Refractive Errors

About Refractive Errors

Simply put, refractive errors are difficulties in focusing and they include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The cornea and lens bend light to focus it on the retina. When light hits the retina in the correct place, it produces good vision. In people with refractive errors, the light is not bent correctly and hits the retina in the wrong place. This results in imperfect vision.

Conditions We Treat

At Columbia University, we treat the following conditions:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia

Treatments We Offer

A Columbia, you will receive a comprehensive eye examination and screening to detect any conditions that might affect your results. The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses and people come to our Laser Vision Correction Center to have their focusing problems treated.

Why Choose Columbia?

Making sure that you can see well is our main goal. Columbia ophthalmologists are expertly trained to treat conditions of the cornea and our refractive surgery excellence is world-class. We have the resources, experience, and referral systems to provide you with the most comprehensive and well-coordinated eye care and ease your dependence on prescription eyeglasses.