Clear vision depends on how well the cornea and lens permit light rays to fall onto the retina (the light-sensitive nerve layer that lines the back of the eye).
If the cornea or eye shape is abnormal, vision can become blurry because light does not fall properly on the retina. Called a refractive error, an abnormal cornea shape can often be corrected by refractive eye surgery, which, in turn, corrects the vision problem.
Refractive errors can include
- myopia (nearsightedness)
- hyperopia (farsightedness)
- astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea which causes blurring)
- presbyopia (similar to hyperopia, a condition which causes the lens to harden).
The goal of most refractive eye surgeries is to reduce or eliminate a person’s dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive eye surgery is not for everyone. One type of surgery may be more suitable for one person than another. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis and to discuss which type of surgery, if any, may be appropriate for you.