What You Need to Know About Refractive Error

A refractive error is a common eye condition characterized by reduced visual acuity or image clarity of a person’s vision. It is a disability that afflicts a significant part of the population anywhere around the world.

A refractive error occurs when the shape of the eye interferes with light (reflecting an object or scene) it sees as it passes through it. The interference causes an incorrect focus of the seen image on the retina (back of the eye) which transmits the information to the brain.

The three most common types of refractive errors are: Myopia (Nearsightedness), Hyperopia (Farsightedness) and astigmatism (from an irregularly shaped cornea). All of these conditions cause light rays to focus everywhere but on the retina.

Refractive errors are diagnosed by an ophthalmologist by conducting an eye examination. While the most frequent and easiest fix to correct this error is for patients to wear corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, these methods only provide temporal relief of the condition. Some people have opted for a more permanent solution to these conditions using Refractive Laser Surgery.

The St. Luke’s Vision Laser Service is a total refractive surgery center capable of treating a wide range of refractive errors: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia. The unit is composed of highly trained experts who have performed thousands of laser refractive surgeries with outstanding outcomes at par with the best refractive surgery centers in the world. Let our experts guide you in determining the best long-term fix for refractive errors. Call the Vision Laser Service at 789-7700 ext. 2020.