01
Myopia
Short-sightedness. Distant objects are blurred while near objects are clearer. The eye focuses light in front of the retina.
M G Eye Foundation/Services/Refractive Error Service
Refractive Error Service
Refractive errors are among the most common eye conditions. At M G Eye Foundation, Bara Gamharia, Jamshedpur, we measure how the eye focuses, prescribe spectacles or contact lenses, and counsel selected patients about LASIK, PRK or ICL after a full examination. DR KUMAR SAKET and DR MALAY KUMAR DWIVEDI explain what is suitable for your cornea and lifestyle.
What is a refractive error?
A refractive error occurs when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. The image is then blurred. Most people can be helped with spectacles or contact lenses. Laser or an implantable lens is considered only after stability of power, corneal thickness and overall eye health are confirmed.
Types
Types of refractive errors
More than one type can exist in the same eye. Measurement decides the prescription, not guesswork.
02
Hypermetropia
Long-sightedness. Near objects may be hard to see clearly and the eyes may ache with prolonged reading.
03
Astigmatism
The cornea or lens has an irregular curve, so vision is blurred or stretched at more than one distance.
04
Presbyopia
An age-related fall in the eye’s ability to focus at near. It commonly becomes noticeable in middle age.
How it feels
Symptoms
Strain and squinting are common. Sudden change in power still needs a full eye check, not only new glasses.
01
Blurred distance or near vision
Road signs, the classroom board, or a phone screen may be unclear depending on the type of error.
02
Eye strain
The focusing muscles work harder, especially with screens and small print.
03
Headache after near work
Uncorrected hypermetropia or astigmatism often presents as brow ache in the evening.
04
Squinting
Narrowing the lids is an attempt to sharpen a blurred retinal image.
05
Glare and night difficulty
Uncorrected astigmatism and high myopia can worsen halos and night driving.
06
Need for frequent prescription change
Progressive myopia in the young, or shifting power in other disease, needs more than a simple refraction.
Treatment
Most refractive errors are corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. For selected patients, refractive surgery or an implantable collamer lens may be considered after a detailed examination. Suitability depends on age, stability of power, corneal thickness and shape, and general eye health. No procedure can guarantee that glasses will never be needed again.
Refractive error services provided by us
01
LASIK
Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis reshapes the cornea so light focuses more accurately on the retina. It is used in suitable myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism after a full work-up.
02
PRK
Photorefractive keratectomy also uses a laser to reshape the cornea but does not create a flap. It may be preferred when corneal thickness, shape or lifestyle make PRK the safer surface option.
03
ICL
An implantable collamer lens is placed inside the eye to correct refractive error. It is an option for selected patients, particularly when corneal laser is not suitable.
On-site equipment
How we measure refractive error here
NIDEK ARK
Auto ref-keratometer for refractive power and corneal curvature — the starting point for glasses and surgical counselling.
Topcon lensometer
Verifies the power and axis of existing spectacles so the new prescription can be compared accurately.
Slit lamp
Checks the cornea, lens and ocular surface before any laser or implant is discussed.
Appasamy anterior segment imaging
Documents the front of the eye as part of the pre-operative assessment when surgery is considered.
Possible benefits of refractive surgery (when suitable)
- Reduced dependence on spectacles or contact lenses
- Improved uncorrected distance vision
- Quick visual rehabilitation for many suitable patients
- Treatment planned according to the individual’s error and eye condition
Refractive FAQs
Questions patients ask
01What is a refractive error?
A vision problem caused when the eye does not focus light correctly on the retina. It can result in blurred or distorted vision.
02What are the most common refractive errors?
Myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and presbyopia.
03Can refractive errors be treated?
Yes. They are generally corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. Selected patients may also be suitable for laser refractive surgery or implantable lenses.
04Is LASIK suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on age, refractive stability, corneal thickness and shape, eye health and other medical factors. A comprehensive examination is required.
05What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Both use a laser to reshape the cornea. LASIK creates a corneal flap before treating the tissue beneath. PRK removes the surface epithelial layer and does not create a flap.
06What is ICL?
ICL is an implantable lens placed inside the eye. It can be considered for selected patients who are not ideal candidates for corneal laser procedures.
07Can refractive surgery permanently remove glasses?
It can greatly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses in suitable patients, but it cannot guarantee that glasses will never be needed. Presbyopia can still affect near vision later in life.
Visit M G Eye Foundation
to provide comprehensive eye care services to all the sections of society at affordable cost.
- Plot No. 121, Durga Puja Maidan, Near Vani Vidya Mandir School, Bara Gamharia, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
- +91 84090 01008
- mgeyefoundation@gmail.com
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.. Sunday: Closed
Doctors
DR KUMAR SAKET
Cataract, medical retina and trauma specialist
DR MALAY KUMAR DWIVEDI
Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Cataract and Squint specialist
