Refractive errors are vision problems caused by the shape and structure of the eyes

Vision correction procedures may be used to manage these conditions in suitable candidates

Refractive errors are vision problems caused by the shape and structure of the eyes

Vision correction procedures may be used to manage these conditions in suitable candidates

Curious about life with fewer visual aids?

Quickly discover more about these conditions and how we treat them

Refractive errors incidence / prevalence

Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem that affects your vision and makes it difficult to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye affects the ability for light to focus properly on the retina (the photographic film of the eye).

There are 4 main refractive errors that can affect your eye:

  • Myopia (short-sightedness).
  • Hypermetropia (long-sightedness).
  • Astigmatism (difficulty focusing at most distances).
  • Presbyopia (loss of accommodation making reading up close difficult without glasses).

A refractive error can happen as a result of one, or a few, of the following:

  • A change in the eye’s shape.
  • A naturally steeper or flatter surface of the eye.
  • A thicker or thinner lens than normal.
  • The eye is too short or too long.

Often refractive errors are genetic in origin but can be affected by lifestyle, in particular, the amount of near work during the development of the eye in your younger years.

  • During your visit to IVISION LASER we will perform a comprehensive examination of your eye. This includes refraction tests performed by our optometrist to detect the exact nature of your refractive error.
  • Other diagnostic tests such as the Pentacam HR and MS39 give us an accurate assessment of the curvature and astigmatism in the cornea and help assess your suitability for laser eye surgery.

  • What is the common treatment for refractive error?
    • Glasses and contact lenses are used primarily to assist patients with refractive error.
    • Laser vision correction is one option used to manage refractive errors in suitable candidates. It changes how the eye focuses light and may reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses, depending on individual factors.
  • Can I still have laser eye surgery if I have astigmatism?
    • If you’ve avoided pursuing surgical options to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses simply because you’ve been told you have astigmatism, LASIK or SMILE Pro for astigmatism may be the answer.
    • For patients who are unsuitable for the LASIK or SMILE Pro for any reason, there are additional options for surgical correction of astigmatism, including PRK and lens surgery procedures.
  • Does a high prescription make me unsuitable for vision correction?
    • We can use laser eye surgery to treat:
      • Short-sightedness – also known as myopia (from -0.5 units to -10 units)
      • Long-sightedness – also known as hyperopia (from +0.5 units to +4 units)
      • Astigmatism (up to 6 units)
    • For patients who have higher prescriptions, lens surgery can be used to correct prescriptions of higher levels.
    • The best way to find out is to complete our online suitability test and book in for a free assessment at IVISION LASER.
  • Can I train my short-sightedness away by not wearing glasses?
    • No you cannot train your short sightedness away. Short-sightedness occurs when the length of the eyeball is too long for the refractive power of the eye. This can only be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or more permanently with laser vision correction.
  • Is it covered by health funds or Medicare?
    • There are some health funds that cover laser vision correction. Since this is constantly changing it is best to check with your health if they cover laser vision correction or not. There is no rebate from Medicare.

Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses

The best way to find out if laser eye treatment is right for you is to have a free assessment. We’ll examine your eyes and you’ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and laser vision correction options.

Find the laser eye surgery procedure that’s right for your age, lifestyle and eyes

Laser eye treatment addresses many different challenges

Tired of your glasses or contacts feeling like a hassle?

Some people look into vision correction when they want a different way to manage their day-to-day vision needs.

What if there was another approach that may reduce how often you reach for corrective lenses? At IVISION LASER, you can learn whether a vision correction procedure is suitable for you. Our team can help you understand your options so you can make informed choices about your eyes in your 20s and 30s.

Do your reading glasses feel like they get in the way?

Many people start thinking about vision correction when they want another way to manage close-up tasks as their eyes change with age.

Some procedures are designed to adjust how the eye focuses light, which may reduce how often you need to reach for reading glasses. Each person’s experience is different, and results can vary.

Some people say they notice small changes in how they handle day-to-day tasks, like reading or checking messages, once they settle into their new vision routine. Your clinician can help you understand what the procedure involves and whether it may suit your needs.

Are you over 50 and notice some hazy or cloudy vision?

Many people experience changes like this as part of the natural ageing process, and it is common to explore different options for managing these symptoms.

Lens replacement is one approach used to treat cataracts and age-related changes in near vision. It replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one. There are several lens types available, and your surgeon can help you understand which options may suit your needs.

Each person’s experience is different, and results can vary.

Take this quick quiz to see if you can be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for laser eye treatment. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz:

Three easy steps to gain freedom from glasses and contacts

Start your journey today to see if you’re suitable
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Get in touch

Laser eye surgery isn’t right for everyone. Your first step is to discover if you’re suitable. You can take the self-test or call us on: 08 7082 2066 to book a free assessment.

We’ll meet

We examine your eyes and answer your questions at your free assessment appointment. We then give you a clear recommendation based on your needs and lifestyle. You’ll then know the best treatment option for your unique eyes.

"Smiling couple in the countryside looking lovingly at each other whilst holding red wine glasses".

See your day in a new way

Some people say they think about their vision in a new way after their procedure. They may notice small changes in their daily routines or how they manage tasks without reaching for glasses or contacts as often. Each person’s feelings are different, and experiences vary.1https://pr.murrayjournal.com/article/New-Study-Explores-the-Connection-Between-LASIK-Surgery-and-Brain-Activity?storyId=67636893655cd50008f3703d.

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Learn more about refractive errors through these online resources

Expand your knowledge about refractive errors. (These links will take you off our website.)

A refractive error is the most common eye problem. When the shape of the eye is abnormal, the eye doesn’t bend (or refract) light properly, and so vision is blurred.

The most common types of refractive errors are:

  • Long-sightedness (hypermetropia), causing blurred close and distance vision.
  • Short-sightedness (myopia) causing blurred long distance vision.
  • Astigmatism, which causes an uneven focus of light and blurred vision.
  • Presbyopia, When the eye lens loses flexibility, making close work difficult. This is most common with people over 40 years of age.

Click here for more information.

This seminal paper covers the prevalence, associations, and characteristics of severe uncorrected refractive error in the Australian National Eye Health Survey. These astounding results encompass increasing public awareness around the importance of regular optometric examinations in groups at high risk of severe uncorrected refractive error. Click here for more information.

Refractive error causes half of all vision problems in Australia. Between 200,000 and 300,000 Australians are not seeing as clearly as they should be because of under-corrected refractive error. For example, wearing glasses with an out of date prescription.

Refractive errors are caused by:

  • too much or too little growth in the length of the eyeball
  • problems with the shape of the cornea, or
  • ageing of the lens.
  • Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to refractive error.

Click here for more information.

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.

I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon