COMMON REFRACTIVE ERRORS
In order to see clearly, images must come to a focus at the retina. Conditions listed below, whether they occur genetically or acquired later in life, may develop and compromise one’s ability to see clearly. Therefore, a refraction is performed to determine your refractive error. We can then provide eyeglass prescriptions to correct your ability to focus properly. These refractive errors can also be corrected with contact lenses or surgery.

Myopia / Near-sightedness
Images come to a focus in front of the retina. As a result, near vision may be clear but distance vision is blurry.

Hyperopia / Far-sightedness
Images come to a focus behind the retina. As a result, the eyes have to work harder for near vision than for distance vision.

Astigmatism
Occurs when the surfaces of the eye have a steeper curve in one meridian and flatter curve in the other (similar shape to a football or back of a spoon). This causes images to focus at different planes relative to the retina resulting in blurry vision.

Presbyopia
A condition that everyone experiences as they get older usually around 40-50 years old. Over time, it becomes more difficult for the focusing system in the eye to work as well as before. As a result, the near vision becomes blurrier and the eyes feel more strained.