Ophthalmology in Lagos
Refractive Error: Short Sight, Long Sight and Astigmatism
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a ophthalmology specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Refractive Error: Short Sight, Long Sight and Astigmatism
- Blurred distance vision, such as the board at school or road signs
- Blurred near vision or difficulty reading
- Holding books or phones further away to read
- Headaches or tired eyes after reading or screen work
- Squinting to see clearly
A refractive error is when the eye does not focus light sharply on the retina, so things look blurred. Short sight (myopia) blurs distant things. Long sight (hyperopia) blurs near things, and in children can cause a squint. Astigmatism, an unevenly curved cornea, blurs at all distances. Presbyopia is the stiffening of the lens with age that makes reading harder from the mid forties. Refractive errors are among the commonest causes of poor vision in Nigeria, and among the easiest to fix: a sight test and the right glasses. Many children struggle at school with blurred vision nobody has checked.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Blurred distance vision, such as the board at school or road signs
- Blurred near vision or difficulty reading
- Holding books or phones further away to read
- Headaches or tired eyes after reading or screen work
- Squinting to see clearly
- A child sitting very close to the television or losing interest at school
When to See a Doctor
Have a sight test if your vision is blurred at any distance, if you get headaches after reading, or if you are over forty and struggling with small print. Children should have a vision check before starting school. Sudden blurring, blurring with pain or a red eye, or blurring in one eye only needs to be seen the same day, because it is not a glasses problem.
Treatment options
- Glasses, the simplest and safest correction
- Contact lenses
- Reading glasses for presbyopia
- Laser eye surgery (LASIK, PRK or SMILE) for suitable adults with a stable prescription
- A lens implant inside the eye, for prescriptions too strong for laser
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Will wearing glasses make my eyes weaker?
No. Glasses do not weaken the eyes. They let you see clearly while you wear them. A prescription that changes in a growing child is the eye growing, not the glasses.
Can my child's short sight be stopped from getting worse?
Time outdoors in daylight is linked to less short sight in children. Some specialist lenses and eye drops can slow it; your eye specialist can advise whether they suit your child.
Can laser surgery fix reading vision after forty?
Not in the usual way. Presbyopia comes from the lens inside the eye stiffening, which laser on the cornea does not change. Most people need reading glasses from the mid forties, laser or not.
Need Help?
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Ophthalmology in Lagos →Ophthalmology in Abuja →Ophthalmology in Port Harcourt →Ophthalmology in Jos →Ophthalmology in Ibadan →Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.