Joel L. Pelavin, MD, PC
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Hyperopia (Good distance vision) |
Myopia (Good near vision) |
What are Refractive Errors?
To see images clearly, light rays must focus directly on the retina, the light-sensitive nerve layer that lines the back of the eye. There are different kinds of focusing problems, called refractive errors, which may require corrective lenses.
Refractive errors (the problem) are optical imperfections of the eye resulting in sub-optimal visual imaging.
Myopia (nearsightedness) - The cornea is too steeply curved or the eyeball is too long causing images to come into focus in front of the retina. As a result distance vision is blurred.Hyperopia (farsightedness) - The cornea is too flat or the eyeball is too short causing images to be focused behind the retina (theoretically). Near vision is blurred more than distance vision.
Aphakia - An extreme form of hyperopia resulting from surgical removal of the lens.
Astigmatism - Ovoid or irregular curvature of the cornea or lens within the eye, causing multiple focal points of the same image. May occur in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia. Neither near of distance vision is optimally focused.
Presbyopia - Hardening of the lens within the eye as a result of aging, resulting in a reduced ability to alter focus from distance to near or vice versa.
Current options for correcting refractive errors include Prescription Eyeglasses, Contact Lenses, Corneal Refractive Surgery and Cataract and Lens Implant Surgery.