Myopia and hyperopia are considered what type of disorders?

Myopia and hyperopia are classified as refractive disorders because they involve the way light is focused onto the retina. In myopia, or nearsightedness, distant objects appear blurry because the eye is elongated or has excessive corneal curvature, leading to light being focused in front of the retina. Conversely, in hyperopia, or farsightedness, close objects may appear blurry because the eye is shorter or has insufficient curvature, causing light to be focused behind the retina.

Understanding that these conditions relate directly to the eye's ability to refract light correctly helps clarify why they fall under the category of refractive disorders. This categorization is crucial since it informs the appropriate treatment approaches, such as corrective lenses or refractive surgery, that aim to adjust the way light is focused within the eye.