The eyes, apart from being the main organ of the visual system, allow us to enjoy the environment. Because, thanks to them, we can capture images of nature, read a book or recognize the smile of a loved one. Therefore, refractive errors occur by blurring vision, due to changes in the shape of the eye that prevent light from reaching the retina correctly.
Since, an emmetropic eye with normal refraction, transmits a clear image to the brain, as a result of the focus that it makes of the light on the retina and the lens. Hence, refractive errors present symptoms such as blurred, double or cloudy vision. In addition to generating difficulties to focus, which lead to developing headaches and visual fatigue
Hence, the visit to the ophthalmologist; At least once a year; is of great importance. Especially, because this health professional has the task of carrying out the study, diagnosis and specific treatment of any anomaly related to the visual system. It can also help prevent various diseases related to our eyes.
The main refractive errors
We know that hereditary factors are responsible for different diseases that affect the human body. Therefore, refractive errors could not be left behind, showing that especially myopia and hyperopia are caused by dominant or recessive genetic patterns. However, environmental components have been added to inheritance, where it is exposed that working in front of screens can become a risk.1
Likewise, we find astigmatism, as another of the refractive errors. Where inherited features, an accident or eye surgery, leads to an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea. What it does is that the images are deformed and subtle details are escaped in the vision, because the point of focus is lost. This makes progressive lenses or surgical intervention with laser technology necessary.2
In this same way, we note that aging has an effect on different parts of the body, including the eyes. Hence, presbyopia makes its appearance mainly in people over 40 years of age. Generating a growing loss of firmness and elasticity of the ciliary muscle, which hinders the ability of the eye to accommodate correctly. This is how it is necessary to stock up on glasses to read or see images clearly up close.3
Is there any type of treatment?
Fortunately, advances in science have allowed ophthalmologists to have new tools to deal with refractive errors in a hopeful way. Thus, it is recommended to take preventive measures using sunglasses with sun protection to avoid burns. Similarly, glasses as an element of labor protection should be part of the security measures of companies.4
At the same time, prescription glasses and contact lenses indicated by the competent professional become an alternative in cases in which the progression of the disease is at a low level. Since laser surgery and intraocular lenses become an advanced option, which the doctor evaluates in greater detail, depending on the clinical picture of the patient.4
References:
1.The environmental factors of myopia. Public health Mex [revista en la Internet]. 2014 Jun [citado 2021 Jul 23]; 56 (3): 302-310. Available in:
http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342014000300017&lng=es.
- Belmonte José. Astigmatism correction. Arch Soc. Esp Oftalmol [Internet]. 2007 Feb [citado 2021 Jul 23]; 82 (2): 125-126. Available in:
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0365-66912007000200014&lng=es.
3.National Eye Institute. Presbyopia. NIH. [internet] 2020 [ consultado 23 jul 2021]. Available in: https://www.nei.nih.gov/.
Four.René Moreno, Miguel Srur, Carlos Nieme. Refractive surgery: indications, techniques and results. Rev. Med. Clin. Cond. [ Internet] 2010 [ consultado 23 jul 2021]; 21 (6): 901-910. Available in:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0716864010706143.