If you’ve paid a visit to the eye doctor lately, you may have heard the terms nearsighted and farsighted. Known as refractive eye conditions, these disorders impact your ability to see far and near, and usually require corrective solutions like eyeglasses or contact lenses for treatment. The following information sheds some light on refractive eye disorders and how your vision can be improved.

Nearsightedness

If you have trouble driving or watching TV from a distance, you could be nearsighted (also known as myopia). This condition occurs when the cornea or lens is oddly shaped, or when the eyeball is too long. As a result, images will focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. With mild cases of myopia, a person may only need to wear corrective lenses when doing certain activities. In more severe cases, your eye doctor will recommend that corrective lenses are worn for most of the day.

Farsightedness

Images viewed close up can also be distorted. This is known as farsightedness, which occurs because the eyeball is too short or because the cornea or lens is abnormally shaped. Vision changes are common for many people as they age, which could mean that you have more trouble seeing clearly up close as you grow older. Corrective lenses are usually sufficient for addressing farsightedness.

Astigmatism

Also resulting from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, astigmatism can impact your vision at all distances. Along with distorted sight, this condition can also be accompanied by eye strain, squinting, headaches, and eye irritation. While it’s often passed down genetically, astigmatism may also result from an eye injury. If you’ve recently suffered such an injury, it’s best to make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.

In Cincinnati, Eye Care Locale offers patients in-depth information on their eye health. Once these eye doctors have made a diagnosis, they will offer an eye care solution to improve your vision. They also provide a wide range of eyewear and a service plan in the event your glasses break. Schedule an appointment today by calling (513) 251-9464. If you’d like more information to prepare for your first visit, be sure to check out their website.