Refractive disorders include conditions that alter the eye’s ability to focus, often requiring glasses, contact lenses, or corrective procedures.
What is Myopia?
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see objects near to you clearly, but objects farther away are blurry.
Nearsightedness may develop gradually or rapidly, often worsening during childhood and adolescence. Nearsightedness tends to run in families.
A basic eye exam can confirm nearsightedness. You can easily correct the condition with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Another treatment option for nearsightedness is surgery.
Myopia Symptoms
Nearsightedness symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
- The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly
- Headaches caused by eyestrain
- Difficulty seeing while driving a vehicle, especially at night (night myopia)
Nearsightedness is often first detected during childhood and is commonly diagnosed between the early school years through the teens. A child with nearsightedness may:
- Persistently squint
- Need to sit closer to the television, movie screen or the front of the classroom
- Seem to be unaware of distant objects
- Blink excessively
- Rub his or her eyes frequently
What is Hyperopia?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects may appear blurry.
Hyperopia is often present from birth and may improve with age in some individuals. Like myopia, it tends to run in families and can vary in severity.
A standard eye examination can detect hyperopia. It is commonly corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, refractive surgery may also be an option.
Hyperopia Symptoms
Farsightedness symptoms may include:
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Blurry vision when looking at objects close up
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Eyestrain or aching eyes after prolonged close work, such as reading or computer use
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Headaches after tasks that require focusing up close
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Difficulty with reading, especially in low light
Hyperopia is often diagnosed in early childhood. A child with hyperopia may:
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Complain of tired or sore eyes
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Struggle with close-up reading or schoolwork
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Show little interest in tasks that involve close focus
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Experience frequent headaches or eye rubbing
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common, mild and generally easily treatable imperfection in the curvature of your eye. The condition can cause blurred vision.
Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of your eye (cornea) or the lens, inside your eye, has a slightly different surface curvature in one direction from the other. Instead of being even and smooth in all directions, the surface may have some areas that are flatter or steeper.
Astigmatism blurs your vision at all distances. Astigmatism is often present at birth and may occur in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness. Often it’s not pronounced enough to require corrective action. When it is, your treatment options include corrective lenses and surgery.
Astigmatism Symptoms
Symptoms of astigmatism may include:
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Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
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Eyestrain or discomfort
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Headaches
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Difficulty with night vision
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Squinting to see clearly
Astigmatism can be diagnosed at any age, including during childhood. Children with astigmatism may:
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Squint frequently
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Hold reading materials very close
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Complain of blurred vision
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Experience headaches or eye discomfort
Click here to find our more about Astigmatism via Health Direct.
Treatment
Refractive Surgery
The aim of refractive surgery is to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses and contact lenses. This is achieved by treating nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and/or astigmatism.
Most refractive surgery techniques rely on altering the shape of the cornea, the transparent outer layer on the front of the eye. The cornea serves as a fixed-focus lens. As the cornea is responsible for about two-thirds of the eye’s focusing power, vision can be improved by permanent reshaping of the cornea. The kind of reshaping needed depends on the eye condition being treated.
Refractive surgery does not enable perfect vision for every patient. Some patients may still need weak prescription glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, results can be modified by further treatment.
In younger patients without presbyopia, refractive surgery implies refractive laser surgery utilising techniques such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK. In older patients with presbyopic symptoms, these techniques are no longer suitable and treatment of refractive conditions is best done with clear lens extraction. For more information, please visit ilaservision.com.au
Click here to view the RANZCO information sheet on Refractive Surgery.
Clinical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s condition is unique, and the details presented here may not apply to your personal situation. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your health or treatment options. Reliance on this information is solely at your own risk.