Do you know what’s causing your vision impairment?

Being able to see something is caused by a scientific term known as refraction. Refraction is where light is bent as it passes through one object to another. Light passes through the eye lens and cornea and is then focused to the retina. Those light rays are then focused into messages, which are transferred to the brain via the optic nerve. This is a LOT of information but how that light is refracted is the source of many common vision conditions. Read on to find out more!

Astigmatism

The best way to describe astigmatism is to think of the curves of a basketball and a football. A normal cornea is shaped similarly to the basketball, which means it’s more rounded. An eye with astigmatism is curved more towards the edges like a football. Light passes through the round cornea more evenly than the oblong football shaped. People with astigmatism suffer from blurry, distorted vision, headaches, and usually have to squint often. They also have issues driving at night.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Approximately 25% of the American population has been diagnosed with myopia. Nearsightedness occurs when the eye is too elongated or an abnormal cornea or lens. Light is refracted in front of the retina instead of onto the retina itself. Either way, blurry vision and difficulty with distance vision (such as street signs) is very common.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. Where nearsighted people have light focused before the retina, farsighted people have light focused past the retina. The eyeball being too short or the cornea or lens being shaped abnormally causes this condition. Most patients experience squinting and blurry vision, particularly when trying to see something close up.

So now that you know a little more about common vision conditions, we want to take the time to tell you that LASIK can help correct them ALL! Our team has extensive experience in dealing with all kinds of refractive vision issues. However, setting up your free consultation is the only way to determine if LASIK is right for you. Call us today or fill out our online form to make an appointment. Give yourself the gift of better vision and a life free of contacts and eyeglasses today!