Myopia (Nearsighted) – Unable to see at distance, able to see at near. If you wear contacts the sign in front of the prescription number is a minus (-).
(example: -4.50 soft contact lens power)

Hyperopia (Farsighted) – Unable to see well at distance or near. Usually farsighted people “grow” into their prescription. They can accommodate (make their eyes work hard) to see at distance. Many people have “hidden” farsightedness. They don’t realize that the eye strain and fatigue when reading is because of uncorrected prescription. If you wear contacts the sign in front of the prescription number is a plus (+).
(example: +4.50 soft contact lens power)

Astigmatism – Caused by a difference in the curvature of your cornea. The cornea is curved and the prescription is different in two different meridians. If you have astigmatism objects may have a shadow image or double image without correction. If you wear contacts for astigmatism the second number is the astigmatism amount. This amount goes in a certain direction denoted by the x (axis) or orientation of the power. If you wear gas permeable contact lenses you likely have astigmatism.
(example: -2.00 -1.50 x 180 soft TORIC contact lens power)

Presbyopia (old age vision) - After age 40 our eyes lose the ability to accommodate and see at near. If you are nearsighted this may be delayed, but if you are farsighted you will need reading glasses or bifocals. The magnifying glasses found in many stores are to help people see at near by magnifying images.

Previous Surgery - Patients who have had previous eye surgery may still be candidates for the new refractive procedures. Each person’s medical and clinical history will determine if refractive surgery is an option. Patients who have had previous eye surgery will be advised their outcome is dependent on many factors including what type of surgery, the original disease process and what their current best corrected vision.

Many people who have had previous surgery will not experience the same WOW factor as those who have never had surgery. Their post operative recovery may be longer and their quality of vision may be limited by other eye disease. Each person will be evaluated and counseled with care and consideration and even though we may say “you are not a candidate now” doesn't mean that you will never be a candidate for a new procedure.