Nearsightedness and Refractive Errors

Apple Ophthalmology treats refractive errors. These are among the most common vision problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. They occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, leading to blurred vision. The primary types of refractive errors are myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Here's a closer look at each:

1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Description: Myopia occurs when the eye is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface. It results in difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while close objects can be seen clearly.
Symptoms: Blurred vision when looking at distant objects, squinting, eye strain, and headaches from eyestrain.
Treatment: Corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), refractive surgery (such as LASIK), or orthokeratology (corneal reshaping).

2. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Description: Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short relative to the cornea and lens's focusing power. This causes light to come to a focus behind the retina, making nearby objects more difficult to see.
Symptoms: Blurred vision for close objects, eye strain, and headaches. In severe cases, even distant vision can be affected.
Treatment: Like myopia, treatment options include corrective lenses or refractive surgery.

3. Astigmatism

Description: Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to two points of focus that fall in different planes. This can cause images to be blurred or distorted at any distance.
Symptoms: Distorted or blurred vision at all distances, eye discomfort, and headaches.
Treatment: Corrective lenses, specially designed toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery can correct astigmatism by altering the way light rays enter the eye.

4. Presbyopia

Description: Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects everyone from the age of 40 and above. It occurs as the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects.
Symptoms: Need to hold reading material at arm's length, blurred vision at normal reading distance, eye strain, and headaches while doing close work.
Treatment: Reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses, or multifocal contact lenses. Some surgical options, like LASIK or conductive keratoplasty, may also be considered for certain cases.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis of refractive errors typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including vision testing using an eye chart, and measurements to determine the appropriate corrective lens prescription. Regular eye exams are crucial, as the eyes can change over time, necessitating adjustments in vision correction solutions.