Common Eye Problems

The eye’s ability to focus light depends on three elements: the curvature of the cornea, the power of the lens and the length of the eye. If these elements are perfectly coordinated, light is focused onto the retina and you see clearly. If these elements are not perfectly coordinated, various refractive problems may occur.

Myopia | Hyperopia | Astigmatism | Presbyopia | Monovision

Myopia - Nearsightedness

With myopia, or nearsightedness, near objects are seen more clearly than distant objects. It occurs when the eye is relatively too long, or when the corneal curvature is relatively too steep. As a result, the image falls in front of the retina, and is seen as a blurred image.

To treat myopia, laser vision correction removes central corneal tissue. This decreases the central curvature of the cornea and allows light rays to be focused further back in the eye, onto the retina.

Back to Top

Hyperopia - Farsightedness

With hyperopia, or farsightedness, near objects are initially seen as blurred. Eventually, distant objects will also become blurred. It occurs when the eye is relatively too short, or when the corneal curvature is too flat. As a result, the image is focused behind the eye and is blurred. Laser vision correction selectively removes peripheral (outer) corneal tissue, increasing the central corneal curvature. This allows the image to now be focused within the eye onto the retina.

Back to Top

Astigmatism

With astigmatism, both near and far vision are blurred. It occurs when the cornea is oval instead of round, and has more than one focal (focus) point. The light rays from these focal points form a blurred image on the retina, causing blurred vision for both near and distant objects.

Laser vision correction removes specific areas of corneal tissue to equalize and round the curvature of the cornea. This forms one focal point instead of multiple ones.

Back to Top

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition that typically begins when we reach our mid-40’s. As we age, the lens of our eye hardens, and loses its natural ability to focus on close objects as we age. With time, the lens continues to harden, making it more difficult to see objects within arms length. It is usually corrected with reading glasses or bifocals. Although ongoing research is continuing, presbyopia presently cannot be corrected with a laser procedure. If you require reading glasses prior to laser vision correction, you will need them afterwards. If you do not yet need them, you may require them in the future.

Back to Top

Monovision

This term describes a laser technique where one eye is treated for distance and the other for near. This technique may delay or decrease your need for reading glasses, but not necessarily eliminate it. If you presently have monovision with your contact lenses, you may wish to discuss this option with your eye doctor. Some patients adapt easily to monovision while others do not. For more information, discuss monovision with your eye doctor or eye surgeon.

Back to Top

Click Here To Book A Complimentary Assessment