)
The Science Behind Your Eyes
Common Vision Conditions
Myopia
Myopia is also known as nearsightedness. It is a condition where you can see objects clearly at near, but they appear blurry in the distance.
Myopia is considered a genetic disorder and usually develops in early childhood, though it sometimes develops in early adulthood. Another risk factor is prolonged "near work" - focusing on close objects.
astigmatism
Astigmatic corneas are shaped more oval than round, and this causes a distorted view of detailed vision up close and far away. Eyestrain, fatigue, and squinting are often symptoms related to the condition.
Astigmatism may be hereditary or caused by factors such as pressure on the cornea, eye rubbing, or increased use of the eyes for "near work."
Astigmatism may be hereditary or caused by factors such as pressure on the cornea, eye rubbing, or increased use of the eyes for "near work."
hyperopia
Hyperopia is more commonly known as farsightedness. Individuals with farsightedness are able to focus on objects that are further away, but have difficulty focusing on objects which are very close.
A family history of hyperopia is a risk factor for developing the condition.
A family history of hyperopia is a risk factor for developing the condition.
presbyopia
Presbyopia is a natural consequence of the aging process, and causes an inability to focus on objects near the eye. One usually notices that it is harder to read or use the computer.
It may seem to occur suddenly, however, it actually occurs over a long period of time. Symptoms include having to hold things farther away, a delay in focus, and headaches from "near work"
It may seem to occur suddenly, however, it actually occurs over a long period of time. Symptoms include having to hold things farther away, a delay in focus, and headaches from "near work"
Common Eye Conditions
Dry Eye disease
Dry eye disease is caused by insufficient or unstable tears. If the tears are not composed of a proper balance of mucous, water, and oil, the eye becomes irritated.
Symptoms include: itching, irritation, burning, watering, redness, blurred vision that improves with blinking, and discomfort after long periods of reading, driving, or screen use.
There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye syndrome. These include dry, hot, or windy climates, high altitude, air-conditioning, and dehydration. You may also be more at risk if you wear contact lenses, take certain medications, have a thyroid condition, a vitamin-A deficiency, Parkinson's or Sjogren's disease, or if you are a woman over 40.
Symptoms include: itching, irritation, burning, watering, redness, blurred vision that improves with blinking, and discomfort after long periods of reading, driving, or screen use.
There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye syndrome. These include dry, hot, or windy climates, high altitude, air-conditioning, and dehydration. You may also be more at risk if you wear contact lenses, take certain medications, have a thyroid condition, a vitamin-A deficiency, Parkinson's or Sjogren's disease, or if you are a woman over 40.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is a redness of the eye. It is often accompanied by swelling, a discharge (serous or mucus) and itching of the eye.
The three main causes are viral, bacterial or allergic. To avoid spreading, wash your hands often, don't touch the infected area with your hands, don't share washcloths or towels, and avoid using makeup that may become contaminated. A child with pink eye should be kept from school for a few days. An antibiotic eye drop or ointments will be prescribed if it is a bacterial infection. There are also OTC eyedrops which are recommended for allergic reactions, while the viral infections typically resolve on their own.
The three main causes are viral, bacterial or allergic. To avoid spreading, wash your hands often, don't touch the infected area with your hands, don't share washcloths or towels, and avoid using makeup that may become contaminated. A child with pink eye should be kept from school for a few days. An antibiotic eye drop or ointments will be prescribed if it is a bacterial infection. There are also OTC eyedrops which are recommended for allergic reactions, while the viral infections typically resolve on their own.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a general clouding that occurs in the lens of the eye as it ages. A person with cataracts may encounter blurry vision at all distances, faded or a yellowing of colors, problems with vision in low-light conditions, poor night vision due to halos, glare, or starbursts from oncoming headlights.
Risk factors include: increasing age, sun exposure without uv protection, genetics, history of eye injury or surgery, prolonged use of steroids, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, a diet lacking in anti-oxidants (fruits and vegetables), and smoking.
Surgical treatment is an outpatient procedure where the natural cloudy lens is removed and a clear artificial lens is inserted in the same location.
retinal detACHMENTS
The retina lines the inner back wall of the eye, and if it develops a hole or tear it is at risk for a detachment. It is a serious condition, which can cause permanent damage and vision loss if not treated quickly by a retinal specialist.
Symptoms include: an increase in "floaters," which look like small particles or fine threads, the sudden onset of flashes of light, a veil or dark curtain over a portion of your vision, or a blindspot.
Eye injuries, tumors, and cataract surgery can cause retinal detachment. Near-sighted individuals and the elderly are at greater risk for spontaneous detachment.
Symptoms include: an increase in "floaters," which look like small particles or fine threads, the sudden onset of flashes of light, a veil or dark curtain over a portion of your vision, or a blindspot.
Eye injuries, tumors, and cataract surgery can cause retinal detachment. Near-sighted individuals and the elderly are at greater risk for spontaneous detachment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a treatable disease where there is too much pressure on the inside of the eye. There is fluid in your eyes which constantly flows in and out. If the fluid is prevented from flowing out, pressure inside the eye builds up and may damage the optic nerve. Over time, if left untreated, it will lead to a gradual loss in peripheral vision or blindness.
You may be at greater risk of developing glaucoma if you have a family history, you are over 55, of African descent, diabetic, extremely near-sighted or far-sighted, or if you have used steroids for a long period of time.
You may be at greater risk of developing glaucoma if you have a family history, you are over 55, of African descent, diabetic, extremely near-sighted or far-sighted, or if you have used steroids for a long period of time.
Macular degeneration
The macula is a specialized region in the retina which is responsible for our detailed, central vision. Macular degeneration is a disease which causes that area to deteriorate.
There are two forms of the disease. The Dry form is characterized by the formation of drusen deposits which dry out or thin the macula. The Wet form results from the development of abnormal blood vessels in the region which leak fluid. Both forms lead to vision loss.
Factors which increase risk include: advanced age, genetics, eye color, race, smoking, cardiovascular disease, uv exposure, and poor diet.
Factors which increase risk include: advanced age, genetics, eye color, race, smoking, cardiovascular disease, uv exposure, and poor diet.