Vision Problems: Common Types & Symptoms
According to the CDC, refractive errors – aka, disorders that cause blurred vision – are the most common eye problem among people in the United States. These issues are so prevalent that most people will benefit from corrective lenses, such as prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
As a result, many of the most common vision problems are highly treatable. In short, if you’re experiencing vision problem symptoms, eyeglasses might be for you!
While only an eye doctor can offer a true diagnosis through an eye exam, these are the most common types and their symptoms.
Myopia (aka, Nearsightedness)
Better known as “nearsightedness,” myopia makes it harder to see objects that are farther away. This can make it tough to see road signs while driving. Students may also struggle with nearsightedness, as blackboards, whiteboards, and projectors at the front of the classroom can appear blurry.
Other symptoms include headaches, eyestrain, and increased squinting due to difficulty focusing on things far away.
Estimated to affect one in four Americans, myopia can be inherited from one’s parents. This type of problem is most likely to be discovered or develop during adolescence. Thankfully, nearsightedness is a disorder that’s easily corrected using eyeglasses.
Hyperopia (aka, Farsightedness)
If you’re experiencing headaches, eyestrain, squinting, or blurry vision when looking at nearby objects, have your eyes tested for hyperopia. Those affected by this disorder may have trouble focusing while writing, reading, or looking at a computer screen.
Affecting roughly 5-10% of Americans, farsightedness is incredibly common. Those with parents who have hyperopia are more likely to get it themselves.
Fortunately, like nearsightedness, hyperopia is easily treated using corrective lenses or contacts.
Astigmatism
A refractive error similar to myopia and hyperopia, astigmatism occurs when part of your eye is irregularly curved. This can result in blurred or distorted vision, eyestrain, headaches, general discomfort, and difficulty seeing at night or in the dark.
Those affected by astigmatism may also see “halos” or streakiness around lights – such as headlights and streetlights. They may also feel more sensitive to glare.
Astigmatism is quite common, affecting roughly 33% of people. It typically accompanies farsightedness and nearsightedness and will need to be accounted for in your eye prescription.
Presbyopia
If you’re 40 or older and have trouble seeing things up close, you may have a refractive error known as “presbyopia.”
Since it’s a natural part of aging, presbyopia affects everyone eventually. Symptoms include difficulty seeing things closer to your face, headaches, and eye strain. You may also find yourself holding things further away from your face to see them clearly.
Good news! There are plenty of ways to make living with presbyopia a little easier. Using brighter reading lights and setting larger fonts on your computer, phone, or tablet can help a ton.
You can also get reading glasses, both with and without a prescription, which can make dealing with presbyopia much more bearable.
Shop All Reading GlassesIf you have vision problems, we can help!
While these common vision problems are seldom serious, prescription eyeglasses can make a life-changing difference for those who need them. Best of all, with so many styles to choose from, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect pair of glasses for any face shape.
At Yesglasses, we’ve made it our mission to help everyone find the right specs for them. Using high-quality, sustainable materials, we sell top-shelf eyewear at affordable prices. No matter why you need glasses, we can hook you up with a pair you’ll love to wear.
Shop All EyeglassesNot sure where to start? Try our guide to choosing the best prescription glasses.
