It is important to us that our patients understand how their vision works. Please find below some definitions of some common eye terms and interesting articles Dr. Ma would like to share.
Myopia (Nearsighted)
People who are myopic or nearsighted can have difficulty seeing distant objects or signs but can clearly see objects that are near. Nearsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK)
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea, the transparent layer that covers the front part of the eyeball, is not symmetrical. The result can be blurry vision. However, small amounts of astigmatism usually don't lead to vision problems. Infants can be born with astigmatism, or it can be caused by heavy eyelids, blunt trauma to the eyeball, scarring of the cornea from lacerations, and infection. Astigmatism can be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery.
Hyperopia (Farsighted)
People who are hyperopic or farsighted can focus better on distant objects than on those that are close. Symptoms may include headaches, eye strain, and difficult focusing on nearby objects. It is often confused with presbyopia (see below). Farsightedness can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Presbyopia
This is the loss of the ability to clearly see close objects or small print. It is a normal process that happens slowly over a lifetime, but you may not notice any change until after age 40. Presbyopia is often corrected with reading glasses, bifocal or progressive glasses, contact lens and refractive surgery.
Cataracts
Cataracts are cloudy areas that cover part of or the entire lens that you are born with inside your eye. When a cataract is present, vision can be impaired. Cataracts often form slowly, causing no pain, redness or tearing in the eye. Some stay small and do not alter eyesight. If they become large or thick, cataracts can usually be removed by surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that presents as damage to the optic nerve (the cable that connects the eye to the brain) Glaucoma is usually caused by increased fluid pressure in the eye however there are many other risk factors. If not treated early, this can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. Because most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain, it is very important to get your eyes checked by an eye doctor regularly. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, or surgery.
Articles
Maintaining Good Eye Health - Don't take your eye health for granted. Protect your eyesight with these six tips for eye-healthy nutrition, lifestyle, and preventive care.
Top Safety Tips for Contact Lens Wearers - Is it safe to reuse contact lens solution — and should you wear your lenses in the shower?
When Should You Get New Contact Lenses? - Contacts come with recommended replacement dates, but a significant number of people don't follow them.
How to Protect Against Glaucoma - Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the United States, has very few symptoms in its early stages, but catching the disease early is crucial to saving your eyesight.
9 Serious Eye Symptoms to Watch Out For - Flashing lights, floaters, and eye pain.
