Horizon Vision Centers Medical Group (800) 921.2020

Why Horizon Vision Center

Refractive Errors

Refraction refers to the way the eye bends light rays into focus. In an eye, the shape of the cornea, the power of the lens, and the length of the eye are the three focusing components that determine where the light rays focus within the eye. When conjoined accurately, these components produce clear unaided vision. However, many eyes do not have clear vision due to hereditary or developmental factors in the cornea, lens, or the length of the eye. As a result, variations in these factors can result in one or more of several focusing problems, called refractive errors.

MYOPIA

You may be familiar with the term myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Myopia is the result of an eyeball which is too long, or a cornea which is too curved. In both cases, light rays entering your eye fall short of the retina, and objects in the distance appear blurred. If you have this condition, you are not alone; more than 70 million people in North America have myopia.

HYPEROPIA

Hyperopia, or farsightedness is the opposite of myopia. Here, your eye is too short or your cornea is less curved. Consequently, light rays entering your eye fall behind the retina. This results in blurred vision which is worse at near distances than far.

The Cause of Hyperopia (requires Real Player)

ASTIGMATISM

Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is shaped like a football with two different curvatures. Images appear blurred or ghostlike because light rays are refracted unequally. In extreme cases, images both near and far, appear blurred. Many people who have myopia also have astigmatism.

The Cause of Astigmatism requires Real Player)