Refractive Errors | National Eye Institute (2024)

Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).

Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. More than 150 million Americans have a refractive error — but many don’t know that they could be seeing better. That’s why eye exams are so important.

If you have a refractive error, your eye doctor can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.

There are 4 common types of refractive errors:

• Nearsightedness (myopia) makes far-away objects look blurry
• Farsightedness (hyperopia) makes nearby objects look blurry
• Astigmatism can make far-away and nearby objects look blurry or distorted
• Presbyopia makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close

Learn more about the common types of refractive errors

The most common symptom is blurry vision. Other symptoms include:

• Double vision
• Hazy vision
• Seeing a glare or halo around bright lights
• Squinting
• Headaches
• Eye strain (when your eyes feel tired or sore)
• Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer

Some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. It’s important to get eye exams regularly — so your eye doctor can make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have these symptoms, you might need a new prescription. Talk to your eye doctor and get an eye exam if you are having trouble with your vision.

Anyone can have refractive errors, but you’re at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses.

Most types of refractive errors, like nearsightedness, usually start in childhood. Presbyopia is common in adults ages 45 and older.

Talk with your doctor about your risk for refractive errors, and ask how often you need to get checked.

Refractive errors can be caused by:

• Eyeball length (when the eyeball grows too long or too short)
• Problems with the shape of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye)
• Aging of the lens (an inner part of the eye that is normally clear and helps the eye focus)

Learn what to expect from a comprehensive dilated eye exam

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  Glasses. Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will prescribe the right eyeglass lenses to give you the clearest possible vision.

  Learn more about eyeglasses

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  Contacts. Contact lenses sit on the surface of your eyes and correct refractive errors. Your eye doctor will fit you for the right lenses and show you how to clean and wear them safely.

  Learn more about contact lenses

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  Surgery. Some types of surgery, like laser eye surgery, can change the shape of your cornea to fix refractive errors. Your eye doctor can help you decide if surgery is right for you.

  Learn more about eye surgery for refractive errors

Talk over your options with your eye doctor. Remember these tips:

• See your doctor for eye exams regularly
• Tell your doctor if your vision gets worse or if you are having problems with your glasses or contact lenses
• Encourage family members to get checked for refractive errors, since they can run in families

Refractive Errors Resources