Correcting Vision Defects

Types of Vision Defects

Vision defects occur when the eye does not refract light properly onto the retina.
The three most common types of vision defects are myopia, hypermetropia, and presbyopia.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is when the eye is too long so light from distant objects is focused before it reaches the retina.
Hypermetropia, or long-sightedness, is when the eye is too short so light from close objects is focused behind the retina.
Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the lens becomes too stiff to change shape easily, preventing it from focusing on close objects.

Corrective Lenses

Vision defects can be corrected using lenses that refract light onto the retina properly.
Concave lenses are used to correct myopia. These lenses spread out light rays so they can be focused onto the retina.
Convex lenses are used to correct hypermetropia. These lenses bring light rays closer together to ensure they focus on the retina.
Bifocal lenses have two different parts: the top part corrects for distance vision and the bottom part corrects for near vision, making them useful for people with presbyopia.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a more permanent solution to correcting vision defects.
In this procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea - the clear outer layer of the eye - to change how it refracts light onto the retina.
This can correct both myopia, by making the cornea flatter, and hypermetropia, by making it steeper.
While laser eye surgery can have side effects and possible complications, it offers a lasting solution that means glasses or contact lenses may no longer be needed.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses work in the same way as glasses, but they sit directly on the surface of the eye.
They can be used to correct myopia, hypermetropia, and presbyopia, and they offer a wider field of vision than glasses.
However, they require careful maintenance to prevent eye infections and other problems.

Remember, while both glasses and contact lenses provide effective temporary correction, laser eye surgery offers the potential for more permanent resolution. Always consult with an optometrist to decide which method suits your individual needs depending on the type and severity of your vision defect.