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Eye Health Information
Common Eye Conditions
Common eye conditions include refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, as well as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms and risk factors differ, and some conditions may develop without obvious early signs. A comprehensive eye exam can help identify concerns and guide appropriate follow-up.
Understand Common Vision and Eye-Health Concerns
Learn about refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, along with conditions including dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Each article should explain common signs, risk factors and when to seek care. Online information is general education and cannot diagnose a condition or replace an eye exam.
When the Eye Does Not Focus Light Clearly
Refractive errors affect how light is focused inside the eye. They are common vision conditions and can usually be identified during a comprehensive eye exam.
Common refractive errors include:
- Myopia: Also called nearsightedness, myopia generally makes distant objects appear blurry while closer objects are easier to see clearly.
- Hyperopia: Also called farsightedness, hyperopia can make near focusing more difficult and may contribute to blurred vision, eye strain or headaches.
- Astigmatism: An irregular shape of the cornea or lens can prevent light from focusing evenly, which may cause blurred or distorted vision at different distances.
- Presbyopia: A natural age-related change in focusing ability that makes close work and reading more difficult, commonly becoming noticeable during adulthood.
Symptoms can overlap with other eye or health concerns. An optometrist can determine whether a refractive error is present and discuss appropriate vision correction.
Conditions That Can Affect Everyday Vision
Changes in comfort or clarity can have many possible causes. These common conditions are different from refractive errors and require professional assessment for diagnosis.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tear film does not function properly. Symptoms can include dryness, burning, stinging, grittiness, redness, sensitivity to light or fluctuating blurry vision.
Cataracts
A cataract develops when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Changes may include blurry or foggy vision, faded colours, glare, halos, light sensitivity and difficulty seeing at night.
Some Eye Conditions May Have Few Early Symptoms
Regular comprehensive eye exams are important because certain eye diseases can develop before a person notices a major change in vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. The most common form can have no obvious symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, peripheral vision may be affected.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, affects the macula and central vision. Later symptoms can include central blurring, missing areas of vision or straight lines appearing wavy or distorted.
Know When Vision Changes Need Prompt Attention
Many gradual vision changes can be discussed during a comprehensive eye exam. Some symptoms, however, should be assessed promptly.
Seek eye care promptly for a sudden change or loss of vision, a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, a dark curtain or shadow in the field of vision, intense eye pain, or an eye injury.
New symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious eye condition is present, but professional assessment is important because similar symptoms can have different causes.
Find Eye Exam Care →Eye Care Information for Every Stage of Life
Explore related Hakim Optical resources for eye exams, children’s vision, adult and senior eye health, and everyday eye safety.
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Eye Safety
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Practical Information for Everyday Eye Care
Browse plain-language guides about eye exams, contact lens care, children’s vision, sun protection, screen habits and eyewear for work and sports.
Each article should show its publication or review date and identify the qualified reviewer when it contains clinical guidance.
Take the Next Step for Your Eye Health
Online eye-health information can help you understand common concerns, but it cannot diagnose a condition or replace a comprehensive eye exam.
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