Have you heard of refractive errors? Probably not. But surely you know people who wear glasses or contact lenses to help them see better. Refractive errors are quite common. Here’s what ophthalmologist Dr. Randa Garrana at Advanced Lasik in New York City, Long Beach, California, or Pasadena, California wants you to know.
Refractive errors make it hard for you to see clearly. They occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing on your retina the right way. As a result, you could have trouble seeing things up close or far away. These conditions are very common and can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Symptoms of refractive errors include:
Here are the four most common types of refractive errors:
Nearsightedness is also called myopia. People with this condition can see better up close while things farther away look blurry. It’s caused by an eyeball that grows too long from the front to back, or when the cornea is misshapen. Those with myopia are at a higher risk of other eye problems like a detached retina.
Farsightedness is also called hyperopia. People with this condition can see better when things are far away and have a hard time when things are up close. If you ever saw someone holding their smartphone far away while reading it, they’re probably farsighted. This occurs when the eyeball grows too short from front to back, or the lens or cornea is misshapen. As a result, light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it.
Astigmatism can make objects close-up and far away look blurry or distorted. It occurs when the cornea is misshapen. As a result, the light coming into the eye is bent differently. Many people with astigmatism are also nearsighted or farsighted.
If you’re getting older and you noticed a change in your eyesight, it could be presbyopia. This condition makes it harder for middle-aged and older people to see thighs up close. It’s caused by a hardening of the lens in your eye over time. As the lens becomes less flexible, it can’t focus light correctly on your retina. When it first begins, you may be able to get by with brighter reading lights and larger print books. But, it’s important to stay on top of your eye health with Dr. Garrana to preserve your eyesight for years to come.
The only way to know if you have a refractive error is to come in for a consultation and comprehensive eye exam. Once Dr. Garrana knows what’s going on, she’ll explain your treatment options. You may be a good candidate for glasses, contact lenses, or corrective eye surgery.
For the best eye care in Manhattan and Long Beach, California, book an appointment online today!
