Refractive Errors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Refractive Errors?
An optometrist (an eye care professional who checks vision and prescribes glasses) or an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who treats eye problems) usually cares for refractive errors. Your eye doctor can prescribe glasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are refractive errors?
Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye. Refraction is the bending of light rays as they pass from one object to another. The cornea and lens bend light rays to focus them on the retina. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.
There are 4 common types of refractive errors:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) makes far-away objects look blurry.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) makes nearby objects look blurry.
- Astigmatism can make far-away and nearby objects look blurry or distorted.
- Presbyopia makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is blurry vision. Other symptoms include:
- Double vision.
- Hazy vision.
- Seeing a glare or halo around bright lights.
- Squinting.
- Headaches.
- Eye strain, or tired and sore eyes.
- Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer.
Some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. Astigmatism makes it hard to see fine details, either close up or from a distance.
Causes and who gets it
Refractive errors can be caused by:
- An eyeball that grows too long or too short.
- Problems with the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye.
- Aging of the lens. The lens is an inner part of the eye that helps the eye focus.
Anyone can have refractive errors. You are at higher risk if family members wear glasses or contact lenses. Most types, like nearsightedness, usually start in childhood. Presbyopia is common in adults ages 45 and older. With astigmatism, the cornea is abnormally curved. The cause of astigmatism is unknown, and it is most often present from birth. Farsightedness may be caused by the eyeball being too small or the focusing power being too weak.
How doctors diagnose it
Eye doctors can check for refractive errors as part of a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away. The doctor may also give you eye drops to widen your pupil. This helps check for other eye problems. A standard eye exam with a refraction test can diagnose astigmatism, and special tests are not required in most cases.
Treatment
Eye doctors can correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses, or fix the refractive error with surgery.
- Glasses: Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors.
- Contact lenses: These sit on the surface of your eyes. Your eye doctor will fit you for the right lenses. The doctor will also show you how to clean and wear them safely.
- Surgery: Some types of surgery, like laser eye surgery, can change the shape of your cornea to fix refractive errors. Your eye doctor can help you decide if surgery is right for you.
Mild astigmatism may not need to be corrected. Glasses or contact lenses will correct astigmatism, but do not cure it. Astigmatism may change with time, so you may need new glasses or contact lenses. Farsightedness is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and surgery is available for adults. Tell your eye doctor if your vision gets worse or if you have problems with your glasses or contact lenses.
When to see a doctor
Get an eye exam if you are having trouble with your vision. If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have symptoms, you might need a new prescription. Contact your provider or eye doctor if vision problems get worse or do not improve with glasses or contact lenses. People with farsightedness should see a provider right away if they suddenly develop severe eye pain, eye redness, or decreased vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk with you about your risk for refractive errors and how often you need to get checked.
Common questions
What are the main types of refractive errors?
The 4 common types are nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Nearsightedness makes far-away objects look blurry, while farsightedness makes nearby objects look blurry.
How do doctors fix a refractive error?
Eye doctors can correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses, or fix them with surgery. Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors.
Who is more likely to have a refractive error?
Anyone can have a refractive error. You are at higher risk if family members wear glasses or contact lenses.
Do refractive errors always cause symptoms?
No, because some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. That is why regular eye exams matter.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
