Refraction is the bending of light rays as they pass through one object to another The cornea and lens bend (refract) light rays to focus them on the retina When the shape of the eye changes, it also changes the way the light rays bend and focus ÔÇö and that can cause blurry vision How will my eye doctor check for refractive errors?Eye doctors can check for refractive errors as part of a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away. Then, they may give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and check for other eye problems. WhatÔÇÖs the treatment for refractive errors?Eye doctors can correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses, or fix the refractive error with surgery. Glasses. 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. Learn more about eyeglasses Contacts. 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. Learn more about contact lenses Talk over your options with your eye doctor. Remember these tips:
Refractive Errors ResourcesLast updated: June 10, 2022 What term describes a defect in which light rays focus in front of the retina?Myopia occurs when the images that enter the eye focus in front of the retina. In many cases, the eyeball is too long and so the focal point of light falls in front of the retina. The cause of myopia is not precisely known, but it may be caused by a combination of environment and genes.
Which term describes a dimness of vision or the partial loss of sight without detectable disease of the eye?Amblyopia (am-blee-OH-pee-uh), "lazy eye." Functional Defect. Decreased vision in one or both eyes without detectable anatomic damage in the eye or visual pathways. Usually uncorrectable by optical means (e.g., eyeglasses). Anterior chamber (AC). Anatomy.
What is most commonly known as farsightedness or nearsightedness?The most common refractive errors are astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and myopia (nearsightedness). Astigmatism is a condition in which an abnormal curvature of the cornea can cause two focal points to fall in two different locations, making objects up close and at a distance appear blurry.
What is the name of a specialist in measuring the accuracy of vision?An optometrist measures and assesses eyesight and prescribes corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in the structure, function, and diseases of the eye; they treat ailments and can perform surgery.
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