Common Problems with the Eye

• What are two common eye defects?

  Myopia and hyperopia
• In myopia, where do light rays focus in relation to the retina?

  In front of the retina
• What is another term for short-sightedness?

  Myopia
• What are two possible causes of myopia in terms of the eye's structure?

  Lens too thick, eye too long
• What is another term for long-sightedness?

  Hyperopia
• What are two possible causes of hyperopia in terms of the eye's structure?

  Lens too thin, eye too short
• What type of lens is used to correct short-sightedness?

  Diverging (concave) lens
• How do diverging lenses correct short-sightedness?

  Light rays diverge (bend out) more
• What type of lens is used to correct long-sightedness?

  Convex lens
• How do convex lenses correct long-sightedness?

  Light rays are refracted (bend inwards) more
• How is the vision of a myopic person when looking at close objects?

  Clear
• How is the vision of a myopic person when looking at distant objects?

  Blurred
• Where is light focused in the eyes of myopic people?

  In front of the retina
• Approximately what fraction of people in the UK are myopic?

  3/10
• Where is the image formed in the eye of a hyperopic person?

  Behind the retina
• How is the vision of a hyperopic person when looking at close objects?

  Blurred
• What are three alternative methods to correct vision?

  • Hard (long-lasting) and soft contact lenses
  • Laser eye surgery
  • Replacement lenses in eyes
• What are the advantages of laser eye surgery?

  • Vision permanently corrected
  • Nothing to take on and off/in and out
  • Good for playing sport and general activities
• What are the disadvantages of laser eye surgery?

  • Only available to adults once eyes have stopped growing/vision stabilized
  • Risk of errors and infections during surgery
• What is the specific vision impairment associated with myopia?

  Inability to focus on distant objects
• What specific vision impairment is characteristic of hyperopia?

  Inability to focus on near objects
• During which life stage do people typically become short-sighted?

  Teens/twenties