Common Vision Problems

(time 1:37): Presbyopia: Description

When we are young, the lens inside of our eye is extremely flexible, and allows us to easily focus on close objects. Over time, the lens gradually loses its' flexibility, which makes it more difficult to focus on close objects. This condition is called Presbyopia, and it is a normal part of the aging process that happens to everyone, even those who have never had a vision problem before. In the early stages of Presbyopia, most people have difficulty reading small print, such as on a menu, a cell phone, or a newspaper. People usually compensate for this, by holding reading materials further away, and in some cases by using additional light. As the condition progresses, most patients are unable to hold printed materials far enough away to see them clearly. Patients will often complain that their arms are not long enough anymore. At this stage, most patients will require some type of near vision correction. Because the lenses inside our eyes continue to change over time, it is important to see your eye care professional regularly for routine eye examinations.

(time 1:33) : Presbyopia: Treatment Overview

There are a number of treatment options available, to help correct the changes in your vision caused by presbyopia. If you have no other vision problems, you may benefit from reading glasses alone. However, if you are nearsighted or farsighted, you may need a prescription for new glasses. These glasses can be designed to correct vision at a single distance, or vision at multiple distances. Some people prefer the convenience of contact lenses. Contact lenses can also be designed to correct vision at a single distance, or vision at multiple distances. If glasses and contacts are not desired, presbyopia can be treated surgically. Once such procedure is performed by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens. Because the new lens restores distance vision and improves near vision, the eye is able to focus more easily. Refractive laser procedures, such as LASIK or PRK, may also be a solution. Another procedure uses radio-frequency energy to alter the periphery of the cornea, thereby improving vision close-up. Treatment for presbyopia is very common, and depends on many factors. Your doctor will discuss which treatment options may be best for you.

Strabismus Description

Strabismus is the term used to describe misaligned eyes. There are many types of Strabismus. If the eyes are crossed, it is called esotropia. If the eyes turn outward, it is called exotropia. In some cases, one eye can turn higher than the other. The higher eye is diagnosed with hypertropia, while the lower eye is diagnosed with hypotropia. The condition may be intermittent, constant, or it can alternate between the eyes. Cases of Strabismus can vary from mild to severe, based on the amount of deviation between the eyes.

(time 0:28) : Stye Description

A stye develops when one of the glands at the edge of the eyelid becomes infected. Resembling a pimple, a stye can grow on the inside, or outside of the eyelid. Styes can occur at any age. Affected areas are tender, with localized redness, and swelling. They do not interfere with vision.

(time 0:31) : Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Description

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel under the conjunctiva breaks and bleeds. It may occur spontaneously or from coughing, heavy lifting, or vomiting. In some cases, it may develop following eye surgery or trauma. A subconjunctival hemorrhage tends to be more common among those with diabetes and hypertension.

(time 0:42) : Astigmatism: Description

Astigmatism is a refractive error in which light rays entering the eye do not focus onto a single point needed for clear vision. Instead, light focuses on two distinct points, neither of which may be on the retina. Where these images focus depends on whether the astigmatism is associated with myopia, or hyperopia. Astigmatism causes a distortion or blurring of images at all distances, nearby as well as distant.

(time 0:31):) : Astigmatism: Cause

Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye has an irregular curvature. Normally, the cornea is equally curved in all directions. This gives the cornea a round shape, like a baseball. In astigmatism, the curve along one meridian is steeper than the curvature along the other. This causes the front surface of the cornea to be shaped more like a football.

(time 1:05) : How the Eye Works

The inner workings of the human eye are complex, but at the same time, fascinating. The eye is easy to understand if you think of it as a camera. When you take a picture - the lens in the front of the camera allows light through and focuses that light on the film. When the light hits the film, a picture is taken. The eye works in much the same way. In a healthy eye, the lens is clear and allows light to pass through. Light is focused by the cornea and lens onto a thin layer of tissue called the retina. The retina works like the film in a camera. When light hits the retina, tiny cells collect the light signals, and convert them into electrical signals, which are then sent through the optic nerve, and to the brain, where they are processed into the images we see.

(time 1:37) : The Importance of Complete Eye Exams

Caring for your eyesight begins with complete eye examinations. Complete eye exams are about more than just testing your vision — it’s a full check-up for your eyes. Many eye care problems can develop over long periods of time — without symptoms — and can irreversibly damage your vision. Regularly scheduled complete eye exams are the best way to detect such conditions early, and address them before they develop into more serious problems. Most adults should have a complete eye exam every one to two years. Children should receive complete eye exams regularly as they grow — to detect and treat eye conditions that can affect their progress in school. Infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, and subsequent exams as directed by their eye doctor. Patients who are at a higher risk for certain conditions — such as diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, and those over the age of 40 — should have exams more frequently, as recommended by their eye doctor. Remember that caring for your eyesight begins with complete eye examinations. They are the best way to detect eye conditions early, and address them before they develop into more severe problems.