Difficulty seeing near or far is a typical indicator of a refractive error. You should consult an eye doctor to identify your specific condition since there are different types of refractive errors.
Continue reading to learn more about the different types of refractive errors and how they are corrected.
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
If objects from far away look blurry to you, you have myopia or nearsightedness. This condition occurs when the light focuses in front of the retina instead of above it. It usually starts during childhood, specifically around 6 to 14 years old. Eyeballs that grow too long from front to back or have unusual cornea and lens shapes cause nearsightedness.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
If objects nearby look blurry to you, you have hyperopia or farsightedness. Typically, people are born with farsightedness. This condition happens because the light focuses behind the retina instead of above it. Eyeballs that grow too short from front to back or have irregular cornea or lens shapes are the main causes of farsightedness.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism may be present at birth or develop during childhood or adolescence. For people with astigmatism, both near and far objects appear blurry or distorted. Often, people with other refractive errors also have this condition. Eyeballs with an irregular cornea or lens shape cause astigmatism. This unusual shape bends light differently upon entering the eye.
Presbyopia
Middle-aged and older adults suffer from presbyopia. The condition causes difficulty seeing things up close. It occurs because the eye’s lens hardens and loses its capacity to focus light on the retina. Presbyopia often occurs with another refractive error.
Correcting Refractive Errors
Eye specialists can correct refractive errors with prescription glasses, contact lenses or surgery. We recommend seeing your eye specialist to correct your vision. Furthermore, encourage family members to have eye exams because these eye conditions can run in families.
Do you need quality eyeglasses or contact lenses? Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry offers a range of products and quality eye care services. To schedule a consultation, call (703) 660-9494 (Alexandria), (703) 413-1400 (Crystal City), (703) 522-7676 (Clarendon), (703) 573-1200 (Falls Church) or (703) 467-9080 (Reston). You can also fill out this contact form to get in touch with us.
