-
Normal Vision- Vision is clear and sharp when the eye is able to focus images correctly onto the retina. If your vision casues the image to "miss the target" on the retina, lenses can help the eyes to fuction normally. There are abnormal but correctable conditions that may significantly affect you. In addition, a naturally occurring condition will require you to have some visual correction by middle age.
-
Myopia- The myopic, or nearsighted eye, is too long for its refractive power. Visual images come to focus before reaching the retina. Distant objects look blurry while near objects are seen more clearly.
-
Hyperopia- Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short for its refractive error. Images come to focus behind the retina. Distant vision may be good, but close up objects are out of focus.
-
Astigmatism- Astigmatism occurs when an irregular shaped eyeball causes images not to reach a sharp focal point. Vision is distorted in some directions more than others and the perceived image has a double edge.
-
Presbyopia- A hardening of the lens in the eye occurs as a natural aging process usually after age 40. The result is decreasing ability to focus clearly on reading material and close-up objects.
-
Cataracts- A clouding of a normally clear lens in your eye that distorts light entering the eye is known as a cataract. Cataracts range from mild to severe enough to cloud the entire lens; thus causing decreased vision as the cataract develops. Surgery today removes the clouded lens and is replaced with an artificial lens known as a cataract implant procedure.
-
Glaucoma- Glaucoma is an excessive build up of fluid within the eye, which exerts enough internal pressure to damage the delicate nerves of the retina and even the optic nerve. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and effects an estimated 2 million Americans. This number is expected to rise as the pupulation ages. If diagnosed early, damage can usually be contained. Early-stage glaucoma has no obvious symptoms and can only be detected by a professional eye exam.
-
Low Vision- Extremely limited visual acuity is commonly known as low vision. Having a visual acuity of 20/200 or no more than 20 degrees of visual field is classified as legally blind. Tunnel vision or problems associated with reading ordinary print or watching TV, even with the best use of corrective eyewear, are indicative of low vision. The majority of cases result from age-related retinal or macular degeneration.
-
Macular Degeneration- Macular degeneration is the deterioriation of the most sensitive and important region of the retina, the macula. This degeneration causes significant blurring of the central vision and can lead to legal blindness. Early symptoms are blurred or fuzzy central vision or straight lines or letters that appear wavy, distorted, or double. Macular degeneration affects more than 10 million Americans over the age of 50.
-
Retinal Detachment- Retinal detachment starts as a tear in the retina, frequently related to age, but sometimes can result from a severe blow to the eye. When a hole appears in the retinal wall, viterous fluid seeps behind the retina, contributing to the detachment. Identifying symptoms include blurred vision, floaters, or flashing spots. This condition affects 10,000 people in the U.S. each year.
-
Retinitis Pigmentosa- Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary disorder in which the pigmented layer of the retina begins to break down, resulting in tunnel vision and difficulty seeing in dim light. Eventually, central vision diminishes.
