Understanding Common Eye Conditions
- Posted on: Nov 30 2015
Hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism are three very common eye conditions that can interfere with your vision. Keep reading to learn more about these common vision issues and available treatments.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia is also often called farsightedness. People with hyperopia can see things that are far away quite clearly, but they have trouble focusing on nearby objects. This can make it particularly difficult to read, type, sew, or complete other tasks that require near vision.
People who have hyperopia have trouble focusing on nearby objects because light entering their eyes focuses behind the retina instead of precisely on the retina. This usually happens because the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short. In some cases people have both problems.
Hyperopia is usually corrected using lenses that redirect the light when it enters the eye so it focuses in the correct place.
Myopia
Myopia is the opposite of hyperopia. People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly but they have trouble focusing on things that are further away. This can make driving and other daily tasks difficult.
People with myopia usually have corneas that are too round or eyes that are too long. This results in light focusing in front of the retina instead of on it. Myopia is also usually corrected with lenses that refocus the light entering the eyes.
Astigmatism
An astigmatism can be present on its own or it can be another problem in addition to myopia or hyperopia. If someone has an astigmatism, their cornea may be shaped asymmetrically instead of like a perfect dome. This causes light entering the eye to focus incorrectly.
Roholt Vision Institute offers a variety of treatments for astigmatism. Astigmatism can’t always be treated with corrective lenses, but there are other techniques available. Common techniques for correcting astigmatism include Limbal Relaxing Incisions, Conductive Keratoplasty, and Lasik. The specific treatment used will vary from patient to patient depending on the shape of your cornea, and other vision issues you may have.
If you’d like to learn more about treatments for astigmatism, schedule an appointment at the Roholt Vision Institute.
Posted in: Eye Care