According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, millions of Americans experience different types of refractive error. This common eye problem occurs in patients of all ages, and most can have one or more of these vision problems.
What Are Refractive Errors?
This type of vision problem happens when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing on your retina. The shape of your eye changes as you age or when you have long or short eyeballs. You should set an appointment with your optometrist in Vienna, VA, when you experience these symptoms:
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Glare around bright lights
- Haziness
What Are the Types of Refractive Errors?
There are four types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, happens when you see nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurry. Instead of light focusing on the retina, it focuses just in front of it.
Hyperopia, on the other hand, is the opposite of myopia. Some patients, however, do not notice any change in vision, especially at a young age. It is important that you schedule an exam with your trusted eye doctor in Reston, VA, to diagnose hyperopia properly.
When objects look blurry or stretched out, you may have astigmatism. This happens when your eyes do not focus light evenly on the retina. Presbyopia occurs mostly in adults aged 35 years and older. This is when you find focusing on nearby objects.
How Do You Treat Refractive Errors?
If you experience any signs of vision problems, you should set an appointment with Vienna Eyecare Center. We treat vision problems through surgery or contact lenses and eyeglasses in McLean, VA. Laser-assisted in site keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a surgical procedure that reshapes your cornea. This is a permanent solution to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Our prescription glasses can also help correct vision problems for children, adults, and seniors. We carry quality frames and lenses from the top brands on the market. We also offer corneal reshaping through orthokeratology lenses.
You can prevent vision problems as early as today when you schedule an exam with us. Call us at (703) 938-7633 to set an appointment. You can also fill out our contact form.