REFRACTION DISORDER
How does the eye focus light?
In order to see clearly, light rays from an object must focus onto the inner back layer of the
eye. The eye works like a camera. It has an opening at the front (the pupil), a focusing lens
inside (crystalline lens), and a light-sensing portion at the back (the retina). If light rays are not
focused on the retina, a refractive error is present.
The refractive errors are: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Myopia ( nearsightedness )
Myopia occurs when light rays focus in front of the retina because the eye is too long or has
excessive focusing power. Objects in the distance appear blurry and as they get closer to the
eye, are seen more clearly. This condition may be inherited or associated with premature birth
and can occur at any age. Glasses focus the light rays on the retina and improve vision.
Myopia usually progresses yearly and stabilizes by the late teens to early twenties. There is
currently no widely accepted treatment to stop progression. Contact lenses may be utilized
instead of glasses by those capable of independent care for the lenses. At age 18 years, laser
surgery may an alternative if the refractive error is stable
Hypermetropia ( farsightedness )
Hyperopia occurs when light rays focus behind the retina (because the eye is either too short
or has too little focusing power) and causes near and distant objects to appear blurry. Some
hyperopia is normal in childhood and correction is typically not required. Children can
compensate for this on their own using their natural focusing mechanism (accommodation). A
large amount of hyperopia may require correction with glasses, particularly when associated
with crossed eyes (accommodative esotropia). Hyperopia usually increases in early childhood
and then decreases during preteen to early teenage years. Contact lenses and laser surgery are
alternatives to spectacles at the appropriate age.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when light rays are distorted because the cornea is curved more in one
direction than in the other. The shape of the eye is more similar to a football than a basketball.
Rays focus at several points (in front and/or behind the retina). Near and distant vision is
affected. Glasses are prescribed for significant astigmatism. Contact lenses and laser surgery
are alternatives to glasses at the appropriate age.How does the eye focus light?
In order to see clearly, light rays from an object must focus onto the inner back layer of the
eye. The eye works like a camera. It has an opening at the front (the pupil), a focusing lens
inside (crystalline lens), and a light-sensing portion at the back (the retina). If light rays are not
focused on the retina, a refractive error is present.
The refractive errors are: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Myopia ( nearsightedness )
Myopia occurs when light rays focus in front of the retina because the eye is too long or has
excessive focusing power. Objects in the distance appear blurry and as they get closer to the
eye, are seen more clearly. This condition may be inherited or associated with premature birth
and can occur at any age. Glasses focus the light rays on the retina and improve vision.
Myopia usually progresses yearly and stabilizes by the late teens to early twenties. There is
currently no widely accepted treatment to stop progression. Contact lenses may be utilized
instead of glasses by those capable of independent care for the lenses. At age 18 years, laser
surgery may an alternative if the refractive error is stable
Hypermetropia ( farsightedness )
Hyperopia occurs when light rays focus behind the retina (because the eye is either too short
or has too little focusing power) and causes near and distant objects to appear blurry. Some
hyperopia is normal in childhood and correction is typically not required. Children can
compensate for this on their own using their natural focusing mechanism (accommodation). A
large amount of hyperopia may require correction with glasses, particularly when associated
with crossed eyes (accommodative esotropia). Hyperopia usually increases in early childhood
and then decreases during preteen to early teenage years. Contact lenses and laser surgery are
alternatives to spectacles at the appropriate age.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when light rays are distorted because the cornea is curved more in one
direction than in the other. The shape of the eye is more similar to a football than a basketball.
Rays focus at several points (in front and/or behind the retina). Near and distant vision is
affected. Glasses are prescribed for significant astigmatism. Contact lenses and laser surgery
are alternatives to glasses at the appropriate age.
