What Are Refractive Errors?Understanding eye short sightedness (Myopia), Eye Long Sightedness (Hyperopia) and Astigmatism

At EyePros, we believe that understanding your eye health shouldn't feel like trying to read the small print without your glasses on. So, let’s talk about something we see (pun mildly intended) every day in clinic: what are refractive errors and and the common symptoms like blurry vision causes, eye strain headaches, eye short sightedness, and eye long sightedness..

Blurry vision causes; If your vision is blurry, strained, or just not what it used to be, this might be why.

What are Refractive Errors?

A refractive error happens when the shape of your eye stops light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye that sends images to your brain.

Think of it like this: if your eye is a camera, a refractive error means the lens is slightly off and your photos (a.k.a. what you see) come out blurry.

There are three common types we diagnose and treat at EyePros:

1. Myopia (Eye short sightedness)

If you have eye short sightedness or struggle to read road signs but can read a menu just fine? That’s likely myopia.

What’s going on: Your eye is slightly too long, or your cornea curves too steeply, which causes light to focus in front of the retina.

Symptoms:

• Blurry distance vision, one of the most common blurry vision causes.

• Squinting

• Eye strain headaches or tired eyes

  

2. Hyperopia (Eye long sightedness)

If you have eye long sightedness, you might find faraway objects clear but struggle with things up close – like reading or working on a laptop.

What’s going on: Your eye is a bit too short, or the cornea isn’t curved enough. Light ends up focusing behind the retina.

Symptoms:

• Blurry close-up vision, another common blurry vision cause 

• Headaches while reading or using screens

• Fatigue after close work

  

3. Astigmatism

This one just means your eye isn’t perfectly round, more rugby ball than football, causing light to focus unevenly.

What’s going on:An irregularly shaped cornea or lens scatters light as it enters the eye.

Symptoms:

• Blurry or distorted vision at all distances, another blurry vision cause. 

• Poor night vision

• Headaches or squinting

  

How EyePros Can Help

The good news? Refractive errors are incredibly common and at EyePros, they’re one of the things we specialise in.

We offer a full range of options to suit your lifestyle and preferences:

• Implantable Contact lenses

• Laser eye surgery

• Lens replacement surgery

Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation with one of our expert clinicians – no rush, no jargon, just tailored advice and outstanding care.

Is It Time to Book a Check-Up?

If you’ve noticed your vision isn’t quite what it used to be, or you’re experiencing frequent headaches, squinting, or eye strain headaches, don’t wait.

Call EyePros today on 0333 77 272 77 to book your consultation and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.

We’re here to help you see things more clearly, literally.