More than 160 million people worldwide therefore suffer from refractive error. But what does this actually mean? Refractive errors occur when the lens changes the focusing power of the eye, resulting in blurred vision. These disorders include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, all of which can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Myopia: sharp up close but blurry from far away
Myopia is a condition that causes blurred vision at a distance because light focuses in front of the retina. It is corrected with glasses or lenses of negative diopter.
Hyperopia: clear from a distance but blurry up close
Hyperopia, unlike myopia, allows clear vision at a distance but blurry vision up close. It is often corrected with glasses or lenses with a positive diopter.
Astigmatism: distorted sharpness at all distances
Astigmatism causes distorted vision at all distances, due to an irregular curvature of the cornea. Specific glasses or lenses can relieve eye fatigue.
Presbyopia: a natural process
Presbyopia is a natural age-related process, usually beginning around age 40, that causes near vision to be blurred. Multifocal glasses can help correct this problem.
Seeing well is a right and not a privilege
If you experience symptoms, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the appropriate treatment. In Belgium, access to eye care is relatively good, but this is not the case everywhere. Around 700 million people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, do not have access to glasses.
The NGO Light for the World Belgium has been working for 25 years to make eye care accessible to vulnerable populations in DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi, by supporting local eye clinics.
www.lightfortheworld.be
