Last updated: 11/12/2025
Refractive errors are some of the most common vision problems, causing blurred or distorted sight when the eye cannot focus light correctly on the retina. They include myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia, and can affect both children and adults at different stages of life.
This guide explains what refractive errors are, their main causes, types and symptoms, and how a comprehensive eye examination in the UAE can help you find the safest, most suitable way to correct your vision.
Don’t ignore blurred vision — book a comprehensive refractive error check at Magrabi in the UAE and get a tailored treatment plan.
Refractive errors are vision problems that happen when the eye cannot bend (refract) light correctly to focus it on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Instead of forming a sharp image, the light focuses in front of the retina, behind it, or in different points, which makes what you see look blurred or distorted.
They are not an eye disease or a sign of eye damage, but a very common optical issue that affects how clearly you see. The main refractive errors include myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia, and each one changes the way you see near or distant objects in a different way.
Refractive errors usually happen because of the natural shape of the eye, not because you “used your eyes too much” or did something wrong. When the eye is slightly longer or shorter than average, or when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is more curved or flatter than normal, light cannot focus sharply on the retina. This tiny change in shape is enough to cause blurred vision.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing a refractive error:
Family history: if parents or siblings wear glasses, the chance is higher.
Childhood and teenage growth: the eye is still changing in size and shape.
Prolonged near work: long hours on screens or reading up close may contribute in some people.
Ageing: after about 40, the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, leading to presbyopia.
Regular eye examinations help detect these changes early and keep your vision as clear and comfortable as possible.
Refractive errors can develop slowly, so many people get used to blurred vision and do not realise something is wrong until everyday tasks become difficult. The symptoms can affect one eye or both eyes, and may be mild at first.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Blurred or hazy vision when looking far away, up close, or both
Squinting or narrowing the eyes to see more clearly
Eye strain or tired eyes, especially after reading or screen use
Frequent headaches, particularly around the forehead or eyes
Difficulty seeing road signs or number plates while driving
Trouble focusing at school or work, especially when copying from a board
Needing to hold books or a phone very close or very far from the face
If you notice these symptoms regularly, it is a good idea to book a full eye examination to check for refractive errors and other possible causes.
There are four main types of refractive errors. Each one affects how clearly you see near or distant objects in a slightly different way. Many people have a combination of more than one type, such as myopia with astigmatism.
Myopia means you can usually see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects look blurred, such as road signs, a classroom board, or faces across a room. It happens when the eye is slightly longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, so light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Hyperopia is the opposite pattern. People with hyperopia may see distant objects more clearly than near objects, or they may feel eye strain and headaches when reading, using a phone, or doing close work. In hyperopia, the eye is often shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, so light focuses behind the retina.
Astigmatism causes overall blur or distortion at all distances. Straight lines may look tilted or “ghosted”, and lights can have streaks or halos, especially at night. It happens when the cornea or lens is not perfectly round, but shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, so light focuses at different points instead of a single sharp point.
Presbyopia is a normal part of ageing, not a disease. From around the age of 40, the natural lens inside the eye becomes stiffer and less flexible, making it harder to focus on small print and near tasks. People often notice they need to hold reading materials further away, or they need reading glasses on top of their existing distance correction.
Understanding which type of refractive error you have is the first step to choosing the most suitable way to correct your vision.
Most refractive errors can be corrected safely and effectively once your eye specialist knows your exact prescription and eye health status. The best option for you depends on your age, lifestyle, occupation and whether your eyes are suitable for surgery. Common treatment options include:
Eyeglasses
The simplest and most common way to correct refractive errors. Glasses can be adjusted as your prescription changes and are suitable for almost all ages, including children and older adults.
Contact lenses
Thin lenses worn directly on the eye to provide a wider field of view and more freedom for sports and daily activities. They require careful hygiene and regular follow-up to keep the eyes healthy.
Laser vision correction (LASIK, PRK, SMILE)
Laser procedures reshape the cornea so light focuses more accurately on the retina, reducing or sometimes removing the need for glasses. Not everyone is a candidate, so a detailed pre-operative assessment is essential to check corneal thickness, stability of your prescription and overall eye health.
Lens-based procedures (ICL, lens exchange)
In some cases, especially with very high prescriptions or age-related changes, surgeons may recommend implanting a lens inside the eye or replacing the natural lens. These procedures are carefully planned and usually reserved for specific indications.
An eye specialist in the UAE can explain the benefits and limitations of each option and help you choose the safest, most suitable way to correct your vision.
For more details on diagnosis and treatment options, visit our Refractive and Cornea Care service page at Magrabi Hospitals in the UAE.
Refractive errors are very common, but they do not have to limit your daily life. Whether you are struggling to see far away, finding it hard to read up close, or noticing more eye strain and headaches, these are often signs that your eyes need a fresh assessment.
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people can enjoy clear, comfortable vision using glasses, contact lenses or, in selected cases, surgical options.
If blurred or distorted vision is affecting your work, driving or quality of life, it may be time to have a comprehensive eye examination in the UAE.
Don’t ignore blurred vision — schedule a full eye examination for refractive errors at Magrabi Hospitals in the UAE and get a tailored treatment plan.
This article provides general educational information about cataract surgery in Ain and is not a substitute for a personal medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Individual cases vary. Always discuss your specific condition and treatment options with a qualified ophthalmologist.
World Health Organization. Blindness and vision impairment: Refractive errors – Questions and answers. 2024. World Health Organization
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Refractive Errors. MedlinePlus
Cleveland Clinic. Refractive Errors: Types, Symptoms & Treatments. Cleveland Clinic
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Refractive Errors
Reviewed by Dr. Moataz Sallam, Consultant Cataract, Refractive and Anterior Segment Surgeries, with 20+ years of experience in phaco-refractive and cornea care in Dubai and Al Ain.
What Are Refractive Errors? Causes, Types and Symptoms Explained
