Refractive errors affect the way the eyes focus light, causing blurred vision at different distances. Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are the most common refractive problems and can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

Myopia is the most common refractive error in the world, and its prevalence continues to rise.

Astigmatism affects more than 50% of people with vision problems.

Refractive surgery offers a permanent and safe solution in most cases.

What are refractive errors?

🔹 Myopia: Difficulty seeing at a distance, but good near vision. It occurs when the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
🔹 Hyperopia: Difficulty seeing up close, although distance vision may be sharp. It occurs when the eye is shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
🔹 Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision at any distance due to an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, which prevents light from focusing evenly on the retina.

These problems can occur on their own or in combination, as in the case of myopia with astigmatism or hyperopia with astigmatism.

Factors that influence refractive errors

Refractive errors occur when light does not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Their main causes include:

🔹 Genetic factors: Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism can be hereditary, with a higher risk if there is a family history.
🔹 Abnormal eye development: The size and shape of the eye influence how light is focused. An eye that is longer than normal causes myopia, while a shorter one causes hyperopia.
🔹 Irregular shape of the cornea or lens: An abnormal curvature can alter the refraction of light, causing astigmatism.
🔹 Excessive screen use and prolonged reading: These can accelerate the progression of myopia, especially in children and young people.
🔹 Lack of exposure to natural light: Studies suggest that spending little time outdoors may contribute to the development of myopia at an early age.
🔹 Ageing of the eye: With age, hyperopia can become more pronounced due to the loss of flexibility of the lens.

If you have any of these risk factors, we recommend regular eye check-ups to detect and correct any vision problem in good time.

Solutions to improve your vision and quality of life.

🔹 Prescription glasses: The most common and accessible option for correcting refractive errors.
🔹 Contact lenses: An aesthetic and practical alternative for correcting vision without the need for glasses.
🔹 Laser surgery (LASIK, Femto-LASIK, PRK, SMILE): Surgical procedures that reshape the cornea to correct refraction.
🔹 Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL): Implantation of a lens inside the eye without altering the cornea, ideal for cases of high myopia or high hyperopia.

The ideal treatment will depend on the type and degree of the refractive error, the patient's age and their visual needs.

Femtosecond Laser:
Advanced Precision and Safety

💎 The most advanced technology to correct your vision

At Clínica Ramírez & Gálvez we rely on Refractive Surgery with Femtosecond Laser, the most advanced and safest technique for correcting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Compared with traditional LASIK surgery, Femto-LASIK offers greater precision, safety and faster recovery thanks to its femtosecond laser technology, which makes an extremely precise cut in the cornea without the need for blades.

This procedure minimises risks, shortens recovery time and improves visual outcomes, offering surgery tailored to each patient. If you are looking for the best option to correct your vision with maximum safety, femtosecond laser surgery is the most advanced solution available.