Understanding Your Vision

Find out about the different types of vision problems that may impact your eyes.

Clear Vision

Clear vision in the normal eye results from light rays passing through the cornea, pupil and lens, and focusing directly on the retina. If your eye doesn't focus the light rays precisely on the retina, you may have one of the problems listed below.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Patients who are myopic ("nearsighted") see near objects more clearly than those far away. Light rays entering the myopic eye focus in front of the retina causing objects in the distance to be blurred. Myopia is very common and is the most common condition that we treat with LASIK.

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Patients who are hyperopic ("farsighted") find it somewhat easier to see objects at a distance than at near. Light rays entering the hyperopic eye focus behind the retina blurring near images or sometimes, all images.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism usually occurs in combination with myopia or hyperopia. Patients with astigmatism have an irregularly shaped cornea causing lights rays to focus at different points relative to the retina.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that begins when patients reach their 40s or 50s. It occurs when the lens of the eye loses its flexibility making it difficult for the eye to focus at near.

Most people who are nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatic can obtain excellent results through LASIK vision correction. Laser surgery does not correct presbyopia.