Vision Problems in Adults
Refractive Errors
Myopia
Myopia is the medical term for "nearsightedness," a condition in which the eyes clearly see objects up close but not in the distance. Myopia is usually an inherited trait and is oftentimes found in children between the ages of 8 and 12. Myopia less commonly manifests itself in adulthood. It is a misconception that excessive reading, computer use, and diet causes or affects myopia. Myopia is easily correctable with glasses or contact lenses. For some patients, laser vision correction may be an option.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia is the opposite condition to myopia and is known as "farsightedness." Instead of an ability to see near objects better than far, the hyperopic eye sees far objects better than near. Hyperopia is easily correctable with glasses or contact lenses, and laser vision correction is available in some cases.
LeARN about glasses & contacts
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a distortion of light as it passes through the cornea. An astigmatic eye is not round but shaped more like a football, causing images to be distorted or tilted. Astigmatism is correctable with corrective lenses, and, in some cases, laser vision correction with specialty intraocular lenses may be an option.
LEARN ABOUT SPECIALTY INTRAOCULAR LENSES
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related disorder caused by a loss of focusing power in the eyes. Nearsighted people may need to add bifocals to their corrective lenses, and some people who have never had to wear glasses before may need to start wearing reading glasses. Non-prescription "readers" are widely available but are not created specifically for the individual and may cause headaches or rub uncomfortably on the ears. Some people with mild nearsightedness may only need to remove their corrective lenses to read or do close work.
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