Bonita Point Family Optometry
746 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 656-1081
Dr. Daniel L. Mason- Optometrist


MYOPIA, HYPEROPIA AND ASTIGMATISM-


BLURRY REASONS WE DON'T SEE

NORMAL EYE


MYPOPIA-(nearsighted)

Typically the distance vision is blurred but the close vision is still good (except in high degrees of myopia). This is caused by the front of the eye (cornea) having too much curvature or the eye being too long. A small percentage of people have myopia caused by a spasm of the eyes focusing system. The unit value used to measure the degree of myopia is called Diopters which relates to the power of the spectacle lenses used to correct it. For comparison purposes the average myopic person in the USA is approximately -3.00 diopters (minus refers to myopia). The higher this negative number the higher the degree of myopia. There are many treatment options for myopia including spectacles, contact lenses and surgical procedures.

HYPEROPIA- (farsighted)

Typically the near vision is blurred but the distance vision is still good (except in high degrees of hyperopia). It is caused by the front of the eye (cornea) having too little curvature or the eye being too short. The treatment options for hyperopia include spectacles and contact lenses. The unit value to describe the degree of Hyperopia is called Diopters. The dioptric values for hyperopia are noted as positive (+) values, whereas myopia are minus (-) values.There are some surgical techniques available however they are still mostly clinical trials.  There are many treatment options for hyperopia  including spectacles, contact lenses and surgical procedures. 

ASTIGMATISM- (no layman term commonly used)

Typically both the distance and the near vision is blurred with astigmatism. The front of the eye (cornea) has basically two different curvatures and in essence is warped. Any incoming light will not be clearly focused and thus the blured vision. The treatment options for astigmatism include spectacles, contact lenses (usually a toric lens or rigid gas permeable) and laser surgery.

last update 2/15/05