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Eyeglasses
Vision Problems
Contact Lenses
Vision Problems
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia is an eye condition that results in the functional
non-use of one eye. This is the result of a problem focusing
an image on the retina. It is caused by either a refractive
error or an ocular muscle imbalance. The symptoms of amblyopia
are not always obvious. They can include:
-
favoring one eye
-
a tendency to bump into objects
on the left or right
-
the inability to focus both eyes
together
-
peripheral vision unaffected
If amblyopia is diagnosed early,
the odds of recovery improve significantly. Amblyopia usually
appears in early childhood and can be treated with vision eyeglasses
or vision therapy. This condition is one of the main reasons
why eye exams in children should begin around six months of
age. When amblyopia is diagnosed later in life, treatment is
more difficult and often less effective. The condition can
lead to blindness in the affected eye.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is misshapen to some
extent. This causes light to focus improperly on the retina.
Symptoms of astigmatism include:
Astigmatism is most often
treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
Color Vision Deficiency
The term "color blindness" is somewhat misleading. Eye
professionals prefer the term "Color deficient". Color
deficiency is an inherited genetic trait that affects about 1
out of 12 males and 1 out of 100 females. Only in rare cases
is color vision deficiency so severe that the individual has
no color vision. In most cases, an individual is less
able to distinguish certain colors. Red-green color deficiency
is the most common form of this condition, followed by a
difficulty distinguishing blue and gray. Color vision
deficiency is not typically indicative of disease and is not
typically correctable in most cases. Special tinted lenses and
occupational counseling can be of help.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia is a condition where distant objects appear clearly,
but those close up may appear blurred or cause eye strain when
trying to focus. Like myopia, the condition is caused when the
shape of the eyeball or cornea causes the light entering the
eye to be improperly focused on the retina. Symptoms of
hyperopia may include:
-
difficulty focusing on objects
close up
-
eye strain
-
eye aches or burning sensations
-
fatigue or headache following
work demanding close-up vision
-
difficulty reading
-
eye irritability following
periods of sustained concentration at near distances
Normal vision screenings may not
be sufficient to diagnose hyperopia. A very comprehensive
vision exam will usually detect the condition. Corrective
lenses can be prescribed for hyperopic patients.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia is a condition where objects that are up close are
usually in focus and clear, but those at a distance (outside
of arms length) appear blurred. Like hyperopia, the condition
is caused when the shape of the eyeball or cornea causes light
entering the eye to be improperly focused on the retina.
Symptoms of myopia may include:
Myopia is a very common vision
problem, affecting about 30 percent of Americans. It can be
detected by a comprehensive eye exam. It most often develops
before the age of twenty. Corrective lenses (glasses or
contact lenses) or refractive surgery can be used to treat
myopia, depending on the severity of the condition and the
preference of the patient.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia usually occurs around age 40, and is the result of
the natural lens inside the eye losing flexibility. This
causes difficulties in focusing on objects or print close up.
It is not a disease, but is a natural process of aging and
cannot be prevented. Symptoms of the onset of presbyopia
include:
A comprehensive
eye exam can
detect presbyopia. Your eye doctor may prescribe single vision
reading lenses or multifocal lenses, such as bifocals,
trifocals or progressive ("no line") lenses. Contact lenses
can also correct presbyopia. Because the eye continues to
change as an individual ages, changes in the lens prescription
may be periodically required.
Spots and Floaters
Small cloudy specks of various sizes may form within the eye.
These spots are usually in the vitreous fluid, a liquid
substance that fills the posterior two-thirds inside of the
eye. They are caused by protein deposits trapped in the eye
before birth. They are usually considered harmless. They may
also occur later in life due to aging or certain eye diseases.
Spots or floaters move as your eyes move. They rarely limit
vision, but may be bothersome and most noticeable when looking
into space or at a blank wall under sufficient light.
Although floaters are generally considered harmless, they may
be indicative of more serious problems that can be detected by
a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye care specialist can examine
your eyes and determine if you may be at risk for, or have
developed, a more serious problem that requires treatment.
Strabismus (Misalignment of the eyes)
Difficulty with eye muscle balance can cause one or both eyes
to turn in, out, up, or down. This condition typically appears
in young children before the age of seven, and may continue
undetected or uncorrected into adulthood. The symptoms of
strabismus can include:
Many people incorrectly believe
that strabismus can be outgrown in children. This is incorrect
and without treatment, the condition may worsen and cause
other eye conditions, including amblyopia.
The American
Optometric Association recommends a pediatric eye exam
before six months and again at age three. (If there is a
family history of strabismus, your eye care professional may
recommend a more frequent examination schedule.) If detected
early, strabismus can often be corrected. Treatment for
misaligned eyes can include:
The National Eye Institute (A
Division of the National Institutes of Health) offers
excellent resources about
vision, eye
care and contact lenses. This site is available in
both English and Spanish. The Optometrists Network
provides detailed information for parents about
children and vision care. |
