Common Vision Problems and How They Are Treated
Our vision is one of our most valuable assets, providing us a clear picture of the world around us, from scenic vistas, our loved ones, and of course, the latest must-watch series. But for many of us, it is far from perfect.
In fact, the 2019 World Report on Vision by the World Health Organisation estimated that at least 2.2 billion people around the world have an eye condition that causes vision impairment, including cataracts, and refractive error. However, as the authors note, “a considerable proportion of people with eye conditions in this category who receive timely diagnosis and treatment will not develop vision impairment or blindness.”
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at some of the most common vision problems, and how the different ways they can be treated.
Treating Refractive Errors
There are four main refractive errors: long-sightedness (hyperopia), short-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. Each of these errors can vary in severity and can be addressed in a number of ways, including with glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery.
So, let’s take a closer look at these correction methods and how they compare.
Glasses / Spectacles
Glasses were arguably the original form of long-term vision correction. The earliest iteration of this still widespread visual aid is believed to have been created almost a thousand years ago.
Glasses can be used to treat all four of the most common refractive errors and are considered a quick and flexible solution to all. But while glasses undoubtedly helped to bring clear vision to the masses, they don’t come without their downsides.
Glasses for Short-Sightedness
Glasses are extremely effective at correcting myopia; however, as many people with this error may need their glasses for large parts of the day, they can prove restrictive. For example, glasses can be inconvenient in times of activity such as swimming or exercise, or while getting ready for bed.
Glasses for Long-Sightedness
For those with hyperopia, glasses are only required during close-up tasks. They are therefore helpful for reading and writing. Many people may turn to glasses as a temporary aid to relieve vision-related problems such as eye strain and squinting.
Glasses for Presbyopia
Reading glasses are the most common solution to presbyopia (or “ageing eye”). They can correct deteriorating near vision that occurs as we get older; however, eventually, most people find the constant on-again, off-again routine particularly frustrating.
Glasses for Astigmatism
Astigmatism usually presents alongside hyperopia or myopia (it is represented by the third number of your prescription, if relevant). Glasses can counteract the effects of astigmatism, which is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
Contact Lenses
In comparison to glasses, contact lenses are still a relatively new development. Hitting the mass market in the 60s and 70s, contact lenses became a discrete alternative, for the first time allowing people to do away with the obstruction of framed lenses. They are still used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and can correct refractive errors on a similar scale to glasses.
Contacts for Short-Sightedness
Contact lenses can be a great option for people with myopia as they are less limiting than glasses when engaging in sports and other activities (though they are not without their limitations!). However, without careful management, they can increase the risk of irritation and infection, particularly when worn every day.
Contacts for Long-Sightedness
If you usually wear glasses for near tasks like reading, you likely recognise the frustration of forgetting your glasses when you’re at work or out and about. Contact lenses remove this risk, but their upkeep is considered a downside for some.
Contacts for Presbyopia
While reading glasses may be the most popular option for ageing eyes (at least initially), many eventually find bifocal contact lenses to be an ideal alternative. However, it is important to keep in mind that it can be more difficult to fit than regular contact lenses and may not perform as well as you had hoped – especially in extreme weather conditions or while exercising.
Contacts for Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to address astigmatism. They must be placed on the eye in a specific way to counteract the cornea’s irregular shape and correct the associated refractive error. While they can be extremely effective, they may be more expensive as they generally require bespoke fitting.
Laser Eye Surgery
If contact lenses are still a relatively new development, then Laser Eye Surgery is still the new kid on the block when it comes to vision correction. But in its forty-plus-year history, the Laser Eye Surgery field has developed at an incredible pace.
By removing tissue from the corneal bed, the procedure permanently changes the way light is refracted into the eye, correcting the refractive error. While initial procedures were only suitable for correcting a limited range of myopic prescriptions, laser refractive surgery is now suitable for up to 98% of patients presenting with the full range of refractive errors!
Patients can now be offered a range of procedures depending on their prescription, the thickness of their corneas, and their overall eye health. The options include PRK/LASEK (the surface procedures), LASIK (the most common treatment), ReLEx SMILE (the latest innovation), and PRESBYOND® (the blended treatment).
Laser Eye Surgery for Long-Sightedness
Laser Eye Surgery can now be extremely effective in corrective hyperopic prescriptions. With access to expert surgeons and the latest technology, we can generally treat hyperopic prescriptions up to around +7.0 D. Moreover, up to 93% of our long-sighted patients with a prescription up to +7.25 D achieve 20/20 vision or better!
Laser Eye Surgery for Short-Sightedness
Laser Eye Surgery can completely eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses for myopia. Generally, it is suitable for treating myopic prescriptions up to -80. D; however, thanks to the development of ReLEx SMILE, we are able to treat prescriptions even beyond -10.0 D – even in patients with thin corneas! Around 98% of myopic patients with a prescription of up to -12.0 D achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Laser Eye Surgery for Presbyopia
Until relatively recently, Laser Eye Surgery wasn’t particularly suitable for treating presbyopia. Most patients therefore had to choose between glasses and contacts, lens surgery, or monovision correction; however, the development of PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision changed that.
The procedure involves treating each eye in a different way: one to accommodate mostly distance vision and the other for mostly near vision. The brain is then able to combine these images to create clear vision across all fields of vision!
Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism
Correcting astigmatism requires treatment in more than one plane, making it a more complex procedure than treating myopia or hyperopia. Nonetheless, with the latest technology and the right surgeon, Laser Eye Surgery is an extremely effective option.
If you’d like to learn more about how Laser Eye Surgery could correct your refractive error, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, Book a Consultation at our Harley Street clinic to start your journey to clear, glasses- and contacts-free vision.