Eye problemsShort sightAn eye which is myopic (short or near sighted) is usually longer or the front is steeper than normal. This causes the light rays to meet at a point in front of the retina. As a result, distant objects become blurred and only close objects can be seen clearly.Long sightThe hyperopic (long sighted) eye is shorter or the front is flatter than normal. The light rays meet beyond the retina, so that distant objects can be seen better than those which are near. With age even distance vision becomes blurred as the lens thickens and hardens so it can no longer compensate for this error.PresbyiopiaThe cause of presbyopia is different. With age our ability and power to focus diminishes as the lens thickens and stiffens. This means that the shape of the eye is the same, but we are less able to make the necessary adjustments. We will all be affected at some point to some extent.AstigmatismAstigmatism causes blurring both near to and in the distance. Astigmatism can be present alone or in eyes which are short or long sighted. We all have some, but it is usually insignificant. Astigmatism occurs when the surface of the eye is not a perfect curve, but more like a rugby ball or an egg. This creates blurring or distortion of vision. It may occur naturally or after cataract or laser surgery and this is a common problem for older patients.