Refractive Errors

Refractive Errors are the most common eye disorders. Most people have a refractive error, but it is not impactful enough to seriously affect vision. Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye doesn't refract light properly, so images become blurred. The four most common refractive errors are:

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Astigmatism is a very common vision problem caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Blurred vision at all distances is the most significant indicator of astigmatism and many people who have astigmatism also have myopia or hyperopia. It is often present at birth. Family history of the condition increases risk.

Presbyopia is a progressive condition that makes reading and doing close work, such as sewing, increasingly difficult as eyes age. For people in their 40's and early 50's, it's often the first sign of aging; by age 55, it affects everyone. Even those with perfect eyesight may find they can no longer read books and printed materials at normal distances. The cause of refractive errors is unknown and they can evolve over the course of a person's life.