Preventing Refractive Errors In Your Vision
When They Occur
Refractive errors occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye.
This results in blurry vision at various distances, depending on the specific type of error.
Main Types of Refractive Errors
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Schedule comprehensive eye exams with your doctor every two years, or more often if you’re at increased risk.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can benefit overall eye health.
Astigmatism
Controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, and other relevant conditions can reduce the risk of complications like glaucoma.
Presbyopia
This age-related condition affects everyone over 40 and makes it difficult to focus on near objects due to the natural stiffening of the lens inside the eye. It’s not technically a refractive error but impacts focusing ability like the others.
Symptoms of Refractive Errors
Blurry vision at near, far, or any distance
Squinting to see clearly
Headaches
Eye strain
Difficulty reading or focusing on tasks
Possible Causes of Refractive Errors
Genetics
Refractive errors often run in families.
Eye development
The shape of your eye can change as you grow, sometimes leading to refractive errors.
External factors
Injuries, eye diseases, and certain medications can also contribute.
Treatment for Refractive Errors
There’s no cure for refractive errors, but they can be effectively corrected with:
Eyeglasses
Lenses that bend light rays to focus them correctly on the retina.
Contact Lenses
Thin plastic discs worn directly on the eye that work similarly to eyeglasses.
Laser Surgery
Procedures like LASIK reshape the cornea to improve the way light focuses on the retina.
Intraocular Lenses
Implants surgically placed inside the eye to replace a cloudy lens (cataract surgery) or adjust focusing power.
More ways to treat Refractive Errors
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent refractive errors from developing in your vision. This is because they are often caused by the shape of your eye, cornea, or lens, or changes to these parts of your eyes, which are mostly determined by genetics and natural development. However, there are things you can do to promote overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of certain refractive errors worsening.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to eye health.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve blood flow and potentially benefit eye health.
Smoking cessation: Smoking can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and other eye problems
Protect your eyes from UV rays
Wear sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage, which can contribute to cataracts and other issues.
Maintain good eye hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly: Before touching your eyes, especially before handling contact lenses or applying eye makeup, to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Regular eye exams: Schedule regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can diagnose and address any vision problems early on, potentially slowing their progression.
Be mindful of digital eye strain
Take breaks: When using digital devices like phones and computers, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes and reduce strain.
Adjust screen brightness and contrast: Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screens to a comfortable level to reduce eye strain.
Consider using blue light filters: Some devices and screen protectors offer blue light filters, which may help reduce eye strain associated with blue light exposure.
Be aware of family history
If you have a family history of refractive errors, you may be more predisposed to developing them. Discussing this with your eye doctor can help them monitor your vision more closely.
Remember, even with these steps, refractive errors may still develop. However, focusing on overall eye health and early detection can help you maintain good vision throughout your life.
It’s important to get regular eye exams to diagnose and address refractive errors early. With proper correction, you can enjoy clear vision and prevent unnecessary strain on your eyes.
If you have any questions about how your eyes can benefit from the suggestions above, or if you have concerns about your eyes, feel free to call our office with any additional questions regarding your situation.
Thank you for choosing Fillmore Eye Clinic!
Call our office at:
1-800-323-4764
