Vision problems, like refractive errors, may prevent you from carrying out your daily tasks. These refer to any structural irregularities within your eyes that may affect your image perception. Let your trusted eye doctor in Chambersburg, Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, discuss four common types and our suggested treatment.
1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
This happens when you have an elongated eyeball, a thick lens, or rigid or highly curved cornea. They may cause light that enters your eyes to deposit in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Difficulties seeing distant objects is the hallmark sign of this problem. Prescription eyewear and refractive surgeries may help correct this error.
2. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
As the opposite of myopia, this refractive error happens when you have an unusually short eyeball. A less curved cornea and thinner lens may also lead to this problem, directing the received light to the back portion of your retina. You may have a blurred close-range eyesight yet intact distant vision when this happens. We may suggest wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve your vision. We may also check if you can be a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
3. Astigmatism
Your eyeballs normally have a symmetrical round shape. In this visual acuity error, however, the cornea develops a football-like form. This may lead to uneven light distribution, producing blurred or distorted images when looking at objects up-close or at a distance. We may recommend using toric lenses as part of your management. Its sliced donut shape allows different refractive levels for your improved vision.
4. Presbyopia
A decline in your visual capacity may be expected as you age. Your lens may start to lose its flexibility, resulting in ineffective light bending. This could lead to focusing problems, particularly when looking at nearby objects. We may recommend using multifocal, bifocal, or progressive lenses for your viewing ease. Consultations with our low vision specialist may be beneficial for you as well.
For more information on vision problems and our corresponding services, call us at (717) 609-4443. You may also fill out our form to request a visit. We help PA families in Shippensburg, Greencastle, and other nearby Pennsylvania areas achieve better vision.