Types of Eye Vision Problems

Normal vision involves incoming light rays focusing precisely on the eye's retina. Common vision problems occur when the light rays don't reach the retina. There are several different types of eye vision problems.

Myopia

• Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when eyes have too much focusing power, which results in blurred distant objects. Myopic conditions are caused by long eyeballs or steep corneas.

Hyperopia

• Hyperopia, commonly referred to as farsightedness, results in distorted close vision. A hyperopic condition occurs when a cornea is flat or an eyeball is too short.

Astigmatism

• Astigmatic eyes have uneven surfaces or oblong corneas, which results in more than one focal point. This hereditary condition causes blurred vision and can accompany myopia or hyperopia.

Presbyopia

• Presbyopia makes it hard to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is a natural aging process that causes hardened eye lenses and weakened eye muscles.

Other Vision Problems

• Glaucoma involves increased pressure in the eye, which causes loss of side vision, blind spots and poor night vision. Cataracts cloud the eye's lens, which results in poor nighttime vision, glare sensitivity and halos around lights.