Vision First July 2018 English

Chairman’s Message
Refractive errors are very common and are one of the leading causes of visual impairment in
children and adults. The main types of refractive errors are myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia
(farsightedness), presbyopia (loss of near vision with age) and astigmatism. Symptoms include eye
strain, double or blurred vision, haziness, glare or halos around bright lights, squinting and headaches,
and difficulty in prolonged reading.
Often undiagnosed with an equal prevalence in rural and urban areas, refractive errors, when left
uncorrected, can lead to irreversible decrease in vision in one eye or both eyes depending on the
severity, especially in children. One of the key ways to avoid vision loss in children and adolescents
is the early detection of refractive errors. This can be achieved with regular eye check-ups and
evaluation for even minor degrees of squinting.
Refractive errors can be corrected with corrective lenses such as eye glasses or contact lenses
(in adolescents and older people). People who want to reduce their dependence on prescription
eyeglasses and contact lenses can opt for laser eye surgery (LASIK) to correct refractive errors.
Patients with corrected refractive errors have a better quality of vision, thus improving quality of life.
Best Regards,
Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty,
Chairman and Managing Director,
Narayana Nethralaya Hospital Bangalore
4 Narayana Nethralaya | Ranked Among The Top 10 Eye Hospitals in India Since A Decade www.narayananethralaya.org Narayana Nethralaya | Ranked Among The Top 10 Eye Hospitals in India Since A Decade www.narayananethralaya.org 5