Sankara Nethralaya
Sankara Nethralaya
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What is Refractive Error?

Normally, the rays of light entering the eye are brought to a precise focus on the retina – the light sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. When such a focus is not achieved, a refractive error results and vision is not clear. These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive errors.

The common refractive errors are:

Myopia, or Nearsightedness;
Hyperopia, or Farsightedness;
A myopic eye is longer than normal or has a cornea that is too steep, as a result of which the light rays focus in front of the retina. Close objects look clear, but distant objects appear blurred.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness):
Hyperopia is a term used to describe the condition of farsightedness. The causes of hyperopia are typically genetic and involve an eye that is too short or a cornea that is too flat, as a result of which images focus at a point behind the Retina. People with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but have trouble focussing on nearby objects
Astigmatism (Distorted vision):
courtesy : Allergan ; Eye Calender
ASTIGMATISM (cylindrical error) occurs when the incoming light rays are unable to reach a common focus within the eye. Astigmatism distorts or blurs vision for both near and far objects. The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. A normal cornea is round and smooth, like a basketball. When you have astigmatism, the cornea curves more in one direction than in the other, like a football. It is possible to have astigmatism in combination with myopia or hyperopia.