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Common eye problems

Short sight (myopia) and long sight (hypermetropia) are common conditions, both caused by the cornea and lens not focusing properly on the retina.

Short sight is where the eyeball is elongated or the lens is too thick, causing the image to focus in front of the retina.

Short sight means that the image is focused in front of the retina

 

 

Long sight is where the eyeball is too short or the lens too thin, causing the image to focus behind the retina.

Long sight means that the image is focused behind the retina

 


Both long and short sightedness can be overcome by wearing glasses.

There are other sight-threatening conditions which are not so easily corrected or overcome. Cataract, trachoma, glaucoma and river blindness , for example, will cause complete blindness if left untreated. Sightsavers is preventing and curing these diseases and restoring sight where possible.

What do you think?

vilma, Albania (Jan 2012)

nice, better than my biology teacher...

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Please note that as we are not registered medical practitioners and do not directly deliver eye care in the countries in which we work, but work with local partners, we are not able to respond to any questions regarding medical issues. Please contact your health service provider for medical advice.


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