Eye Conditions
Common Conditions:
Discover more about myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism…
Myopia (Nearsightedness): This occurs when the eyeball length is too long causing the focus of light to fall short of the retina. This causes the vision to be fuzzy in the distance and clear up close. Glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery can correct myopia.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): This occurs when the eyeball length is too short causing the focus of light to fall behind the retina. This causes the vision to be fuzzy up close but still clear in the distance. Glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery can correct hyperopia.
Astigmatism: This condition causes blurred vision sometimes both in the distance and near and is due to an irregularly shaped cornea. The front surface of the eye isn’t spherical like a basketball but is more shaped like a football with one meridian steeper and the other flatter. Glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery can correct astigmatism.
Presbyopia: This happens to those in their 40s and older when the lens (which does all the focusing) within the eye loses it’s elasticity and can no longer focus as well. Glasses and contact lenses can help, and maybe soon surgical options will be an option too.
Diseases of the Eye:
Learn about diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and more…
There are many diseases and problems related to the eye but here are the most common. See our “LINKS” page for more information on all of these diseases.
Age-related Macular Degeneration: An estimated 13 million Americans have signs of this sight threatening disease, the world’s number on cause of blindness. Treatment options, sadly, are limited. People with this disease lose their central vision but keep some peripheral vision.
Cataracts: A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which usually occurs as one ages due to protein changes in the eye. When the vision is obstructed to the point where it interferes with daily routines, cataract surgery is recommended.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Inflammation due to a virus or bacteria in the outer membrane of the eye can cause redness, swelling, itching and tearing. It can be infectious and spread to the other eye or family members.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Changes occur in the eye when high blood sugar levels due to diabetes are not controlled properly. In late stages of diabetes, new blood vessels form around the capillaries in the retina which can lead to scar tissue that can lead to retinal detachment.
Dry Eyes: Sometimes the eye doesn’t produce enough tears, or the tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporated too quickly. This is usually most noticeable with contact lens wearers.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma causes chronic damage to the optic nerve and a gradually diminished field of vision. Drops every day and sometimes surgery are necessary to keep further vision loss.
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