The 4 Most Common Eye Conditions
Medically reviewed by Brad Boyle, OD – Written by Advanced Family Eye Care staff on December 3, 2020 – Last edited on May 31, 2023
Medically reviewed by Brad Boyle, OD – Written by Advanced Family Eye Care staff on December 3, 2020 – Last edited on May 31, 2023
There are many different types of eye conditions, but the 4 most common are definitely nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
These common conditions are all classified as refractive errors – which is when the shape of your eye results in blurred vision.
Here’s the scoop on these 4 common eye conditions.
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common eye condition characterized by difficulty seeing objects clearly from far away distances. It is estimated that roughly 42% of the population is nearsighted. Some obvious symptoms of nearsightedness include not being able to see the board at school, difficulty reading road signs at night, and just general blurry vision of objects from a distance. Nearsightedness can be diagnosed with a basic eye exam and corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is when you have difficulty seeing up close. While less common than nearsightedness, farsightedness still affects round 25% of the population. A farsightedness person may experience headaches and eye strain after prolonged periods of tasks such as reading or looking at their computer. Farsightedness can develop gradually or rapidly, often during childhood. Farsightedness can be easily diagnosed at your local eye clinic and remedied with eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is characterized by blurred or distorted vision from distance and near. Astigmatism results when the outer surface of the eye (cornea) has an irregular curve that mismatches with the lens of the eye. Astigmatism affects about 1 in 3 people in the United States and is often present at birth but may also develop later in life. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the ability to focus on up close images. Its onset begins around 40 and will continue to get worse around the age of 60. It is estimated that around of 25% of people will experience presbyopia as they age. Symptoms include a tendency to hold reading material farther away to increase focus, eye strain, and headaches. The good news is, presbyopia can be treated with some over the counter readers or prescription lenses.
The Bottom Line
Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia are the 4 most common eye conditions. They are all types of refractive errors. A refractive error is when the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in blurred vision.
These conditions are very prevalent and all easily treatable. If you are experiencing any sort of the above symptoms, stop in to your local eye clinic to get it checked out. View our Cedar Valley locations.
