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Myopia, Hyperopia, Presbyopia and Astigmatism Explained

POSTED ON July 12, 2019

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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

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 normal eye diagram

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 myopia eye diagram

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.

Hyperopiahyperopia eye diagram

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.

Presbyopiapresbyopia eye diagram

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 astigmatism eye diagram

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.

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