There are other choices, namely a surgical solution for nearsightedness called radial keratotomy, or RK, which has been around for a number of years, even though some people still seem to think of it as an experimental procedure. For those reluctant to let a surgeon loose on their baby blues, there's an exercise program that may help them shed their dependence on corrective lenses. While nearsightedness is fairly common, farsightedness has far fewer options. Other visual problems that lie far beyond the scope of the relatively simple procedures mentioned here are cataracts, retinal problems and complications from glaucoma. While each would be serious business for anyone seeking to retain a medical, that problem is secondary to maintaining enough visual prowess to live a normal life.
Corrective lenses address two kinds of vision problems.
One is caused by a misshapen cornea. The cornea provides most of the eye's focusing power, so defects here show up as nearsightedness or farsightednes. The other is typically caused by a hardening or other deterioration of the lens in the eyes. This is called presbyopia and causes the visual deterioration found in middle-aged people who need bifocals. Most nearsightedness stems from a result of a flaw in the shape of the cornea.