Understanding Focusing Problems

Sharp vision depends on many factors. The parts of the eye work together to refract (bend and focus) light rays. For normal vision, light must focus onto the retina. If the cornea or the eyeball as a whole is not the right shape, light doesn't focus correctly and vision is blurry. Common focusing problems include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Emmetropia (normal vision) is maintained when light focuses on the retina.

Hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs when light focuses behind the retina. Nearby objects appear blurry.

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when light focuses in front of the retina. Distant objects appear blurry.

Astigmatism occurs when light focuses in more than one place. Both nearby and distant objects are distorted.