What is Astigmatism?
A visual defect caused by an eye surface that is irregularly shaped. People with astigmatism see less clearly at any distance. See the picture under “Eye Disorders” What is nearsightedness?
It is also called myopia. You can see clearly up close, but not at a distance. What is farsightedness?
It is also called hyperopia. The opposite of nearsightedness. You can see clearly at a distance, but not up close. Will wearing eyeglasses make me dependent on them?
No. Glasses and contact lenses allow you to see comfortably. When you remove them, you see less comfortably. This contrast is what makes some people believe their vision is worse for wearing glasses. Corrective lenses won’t make your vision problems go away, nor will they worsen them. They only correct the symptoms. Can I wear contact lenses?
Consult with your optometrist if they are suitable for your lifestyle. If you work in a dusty environment or exposed to bright, windy conditions much of the time, eyeglasses may be safer and more comfortable to wear. What are bifocals? Who needs to wear them?
Bifocals use two different powers in one lens. Typically, the upper portion of the lens if used for distance vision and the lower portion is used for viewing objects up close. Bifocals correct for a decreasing ability to focus a problem that sneaks up on just about everybody as they age. It is likely that most people will need bifocals, or what is known as progressive lenses, at some point in their lives. Can eye exercises improve my vision?
You can train your eye muscles to work better together and correct problems like strabismus crossed eyes which involves training the muscles that align the eye. What is a lazy eye?
It is called amblyopia, but some of the best definition of a lazy eye is one that does not see well. Some people refer to a lazy eye as one that turns in or out, in a direction different than the focusing eye. That is really a condition called strabismus. If it is diagnosed before the age of five or six, amblyopia can often be corrected with eyeglasses and patches over the good eye to force the “lazy eye” to “learn” to focus. What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist and an optician?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the eye, detecting and treating eye diseases with medications and surgery. An optometrist examines eyes, detects vision problems and prescribes the appropriate treatment. An optician interprets the optometrist’s prescription and dispenses eyeglasses or contact lenses. An optician is to an optometrist, as a pharmacist is to a doctor. At what age should children have their first eye exam?
Some ophthalmologists suggest children should have their first eye exam at about age three. Always have a child’s vision checked if there is any doubt about how well he or she sees. Early detection of eye problems can sometimes prevent significant damage to the eye or to vision. Can my eyes get sunburned?
Yes! “snow blindness” and a welder’s flash are examples of “sun burned” eyes. Outdoor enthusiasts and those with sensitive eyes should invest in sunglasses with an ultraviolet filter to block harmful UV radiation from the sun. Contact lens wearers are especially sensitive to bright light, they should always wear a good pair of nonprescription sunglasses with their contacts when they are outside. I have worn contact lenses for years but now I cannot wear them for as long as I used to. Why?
The more you wear contacts, the less tolerant your eyes become to the protein deposits that naturally collect on the lenses. Your eyes can actually become allergic to those deposits. That is why wearing fresh contact lenses is essential. |
