Many people are unaware that they have a refractive error because the symptoms can vary. It’s essential to know the different types of refractive errors and their symptoms to get the proper treatment if you happen to suffer from one.
1. Myopia or Nearsightedness
Myopia is when you can see close objects clearly, but distant objects are blurry. This happens when the eye is too long from front to back. When light hits the retina, it focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. This is the most common refractive error and occurs in about one-third of the population.
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of myopia can include headaches, eye fatigue, and squinting. However, other symptoms can develop in severe cases, such as retinal detachment. This is why it’s crucial to get your eyes checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of myopia.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for myopia. If you only have a mild case, you can wear glasses or contact lenses. However, if your myopia is more severe, you may need surgery to correct your vision. This includes LASIK surgery for vision correction or implantable contact lenses.
2. Hyperopia or Farsightedness
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia. With hyperopia, you can see distant objects clearly, but close things are blurry. This is often due to the eyeball being too short or the cornea being too flat. Like myopia, the cause of hyperopia is still unknown, but it’s believed that genetics may play a role.
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of hyperopia can include eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. In severe cases, people with hyperopia can also experience nausea and vomiting because of the excessive strain on their eyes.
Treatment Options
Just like myopia, there are several treatment options for hyperopia. If you only have a mild case, you may wear glasses or contact lenses. However, if your hyperopia is more severe, you may need surgery to correct your vision.
3. Astigmatism
Astigmatism is when your vision is distorted or blurred at all distances. This happens when the cornea is curved, or the eyeball is shaped irregularly. Astigmatism is usually caused by genetics, but it can also be caused by an injury to the eye.
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of astigmatism can include blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. People with astigmatism often have to squint to see clearly.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for astigmatism are the same as for myopia and hyperopia. If you only have a mild case, you can wear glasses or contact lenses. However, if your astigmatism is more severe, you may need surgery to correct your vision.
4. Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a type of farsightedness that occurs as you age. This happens when the lens of your eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia usually starts to occur in people over the age of 40.
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of presbyopia can include eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. In severe cases, people with presbyopia can also experience nausea and vomiting because of the excessive strain on their eyes.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for presbyopia, but several treatment options are available. These include glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. If you only have a mild case, you can wear glasses or contact lenses. However, if your presbyopia is more severe, you may need surgery to correct your vision.
5. Cataracts
Cataracts are an eye disease that causes the eye’s lens to become cloudy. This can lead to blurry vision, glare, and a decrease in night vision. Cataracts are most often caused by age, but they can also be caused by diabetes, injuries, or exposure to the sun.
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of cataracts can include blurry vision, decreased vision clarity, and yellowing of the lens. In severe cases, people with cataracts can also experience blindness in one or both eyes.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for cataracts, but several treatment options are available. These include glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. If you only have a mild case, you can wear glasses or contact lenses. However, if your cataracts are more severe, you may need surgery to correct your vision.
6. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a type of eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. This can lead to a loss of vision and even blindness. Glaucoma is most often caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye, but it can also be caused by genetics, diabetes, or an injury to the eye.
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of glaucoma can include blurry vision, a decrease in vision clarity, and pain in the eyes. In severe cases, people with glaucoma can also experience blindness in one or both eyes.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for glaucoma, but several treatment options are available. These include medicines, surgery, and laser surgery. If you only have a mild case, you can wear glasses or contact lenses. However, if your glaucoma is more severe, you may need surgery to correct your vision.
Whether it’s presbyopia, astigmatism, cataracts, or glaucoma, a treatment option is available to help correct your vision. If you notice any changes in your eyesight — blurry vision or eye fatigue — consult with an eye doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
