What are Reflective errors

Overview

• Refractive errors are common eye disorders related to the focusing ability of your eyes.
• If you have this type of eye condition, you will find it difficult to see clearly because your eyes cannot focus properly.
• When you look at an object, the light rays it reflects are refracted through the clear, outermost layer of the eye—called the cornea—onto an inner lens. The lens then focuses light onto the retina, a layer of light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye.
• The retina converts patterns of light into electrical signals and sends these signals to the brain through the optic nerve.
• In the brain, these signals are recognized as images of the objects you see around you.
• If you have a refractive error, the image is not focused exactly on the retina and the object appears blurred.
• Changes to your vision usually occur gradually and they may not be detected until you have an eye test.

What are the types of Refractive errors

1. Myopia - difficulty seeing objects at a far distance.
2. Hyperopia - distant objects are easier to see clearly than nearby objects.
3. Astigmatism - caused by an unusually shaped cornea
4. Presbyopia - Age-related inability to focus at near.

What are the symptoms of refractive error

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Reduced Concentration

How Are Refractive Errors Diagnosed?

• This is done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• The specific test is called a refraction.
• Your eye healthcare professional will also check other aspects of your eye health and vision when you go for an eye test.
• Regular eye tests will detect refractive errors or other changes.

Can a Refractive Error be Cured?

*Currently there is no cure for refractive errors.

However, there are ways to improve your vision. These include:

• Wearing glasses – a simple and safe way to correct your vision.
• Wearing contact lenses – these are worn directly on the eye.
• Having laser surgery – using a laser beam to change the shape of your cornea.
• Having intraocular lens surgery – your lens is replaced with an artificial lens called intraocular lens.