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Chelsea and Upper West Side Eye Care

Our eyes process light through a lens system, similar to a camera — and like a camera lens, small errors can create big problems for the clarity and accuracy of your vision. If your vision is blurred, your eyes have been crossing, or you are having a hard time with reading, you may be suffering from a refractive eye error. As your Upper West Side eye care professional, Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein can treat refractive eye errors.

What Are Refractive Eye Errors?

Refractive eye errors are errors that are caused by discrepancies in the way light bends when processed by your eye. In NYC, Dr. Edwin Schottenstein treats these errors for patients suffering from the symptoms common to refractive eye errors, including:

  • Blurry vision
  • Headaches
  • Trouble reading
  • Crossed eyes

Common Refractive Eye Errors Treated by an Ophthalmologist

Following a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Schottenstein will let you know which of the following refractive errors you are dealing with. Some common answers include:

  • Astigmatism: Commonly occurring at birth, astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea is curved irregularly. Rather than being near or farsighted, the vision would be blurry no matter the distance to the object.
  • Hyperopia: Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia is a condition in which a person sees clearly from a distance, but has blurred vision up close. The good news about this refractive error is that when occurring in children, the problem often improves and becomes permanently corrected.
  • Myopia: Otherwise referred to as nearsightedness, myopia is a condition in which the individual can see things up close, but has blurred vision from a distance. It appears to be genetic and is often present during childhood. Unlike hyperopia, myopia often gets worse as the individual gets older.
  • Presbyopia: This vision-related eye error is also very common, but it only develops in those over 40 years of age, and only when there is no other history of vision problems.
Equipment used to test for refractive eye errors at the office of Dr. Schottenstein, NYC Ophthalmologist.

Treatments for Refractive Eye Errors

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed treatments for these kinds of eye errors, and most people can correct their vision with consistent use of them. Regular check-ups are often necessary to adjust the prescription as a patient grows older. Additionally, many patients may also have insurance coverage for corrective surgeries; these surgeries can completely correct many refractive eye errors.

Not every patient is a candidate for surgery. The doctor will need to examine your eyes and consult with you about your other potential health concerns before deciding what is the best option. More information is available at a consultation meeting and those who do not qualify for surgery often achieve good results from treatments such as glasses and contact lenses.

Contact the Eye Doctor Today

If you’re looking for an ophthalmologist in NYC, don’t wait to give us a call. Dr. Schottenstein is taking appointments with new patients, and our staff is available to book your time during regular business hours. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you can give yourself the gift of clearer vision.