Refractive errors are a common eye condition that occurs when the eye’s shape prevents light from focusing directly on the back of the eye, resulting in blurry vision among other symptoms.

The term “refractive errors” refers to four conditions:

• Astigmatism. Objects up close and at a distance appear blurry.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness).  Close objects seem out of focus.
• Myopia (nearsightedness). Distant objects look out of focus.
• Presbyopia.  Close objects gradually appear out of focus with aging.
  Common Symptoms of Refractive Errors
• Problems with focusing and seeing details at any distance
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Eyestrain
• Squinting

Common Treatments for Refractive Errors

• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Corneal-based corrective laser surgery, such as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
• Lens-based surgery using a special intraocular lens implant

Refractive errors are among the most common vision issues, and you may be at higher risk if you have family members diagnosed with one.