The most common form of vision loss in Australia at any age is refractive error, which is easily detected with regular eye tests and corrected by wearing correctly tailored glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery, as well as low vision aids if your vision can no longer be improved.
If anyone in your immediate family suffers from refractive error or if you are over 40 then you have an increased risk of suffering refractive error yourself.
There are 4 types of refractive error:
Long sightedness or hyperopia where you have trouble seeing things close to you,
Short sightedness or myopia where things off in the distance are hard to see,
Astigmatism or blurred vision,
Age Focus Difficulties or presbyopia, if you are over 40 and you are having trouble seeing objects close up.

What are refractive errors?

Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).

Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. More than 150 million Americans have a refractive error — but many don’t know that they could be seeing better. That’s why eye exams are so important.

If you have a refractive error, your eye doctor can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.

What are the symptoms of refractive errors?

The most common symptom is blurry vision. Other symptoms include:

• Double vision

• Hazy vision

• Seeing a glare or halo around bright lights

• Squinting

• Headaches

• Eye strain (when your eyes feel tired or sore)

• Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer

Some people may not notice the symptoms of refractive errors. It’s important to get eye exams regularly — so your eye doctor can make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have these symptoms, you might need a new prescription. Talk to your eye doctor and get an eye exam if you are having trouble with your vision.