Do You Have a Refractive Error? We Can Help

Refractive errors are a group of very common eye conditions that many people experience in the UK. Many refractive errors affect children as young as 6, and stay with them well into adulthood. In this blog post, we will be discussing the different types of refractive errors and the treatment options available. If you suspect that you or your child may have a refractive error then it’s important to visit your local optician as they can help fix this issue before it worsens. 

The different types of refractive errors 

Here are the common refractive errors that most people are already familiar with. If you have any of the following symptoms you should visit your optician as soon as you can.

Myopia

More commonly known as short-sightedness, myopia is a common refractive error that is characterised by not being able to see things at a distance clearly. Those with myopia report having blurred vision when trying to concentrate on objects far away from them. 

The main symptoms of myopia include: blurred vision, headaches, rubbing eyes, difficulty concentrating on things at a distance. These are the key symptoms to watch out for in children too, as myopia is a common eye condition that affects young children. Myopia usually develops anywhere between 6-13 years old. 

Hyperopia 

The opposite of myopia, hyperopia (or commonly called far-sightedness) is when those affected struggle to see things up close to them. This condition affects being able to read things up close, or concentrate on objects nearby. However, objects in the distance are still seen clearly. 

The symptoms of hyperopia are similar to that of myopia and other refractive errors. The main symptoms are: blurred vision on objects up close, headaches, eye strain, difficulty concentrating on tasks up close.

Astigmatism 

This refractive error occurs when light enters the eye and focuses on more than one place on the retina. This results in blurred vision, especially in dim lighting. Those with astigmatism often struggle driving at night due to glares, which is very dangerous. If you suspect you have astigmatism you need to visit your local optician and receive treatment before you can drive again.

The symptoms of astigmatism include: blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, squinting, and difficulty seeing clearly at night.

Why do refractive errors happen?

Refractive errors occur due to having a misshapen eyeball or cornea. If your eyeball is too long or short, this causes eye conditions such as myopia and hyperopia. Having a misshapen cornea is the cause of astigmatism.

Treatment for refractive errors 

Corrective lenses are the best option when it comes to treating refractive errors. Here at R Woodfall, our optician practices offer a range of quality lenses, contact lenses, and frames to provide you with the best support. 
For more information about refractive errors and the treatment options we offer, contact our friendly team today.

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