Myopia (Nearsightedness)

What it is:

Eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina

Symptoms:

Distant objects appear blurry, near objects are clear

Prevalence:

Increased from 25% in the 1970s to 41% today among Americans

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

What it is:

Eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina

Symptoms:

Near objects appear blurry, distant objects may be clearer

Prevalence:

Can cause eye strain and headaches

Astigmatism

What it is:

Irregular corneal curvature causing multiple focal points

Symptoms:

Blurred or distorted vision at all distances

Common:

Often occurs with myopia or hyperopia

Presbyopia

What it is:

Age-related loss of lens flexibility

Symptoms:

Difficulty focusing on close objects

Onset:

Typically begins around age 40-45