Light is focused, or refracted, by the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. Your vision is clear if the cornea and lens focus the image precisely on the retina, a layer of light sensitive cells that lines the back of the eye.

If images are focused in front of the retina, distant objects appear blurry. This is called myopia or nearsightedness.

If images are focused beyond the retina, nearby objects appear blurry. This condition is called hyperopia or farsightedness.

If your cornea has unequal curves, images are distorted because light focuses on more than one point on the retina. This is known as astigmatism.

Until recently, glasses and contact lenses have been the only options available to correct refractive errors. Refractive surgery is now an option for some people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

For in-depth information on Refractive Surgery, visit the International Society of Refractive Surgeons web site at http://www.isrs.com.

Please refer to our LASIK or CK Page for additional information.