Myopia, Hyperopia, Presbyopia and Astigmatism Explained

Most people who need corrective lenses usually have Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or Astigmatism. These refractive errors all occur when light fails to focus properly on the retina. Learn more about how your eyes are affected by these common eye problems.

The Normal Eye

When your eyes do not require

correction, the cornea and lens are

able to focus light onto the retina (a

layer that lines the back of the eye).

This makes objects look clear. Ideally,

the lens is relaxed when you are

looking at distance objects and uses

only a fraction of its focusing power

when you are looking at near objects.

Myopia

When you have myopia, you are

nearsighted. The length of the eye

is longer than it needs to be. Distant

objects are blurred because they do

not focus on the retina. When objects

get close enough, the light reaches

the back of the retina and the object is

seen clearly. Glasses for patients with

myopia bend light so it reaches the

retina producing a clear image.

Hyperopia

When you have hyperopia, you are

far-sighted. The length of the eye is

shorter than it needs to be, so the lens

struggles to focus when looking at

distant objects. When looking at near

objects, the lens has to focus even

more, leading to eye strain and blurred

vision. Glasses will provide focusing

power so the lens can relax when

looking at distant objects and not

have to focus as much on near objects.

Presbyopia

When you have presbyopia, the lens

in your eye gradually loses its ability

to focus. The normally flexible lens

of the eye gradually loses elasticity,

affecting the refractive ability of the

eye. The lens cannot bend or

flatten as easily, making it more

difficult to focus. Generally, this

happens between the late 30’s and

early 40’s.

Astigmatism

When you have astigmatism, your

cornea is uneven. Both close and

distant objects look blurry. Astigmatism

is often accompanied by myopia

or hyperopia.

When the curve of the cornea is

uneven, light rays cannot focus on just

one point on the retina. Instead, they

focus on two or more points, either

in front of or behind the retina. This

makes close and distant objects look

blurry.

Schedule An Eye Exam

Eye exams are important to measure and correct

vision problems. Visiting your local Dr. Tavel

regularly can help detect other eye problems.

Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems

could save your eyesight. Schedule an exam today.

Myopia, Hyperopia, Presbyopia and Astigmatism Explained

POSTED ON July 12, 2019

The Normal Eye

Myopia

Hyperopia

Presbyopia

Astigmatism

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Myopia, Hyperopia, Presbyopia and Astigmatism Explained

POSTED ON July 12, 2019

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