What Are Some Common Vision Problems?

There are many common vision problems that cause blurry and distorted vision. These problems can affect every aspect of your life by limiting your ability to read, drive, and do many other day to day tasks. Not being able to see clearly can have deeper mental and physical effects including a decreased level of autonomy and safety risks to you and others when operating vehicles or machinery. It is important to know what vision problems look like so you can mitigate these issues and receive proper eye care. Some common vision problems include

• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea or lens has an abnormal shape. In simpler terms, it would be as if a ball that was supposed to be perfectly spherical, was shaped like a football. This irregular shape causes blurry vision both near and far. Doctors do not know why corneas can be shaped irregularly but they do know it is not cause for a serious concern. Astigmatism is very common among the population because it is inherited from generation to generation. It is also possible to develop astigmatism from eye injuries, eye diseases, or after surgical procedures. Signs you might have astigmatism include blurry vision, headaches from squinting, and eye strain. If you align with any of these problems, schedule an eye exam as soon as you can. Your eye doctor will recommend correcting your astigmatism with eye glasses, contact lenses, or surgical procedures such as LASIK. 
• Hyperopia: Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia is a refractive disorder in the eye meaning it is unable to bend light properly due to its shape. A person with Hyperopia will see clearly from far away but near vision is blurry. In day to day life, this condition can make it difficult to read up close. If you are experiencing blurry vision when reading, eye strain, or headaches from squinting, call an optometrist and schedule an appointment for an eye exam. The doctor can correct your Hyperopia with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgeries such as LASIK.
• Myopia: Myopia is the reverse condition of Hyperopia. It is a refractive error that causes people to see clearly up close, but far away appears blurry. A real life example, often portrayed in the media, is when people are sitting in the back of a classroom and can read the paper in front of them but cannot read what the teacher is writing on the board. If far away objects appear blurry to you, it’s possible you have myopia. Contact your local eye doctor today and schedule an eye exam to correct your vision. Solutions your doctor will give you include prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgical procedures like LASIK. 
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia can look similar to hyperopia in that it makes it difficult to see close objects however, presbyopia is caused by age and not irregular eye shape. As we age, our eyes become less flexible making it harder to focus on objects, especially those close up. Presbyopia is not curable but can be corrected using reading glasses, bifocal glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Contact your eye doctor today to find the best option for handling your presbyopia.