Our Optometrist can help with Eye-Focusing Problems
Do you have an eye focus problem? Do you sometimes find yourself squinting to see things? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might need the help of an optometrist. Optometrists are trained professionals who can help you improve your vision and strengthen your eyesight. Here are some tips on how an optometrist at Ritz and Johnson of Ocala, FL, can fix your eye focus problem.
What are Refractive Errors?
There are several types of refractive errors, but they all have one thing in common. They cause light to be bent in the wrong way as it enters the eye. This bent light means it doesn't hit the back of the eye in the right place, and the image you see is blurry.
The most common type of refractive error is myopia or nearsightedness. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved. This malformation causes light to be focused in front of the retina instead of on it. If you're myopic, you can see things close fine, but objects in the distance are blurry.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is too flat. This condition causes light to be focused behind the retina instead of on it. If you're hyperopic you can see distant objects clearly, but close-up objects are blurry.
Astigmatism is another common type of refractive error. People with astigmatism have an eyeball shaped more like a football than a baseball, and this irregular shape prevents light from being focused evenly on the retina. As a result, vision can be blurred at any distance.
Presbyopia is a type of refractive error that occurs as you age. It is caused by a gradual loss of elasticity in the eye's lens, making it harder for the eye to focus on close-up objects. Presbyopia usually becomes apparent in people over 40.
Causes of Refractive Errors
There are several causes of refractive errors. One of the most common is an imbalance in the cornea's curvature, which is the eye's front surface. This imbalance in the curvature is caused by genetics, injury, and other factors. Another common cause is a change in the eyeball's shape, which can happen due to aging or other health conditions.
How Our Optometrist Can Help
If you're having trouble seeing things clearly, it might be time to book an appointment with an eye doctor. At Ritz and Johnson in Ocala, FL, we specialize in helping people with eye focus problems. We'll work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, we'll ensure you get the help you need.