Emmetropia (Normal Vision)

Emmetropia simply means that there is no eye correction needed.  Images from distant objects focus clearly on the retina, and the lens is able to increase its power to focus close objects too.

Myopia (Short sightedness)

Myopia means that objects near the eye are clear but distant objects are blurred.  This occurs because the distance from the front to the back of the eye is too long or the natural lens is too powerful.  The lens focuses images at a point in front of the retina, which means that they become blurred when they reach the retina.

This is corrected with a CONCAVE lens (also referred to as a minus powered lens) which changes the focus so that images are focused precisely on the retina.

Hypermetropia or Hyperopia (Long sightedness)

Hypermetropia means that distant objects may be clear. Objects near the eye are blurred.  This occurs because the distance from the front to the back of the eye is short or the natural lens is too weak in power.  The lens focuses images at a point behind the retina, which means that images at the retina are blurred.

This is corrected with a CONVEX lens (also referred to as a plus powered lens) which changes the focus so that images are focused precisely on the retina.

Presbyopia or Aging sight

As our bodies age we generally notice bits of us don’t bend as well, and muscles don’t work as well. The eye is no exception after the age of 40 – 45 the lens begins to become less pliable and the cillary muscles are less strong resulting in an inability to pull the lens into a more powerful shape. This in turn means the eye can no longer pull distance focus back to reading distances.

It can be corrected by using reading spectacles, bifocals or progressives.

Astigmatism

This is a common condition which is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the eye surface (cornea or lens) i.e. the eye surface is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. This means that light passing through different regions of the cornea or lens is refracted or bent to different points of focus.  Part of the image falling on the retina is blurred whilst another part will be in focus. This is corrected with a TORIC / CYLINDRICAL lens.

Strabismus  or Squint

This is a condition where one eye appears to turn in, out, up or down compared to the other eye. The condition is usually treated by eye exercise, wearing a patch or, in some cases, minor surgery.