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REFRACTION, CORRECTION OF

REFRACTIVE ERRORS
Light and Color
Light is electromagnetic waves that fall within the
visible spectrum. Light corresponds to
wavelengths from approximately 380 nm to 780
nm, with the shorter wavelengths being perceived
as the blue end of the spectrum and the longer
wavelengths evoking the perception of the red
end of the spectrum.
from: The Physics of Light. J ames Schwiegerling, PhD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Optics of Human Eyes
Light focused by the human eye is refracted by
multiple curved surfaces before falling on the retina,
where an electrical impulse is generated, eventually
perceived as vision.
(corneal tear film, corneal layers, and anterior and
posterior lens surfaces)
from: Optics of Human Eyes. Barry Milder, MD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Accommodation
When the ciliarymuscle constricts in response to
parasympathomimeticstimulation, the zonular
fibersthat keep tension on the lens capsule
shorten. The lens changes shape, increasing the
surface curvature, predominantly on its front
surface.
from: Optics of Human Eyes. Barry Milder, MD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Refractive error
An eye that can focus infinity on the retina is
termed emmetropic. If it cannot focus infinity on
the retina, it is ametropic.
from: Optics of Human Eyes. Barry Milder, MD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Myopia
If an eye, with its accommodation at minimum,
focuses light from infinity anterior to the retina, it
is myopic. The myopic eye has too much plus
power for its length. Either the eye is too long, or
the refractive elements (cornea and/or lens) are
too strong.
from: Optics of Human Eyes. Barry Milder, MD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Hyperopia
An eye that has accommodation at minimum power
and focuses parallel light from infinity behind the
retina is termed hyperopic.
from: Optics of Human Eyes. Barry Milder, MD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Astigmatism
Unequal curvature of the refractive surfaces of the
eye. Thus a point source of light cannot be
brought to a point focus on the retina but is spread
over a more or less diffuse area. This results from
the radius of curvature in one plane being longer
or shorter than the radius at right angles to it.
Correction of refractive errors
Refractive errors may be compensated by:
spectacles
contact lenses
refractive surgery on the cornea
Myopia - correction
Hypermetropia - correction
Astigmatism - correction
from: Optics of Human Eyes. Barry Milder, MD. Ophthalmic Hyperguide
Refractive Surgery
Radial Keratotomy (RK)
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
LASIK ( Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ
Keratomileusis)
Radial Keratotomy (RK)

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