What
are refractive errors of the eye?
Myopia - Myopia focuses light in front of the retina.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eye has too much
focusing power. Therefore, objects at a distance are blurry,
whereas objects that are close can be clearly seen (unless
astigmatism is present). Typically, the myopic eye is slightly
longer or has a steeper cornea compared to the normal eye.
Hyperopia - Hyperopia focuses light behind the retina
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when the eye lacks sufficient
focusing power. This usually causes objects at a distance
to appear blurry, and near objects are seen even less clearly.
Typically, the farsighted eye is slightly shorter or has
a flatter cornea than the normal
Astigmatism
Astigmatism focuses light in an oblique fashion, so no true image
forms on the retina Astigmatism is a condition in which light rays in different
orientations are brought to different points of focus. A useful analogy is
the comparison of a basketball to a football. The surface of a basketball has
equal curvature in all directions, whereas a football is flatter in one orientation
and steeper in the other. The surface of the football represents the situation
that is present in the cornea when the eye has astigmatism. This surface focuses
light obliquely, so no true image forms on the retina.
Usually, the astigmatism occurs in the cornea. This often
can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, or in many
instances, treated with refractive surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia focuses light behind the retina at near distances
only. This is because the eye doesn't have the strength to "autofocus" at
reading distances
Presbyopia is a natural condition that typically becomes
noticeable around age 45. In children and young adults, the
crystalline lens inside the eye can easily look at a distant
object and then increase its focus to look at a near object.
As we get older, the lens inside of the eye loses this capacity
to focus in and out. As this occurs, individuals find that
they need to hold reading material at greater distances from
them. Ultimately, reading glasses are needed, typically by
the mid-40s.
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