Posted by: Caster Eye Center in eye health

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Vision problems occur when the eyes cannot properly focus light, leading to blurred or distorted sight. But what are the 4 main types of vision problems? In this article, we explore this question, discuss the causes of vision issues, and outline the eye care options available for clearer, healthier sight.

What Are the 4 Types of Vision Problems?

Refractive errors are among the most common vision problems known to the majority of people. Four types of refractive errors include:

Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when objects in the distance appear blurry and difficult to distinguish, while close objects remain clear. This happens when the shape of the eye causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops during childhood and tends to worsen through the teenage years as the eyes grow.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing myopia:

  • Genetics: children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop the condition.
  • Environmental causes, such as spending long hours reading, looking at screens, and having limited time outdoors.

Recent research has also shown that spending more time outdoors during childhood can reduce the risk of myopia progression, making lifestyle adjustments an important part of long-term eye health. 

Treatment or correction options for myopia include:

  • Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses: correct the way light enters the eye.
  • Refractive surgery such as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK (typically for adults): during this procedure, a surgeon uses a specialized laser to reshape the cornea so that light can focus correctly on the retina, improving vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a vision problem where nearby objects appear blurry while distant objects are seen more clearly. This condition can occur when the cornea has too slight curvature (does not bend light adequately) or the eyeball is shorter than normal (causes light to focus behind the retina). Hyperopia can be present at birth and may go unnoticed during childhood. However, the condition typically becomes more prominent as people age.

Treatment of hyperopia typically involves:

  • Corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses
  • Refractive surgery

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is manifested in blurriness or distortion of objects regardless of their nearness to you. This condition is caused by irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, which leads to multiple focal points rather than one clear image on the retina. Astigmatism can occur alongside myopia or hyperopia, making vision issues more complex. This condition is often inherited, so family history is a key risk factor. It can also develop after an eye injury, surgery, or certain eye diseases.

The most common corrective treatment for astigmatism is prescription lenses specially designed to balance the uneven curve of the cornea. In some cases, refractive surgery can also help achieve a clearer vision.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related vision problem that makes it difficult to see objects up close. Elderly people with presbyopia often struggle with reading, threading a needle, etc. Unlike other vision problems we discussed above, presbyopia is not caused by the shape of the eyeball but rather by a gradual loss of flexibility in the eye’s natural lens. Presbyopia typically begins to appear in the early to mid-40s and progresses slowly over time.

The most common solutions for presbyopia include:

  • Corrective reading glasses
  • Bifocals
  • Progressive lenses
  • Contact lenses
  • Surgical options, such as lens implants

Improve Your Vision at Caster Eye Center 

If you have any of the vision issues we talk about in this article, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced laser eye surgeon. Specialists at our clinic use state-of-the-art methods and equipment to help clients have long-lasting vision improvement. We are looking forward to your visit.