Refractive Errors

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors occur when the eye’s shape hinders light from focusing properly on the retina, causing blurred vision. This common condition, affecting 53% of India’s population, results from variations in the size or shape of the eye. Fortunately, advancements in eye care offer solutions such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgical procedures, which can correct vision and improve clarity for those affected by these vision problems.

Symptoms of Refractive Errors

Refractive errors cause various symptoms, including blurry vision, squinting, headaches, and eye strain. Individuals may also experience difficulty focusing on tasks like reading or using a computer. Additional symptoms can include double vision, halos around lights, and frequent eye rubbing. Regular eye exams are essential to detect and treat these issues, as corrective measures like glasses, contact lenses, or surgery can restore clear vision effectively.

Risk Factors for Refractive errors

Risk factors for refractive errors include a family history of vision issues, as genetics play a significant role. Myopia often begins in childhood, while presbyopia commonly affects individuals over 40. Additional factors include prolonged screen time, lack of outdoor activity, and certain medical conditions like diabetes. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and correction, especially for those at higher risk.

Types of Refractive errors

Refractive errors encompass several types, including myopia (nearsightedness), where distant objects appear blurry as light focuses in front of the retina, and hyperopia (farsightedness), causing nearby objects to be unclear because light focuses behind the retina. Astigmatism results in distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea, while presbyopia, common in older adults, leads to difficulty focusing on close objects due to lens aging.

Frequently Asked Question