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What are refractive errors?
IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION
Everything you need to know about refractive errors
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT REFRACTIVE ERRORS AND WHAT YOU ARE DEALING WITH
Refractive errors are common eye problems that affect about half of all European adults. Most people can correct refractive errors with glasses and contact lenses. However, some people are dissatisfied with their glasses and contact lenses due to their limitations and risks.
There are four main types of refractive errors. They are:
- Short-sightedness
- Long-sightedness
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
Short-sightedness (myopia)
When you’re short-sighted, you can see close objects; however, objects in the distance are blurry. This eye condition is also known as short-sightedness.
Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
When you are long-sighted, you can see objects distant objects; however, close objects appear blurry. This eye condition is also known as long-sightedness.
Astigmatism
The cornea is the window at the front of the eye. Your lens sits inside your eye. If you have astigmatism, they might be less like a round surface, and more like a rugby ball.
Presbyopia
Everyone develops presbyopia as they age. As your lenses age, they do not flex as quickly as when you were young. That makes reading difficult and close objects blurry.
Short-sightedness
Short-sightedness (myopia) is typically diagnosed when you’re in your teenage years. The condition occurs because of a combination of genetic factors and excessive eye growth.
Experts believe that the rapidly rising rates of short-sightedness are related to extreme close up focusing (such as excessive reading and use of mobile screens) during the early teenage years. Lack of exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions is also believed to cause this condition.
Long-sightedness
Long-sighted patients do not have the focusing power, or the eye is not strong enough to bring things into focus – this results in blurred vision.
The additional strain put on the eye to try and focus can cause eyestrain, squinting, and headaches.
This excessive strain can become even more problematic for long-sighted patients from age 40 onwards when the onset of presbyopia begins.
Long-sighted patients typically have shorter than average eyes. This can be due to a combination of genetic factors.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is where the cornea and/or lens of the eye, rather than being completely round-shaped, is actually slightly oval-shaped and elongated.
Just like many of us who have slightly asymmetrical faces and other bodily features, the cornea and lens can also have irregularities. In the case of eyes, these differences in symmetry and shape result in visual distortion.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an eye condition which causes people aged 45 and older to need reading glasses. The eye’s natural lens stiffens as we age, and this causes you to lose the ability to focus close up gradually.
A complete eye exam will determine your refractive error.
Essential components of an examination include:
- Refraction (spectacle test),
- Ocular examination
- A dilated fundus examination to check the health of the eye and retina
Refractive surgery
The most common method to correct refractive errors are eyeglasses or contact lenses. The prescribed lenses will help to precisely put the light rays (the images you see) on the retina.
Over the last few decades, a variety of surgical procedures collectively known as refractive surgery has become a popular method in correcting refractive errors to reduce or eliminate dependency on glasses and contact lenses.
In most cases, these procedures ultimately alter the shape of the cornea (the clear window at the front of your eye). Reshaping the cornea enables light rays to focus on the retina and give good vision.
The most common effective surgical procedures are:
- LASIK
- LASEK
- PRK
- AK
- RK
- Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Implantable Contact Lens ICL, and Artisan Iris-Clip IOLs
- Accommodative IOLs
- Multifocal IOLs
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Each of these procedures offers a different technique for refocusing light more accurately on the retina. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and not every treatment is suitable for every person.
I will act as your guide to assist you in deciding which one is best for you.
Short-sightedness
At Eye Clinic London we can permanently correct short-sightedness with refractive surgery (which can be either laser eye surgery or lens surgery).
Long-sightedness
At Eye Clinic London, we can permanently correct long-sightedness with refractive surgery (which can be either laser eye surgery or lens surgery).
Astigmatism
At Eye Clinic London, we can permanently correct astigmatism with refractive surgery (which can be either laser eye surgery or lens surgery).
Presbyopia
Permanent correction for presbyopia involves replacing your natural lens with an artificial lens that we implant inside your eye.
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How my eye care services work
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 3 EASY STEPS
STEP 1: CONTACT US
To get the answers to all your questions, give us a call or click the button below to book a free video appointment with an optometrist or our Consultant Ophthalmologist, Samer Hamada.
STEP 2: LET’S MEET
Visit our clinic in London’s Harley Street district and we’ll conduct a thorough examination and consultation to see if we can help.
STEP 3: FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
Have the confidence of knowing that a caring eye care professional is managing your eye condition so you can focus on matters most.
Happy patients from London and East Grinstead
WHAT MY PATIENTS LOVE ABOUT OUR SERVICE
Annabel Giles
“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”
Tareq Kasshout
“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”
Timothy Thompson
“Mr Hamada’s Eye Clinic London and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”
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MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS
“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”
“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”
“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”
“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”
“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”
“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”
“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Helpful links to more information on refractive errors and surgery
COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION FROM TRUSTED AUTHORITIES
This article has everything you need to know about refractive errors. What they are, the causes, symptoms, and more. Click here for more information.
A great overview of refractive errors, including the risk factors and causes. Click here for more information.
If you are interested in learning about all the possible treatments for refractive errors, this article should be extremely beneficial to you. Click here for more information.
This article on WebMD gives an introduction to vision problems, as well as many different refractive error links that can be useful in determining your next steps. Click here for more information.
About the author
Mr Samer Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth
I am Samer Hamada, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK.
At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.