Refractive errors are a common eye condition and the leading cause of visual impairment in Canadians. Simply put, this condition makes it hard to see clearly and often blurs your vision. Many factors, such as aging, eyeball shape, and astigmatism, can cause refractive errors. In this post, we’ll examine the leading causes of this condition and how regular eye exams can help combat it.
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Eyeball Length
The length of your eyeball should be approximately 24-25mm. Whether it’s longer or shorter, it can lead to refractive errors. These are categorized as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Farsightedness
If your eye grows shorter than 24mm from the front to the back, it is harder to see things closer to you. That is known as farsightedness or hyperopia. If you pick up a book, for example, you’ll have a more challenging time reading it than if you tried to read a whiteboard on the other side of a room. Typically, those that are farsighted are born with this refractive error.
Nearsightedness
Alternatively, if your eye grows longer than 25mm from the front to the back, it is harder to see at a distance, referred to as nearsightedness or myopia. For example, reading a book should be quite easy for you, but reading a street sign from a distance may cause you to squint since you can’t see it clearly. This type of refractive error can develop in kids around 10. Either because their parents are nearsighted or because kids spend more time looking at screens. Looking at screens too much as a child will cause their eyes not adequately to develop when looking at long distances.
Aging
Aging is one of the primary causes of refractive errors due to natural changes in the eyes over time. As adults reach their 40s, they may experience presbyopia, a condition where the eye’s lens becomes less flexible. This happens because the proteins in the lens start to break down, making it harder for the eye to focus on nearby objects. The condition typically progresses over time and may become more pronounced by age 60 or older.
Astigmatism
Ideally, we want our eyes to be perfectly round for clear vision. If the eye is football-shaped or elongated, like a spoon, causing light entering the eye to bend unevenly. This irregular curvature leads to distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Astigmatism can occur at any point in your life. You can be born with it or begin experiencing it as an adult.
Fixing Refractive Errors Starts with an Eye Exam
Our eye care professionals at Laurier Optical can assess if you have any refractive errors, what might be causing them and the best course of action to stop this condition from happening. Whether it’s a pair of glasses, contacts, or surgery, our clinic is here to help. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us today.