Common Vision Problems

There are many commonly occurring conditions that affect the complex functions of our vision. These can occur at any age, and are the most common reasons people are prescribed glasses or contact lenses.

Some common vision problems:

• Nearsightedness (myopia) – This term describes someone who is able to see near

  Near vision: Refers to focal points that are typically 16 inches or closer to your eyes. This is also known as "reading vision." Items that typically fall within the near range of vision are books, newspapers, and medicine bottles.

   objects well, but has difficulty seeing objects that are farther away. Nearsightedness is the result of light rays becoming focused before they reach the retina

  Retina: The transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain.

  . This can happen if your eyeball is too long, or if your crystalline lens

  Crystalline lens: Structure inside the eye that help to bring rays of light to a focus on the retina.

   has too much power to focus.

• Farsightedness (hyperopia) – This term describes a person who is able to see distant

  Distance vision: Refers to focal points that are typically 7 feet or further from your eyes. Items that typically fall within the distance range of vision are billboards, street signs, and movie screens.

   objects well, but has difficulty seeing objects that are close up. Farsightedness is caused by light rays becoming focused after they've passed through the retina

  Retina: The transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain.

  . This can happen if your eyeball is too short, or if your crystalline lens

  Crystalline lens: Structure inside the eye that help to bring rays of light to a focus on the retina.

   has too little focusing power.

• Astigmatism – Astigmatism results in the blurring of images, whether they are near or far. This usually occurs when the eyeball is shaped like a football – with a steep curve in one direction and a flatter curve in the other – rather than round, like a basketball. This uneven shape causes light rays entering the eye to focus on more than one point, rather than focusing on the retina

  Retina: The transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain.

  .

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