Refractive error (ametropia)
Refractive errors are among the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. They occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina. Depending on the type of refractive error, vision may be blurry up close, far away, or in both ranges.
The most common types include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. In most cases, refractive errors can be corrected very effectively—for example, with glasses, contact lenses, or, depending on the individual situation, with modern refractive procedures such as laser or lens treatments.
Common symptoms
Vision problems often develop gradually. Many people get used to having impaired vision over a long period of time and don't realize until it's too late that they need corrective measures.
Typical signs may include:
- blurred vision at a distance or up close
- frequent squinting
- Headaches, especially after reading or working at a computer
- tired, strained, or burning eyes
- Difficulty driving, especially at night
- blurred vision when reading small print
- Difficulty switching between near and far vision
- Sensitivity to light or rapid eye fatigue
In children, vision problems may also be indicated by difficulty concentrating, frequent blinking, holding books or screens too close to the eyes, or an unusual head posture.
Refractive errors
Possible causes
Refractive errors occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina—usually due to the interaction between the length of the eyeball, the cornea, and the lens.
Nearsightedness / Myopia
Distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision is usually fine.
Farsightedness / Hyperopia
It becomes more difficult to see up close, which can lead to eye strain or headaches.
Astigmatism
An irregular corneal curvature causes distorted or blurry vision at both near and far distances.
Age-related farsightedness / Presbyopia
Starting around age 40, the lens loses its elasticity. Reading up close becomes increasingly difficult.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis is made through an eye exam. During the exam, visual acuity and prescription values are determined. Depending on the symptoms, the cornea, lens, retina, or intraocular pressure may also be examined.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the vision problem, as well as on individual needs. Common options include:
Glasses
The simplest and most common type of corrective eyewear—such as distance glasses, reading glasses, computer glasses, or progressive lenses.
Contact lenses
A good alternative to glasses, especially for sports, severe vision problems, or cosmetic reasons. Professional fitting, regular checkups, and proper hygiene are important.
Refractive Surgery
Depending on the diagnosis, surgical procedures such as laser eye surgery, implantable contact lenses, or lens replacement may also be considered. Whether such a treatment is appropriate depends, among other things, on the stability of the refractive error, corneal thickness, age, eye health, and individual expectations. Not every type of refractive error is suitable for every procedure.
What you can do yourself
Refractive errors cannot be corrected through eye exercises or home remedies. However, you can reduce the strain on your eyes in your daily life by using the correct prescription for glasses or contact lenses, ensuring good lighting, getting regular eye exams, and taking regular breaks when working at a computer.
The following are helpful:
- Regular eye exams and checkups with an ophthalmologist
- the correct prescription for glasses or contact lenses
- Good lighting for reading and working
- Taking intentional breaks while working at a computer
- Keep a safe distance from your computer screen, tablet, and smartphone
- Spending time outdoors, especially for children and adolescents
- proper contact lens hygiene
- Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing appropriate sunglasses
Also, make sure to maintain a safe distance from computer screens, tablets, and smartphones, practice good contact lens hygiene, and use effective UV protection. Early screening is especially important for children, as undiagnosed vision problems can interfere with reading, concentration, and development.
Refractive errors cannot be corrected through eye exercises or home remedies. However, you can give your eyes a break in your daily routine and reduce discomfort.
When is an evaluation recommended?
It’s a good idea to see an eye doctor if your vision has gotten worse, you’re getting headaches more often, your eyes get tired easily, or your current glasses no longer work well enough.
Please make an appointment, especially if your vision suddenly worsens, you experience double vision, see flashes of light, black spots, or shadows, have pain or severe redness, or if your children are reading from an unusually close distance or frequently squinting.
An early examination provides clarity and helps you find the right solution—for clear, relaxed, and confident vision in your daily life.
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Common Eye Problems and Conditions
Our eyes are put under a lot of strain every day. Symptoms such as dry, red, or tired eyes, blurred vision, pain, or a sudden decline in vision should be taken seriously and evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Many eye conditions can now be detected early and treated effectively—timely diagnosis is key.
Preventive Care & Eye Exams – Regular Checkups and Early Detection
Regular eye exams help detect changes in the eye at an early stage—often before symptoms become noticeable. Conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, in particular, often develop gradually.
Poor eyesight
Refractive errors are among the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. They occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina. Depending on the type of refractive error, vision may be blurry up close, far away, or in both ranges. The most common types include:
- Nearsightedness / Myopia: Clear up close, blurry at a distance
- Farsightedness / Hyperopia: Distance vision is usually better, while near vision is blurry
- Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision
- Presbyopia: difficulty reading and seeing up close starting around age 40
Refractive errors can usually be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or other methods.
Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions and is caused by insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface. Thanks to simple and effective treatment approaches, most patients can find relief quickly. Treating dry eye is an important part of our work, and we always tailor our care to the individual needs of each patient.
Vision problems & sudden vision loss
Vision problems can have many causes—ranging from harmless, temporary issues to serious eye conditions. In particular, a sudden decline in vision should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is crucial in some cases.
Cataracts
Cataracts, medically known as cataracts, are a natural ageing process that causes the natural lens of the eye to become cloudy. This clouding can impair vision and requires expert assessment and surgical treatment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It is often caused by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent potential blindness.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases that affect the macula - a crucial area of the retina that is responsible for central vision.
This region allows us to see fine details such as letters when reading, faces, colors and more. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can occur in dry and wet forms.
In addition, certain factors such as diabetes, circulatory disorders of the retina or severe short-sightedness can increase the risk of macular diseases.
Corneal diseases
Corneal diseases affect the clear front layer of the eye and can significantly impair vision.
Common forms include:
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea, often accompanied by redness, pain, and blurred vision
- Keratoconus: Thinning and deformation of the cornea
- Corneal dystrophies: mostly genetically caused opacities
- Changes associated with dry eye: superficial damage caused by insufficient lubrication
- Age-related changes: for example, corneal guttata or Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
An accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment and preserving vision as much as possible.
Eyelid Disorders
Eyelid disorders include various types of inflammation, deformities, and changes in the eyelids. These include styes, chalazia, blepharitis, contact allergies, drooping eyelids, ptosis, eyelid deformities, and benign or malignant changes in the eyelids.
Retinal laser
Retinal laser treatment is used to specifically treat pathological changes in the retina—such as retinal holes, retinal tears, or vascular changes associated with diabetes. The goal is to stabilize the retina, prevent further damage, and preserve vision as much as possible.
YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification
After cataract surgery, vision may gradually deteriorate again. A common cause is what is known as a secondary cataract. This occurs when the posterior lens capsule—which remains in the eye after surgery and helps stabilize the artificial lens—becomes cloudy.
Dr. med. (I) Avraham Dishy
FMH specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery
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