Exploring Refractive Errors: Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism

Many Canadians have trouble seeing clearly. Distant objects may appear blurry, or they may struggle to read and focus on things within an arm’s reach away. In some cases, both nearby and distant objects can seem hazy and out of focus. To make matters worse, you might also have other frustrating side effects, like headaches or eye strain.

These difficulties are typically a result of refractive errors within the eyes. The shape of your eyeball or cornea determines if you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have blurry vision at all distances.

Fortunately, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery can correct these refractive errors, allowing you to see clearly and without unnecessary discomfort.

Understanding Refractive Errors

What are refractive errors?

Refractive errors refer to a family of eye conditions that make your vision blurry. They are incredibly common, even among youth. About 1 in 4 Canadians aged 12 to 19 report having some vision problems, with that number growing to 3 out of every 4 Canadians over the age of 55.

If you have a refractive error, it means that light is not focusing on the retina properly. This occurs when the eye is misshapen. Light does not refract correctly upon entering the eye through the cornea, so it does not focus correctly when it passes through the lens before hitting the retina. As a result, your vision is distorted, and objects appear blurry.

Many refractive errors first appear in childhood. However, they can develop at any point in your life, even if your vision was clear for many years. Your eyes naturally change as you age, which is why most seniors will require glasses eventually.

What refractive errors are most common?

There are four common types of refractive errors. They are as follows:

1. Myopia or nearsightedness is when faraway objects appear blurry.
2. Hyperopia or farsightedness, is when nearby objects appear blurry.
3. Astigmatism is when faraway and nearby objects appear blurry or distorted.
4. Presbyopia is age-specific farsightedness. It occurs in middle-aged and older adults and makes it difficult to see objects up close.

What are the symptoms of refractive errors?

All refractive errors cause blurry or hazy vision, in addition to the following symptoms:

• Double vision
• Eye strain
• Glares or halos around bright lights
• Squinting
• Headaches
• Trouble focusing on screens

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia is also known as nearsightedness or short-sightedness. It occurs when the eye is too long from front to back, or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Objects in the distance appear out of focus, while nearby objects still look sharp. Consequently, those with myopia are usually able to read books without issue, but are unable to make out distant signs on the road while driving.

In most cases, this refractive error develops in childhood or adolescence. Severe myopia can increase the risk of certain eye diseases, like glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia. In these cases, the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. Light focuses behind the retina, not directly on it, so only faraway objects appear in focus. As it’s hard to see objects close to you clearly, you might struggle to read or focus on your laptop screen, even when it’s right in front of you. You’ll be able to see distant landscapes just fine, but not nearby objects.

Most people with hyperopia are born with it. However, you may not experience noticeable symptoms because the eye can actually adjust to effectively focus on objects at different distances, regardless of its unusual shape. As with nearsighted individuals, those with severe hyperopia are also at a high risk of developing eye diseases.

Presbyopia is a specific type of farsightedness that develops as you age. The eye becomes less flexible, so it’s harder to focus on close-up objects. This is why people over the age of 40 often require reading glasses.

Astigmatism

Eyes are meant to be round. If you have astigmatism, then your eye is shaped more like a football—oblong or oval. The irregular curvature of the cornea or lens means that light bends and distorts more than it should when entering the eye. Instead of a single focal point directly on the cornea, you have two focal points in different directions. Your vision is distorted at all distances, both near and distant.

Astigmatism can be present from birth or develop later in life.

Treating Refractive Errors

There are several ways to treat refractive errors so you can see clearly and sharply at all distances. Some are temporary, while others are permanent vision improvement procedures.

Before you can treat your refractive error, however, you need to be properly diagnosed. Comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting, diagnosing, and, ultimately, correcting refractive errors and eye conditions. Since the shape of your eyes can change over time, it’s important to visit your eye doctor regularly and especially if you begin noticing changes in your vision or experiencing eye strain.

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are the simplest way to temporarily address refractive errors. They also have the lowest upfront costs, although a lifetime of purchasing glasses, contacts, and the associated supplies tends to be a staggering investment. Nonetheless, many rely on these prescription options to improve their vision every day.

Vision Correction Surgeries

You can permanently correct refractive errors through vision correction surgery. There are many procedures available today. To determine which is best for you, you should speak with your eye doctor or an experienced vision specialist, like those at Clearview Vision Institute. Your eye health, overall health, specific refractive error, lifestyle, age, and goals must all be taken into account.

At Clearview Vision Institute, we tailor our vision correction treatments to your specific requirements and needs. Furthermore, we are committed to offering the safest and most advanced options to our patients. This means we can often accept complex or difficult cases. Even if you were not a candidate for laser eye surgery previously, we may be able to help.

The laser eye surgeries offered at Clearview Vision Institute are extremely precise, effective, and safe. Most have a significantly reduced risk of complications, faster results, and greater comfort.

We are proud to offer:

• ReLEx SMILE
• PRESBYOND
• Custom Bladeless LASIK
• Custom PRK

Laser Eye Surgery From Clearview Vision Institute

Clearview Vision Institute was the first vision correction centre to introduce groundbreaking procedures to Canada. We are passionate about offering the best, safest, and most advanced treatments to our patients in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

From our personalized treatment plans to our state-of-the-art procedure suites, we are committed to providing an unparalleled experience from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about our laser eye treatment options.

To request more information on laser eye surgery, call Clearview Vision Institute today at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.