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Understanding eye health is crucial for maintaining good vision throughout life. If you have concerns about any of these conditions or are experiencing vision problems, please contact our office to schedule an examination with our experienced optometrists.
Below we explore common eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, dry eyes, blepharitis, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes eye disease, macular degeneration, and styes and chalazions. Each description provides basic information to help you better understand these conditions.
Also known as nearsightedness, myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia typically develops during childhood and can progress until early adulthood. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor changes and update prescriptions as needed.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, makes nearby objects appear blurry while distant vision remains clearer. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. Many children are born with hyperopia but may outgrow it as their eyes develop. Symptoms can include eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with close-up tasks like reading.
Astigmatism causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of having a perfectly round shape like a rugby ball, the cornea or lens has a shape more like a football. This common condition often occurs alongside myopia or hyperopia. Symptoms may include headaches, eye strain, squinting, and difficulty seeing at night.
Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on close objects. It typically becomes noticeable around age 40-45 when people start holding reading materials at arm's length to see them clearly. Presbyopia happens because the lens in the eye becomes less flexible over time. This natural part of aging eventually affects everyone, regardless of previous vision status.
Dry eye syndrome occurs when tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen because of insufficient tear production or tears that evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include stinging, burning, scratchiness, sensitivity to light, and the feeling of something in your eye. Dry eyes can be temporary or chronic and may be worsened by environmental factors like wind, smoke, or extended screen time.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, particularly where the eyelashes grow. This common condition causes red, swollen, and itchy eyelids, often with flaking skin around the lashes. Blepharitis can result from bacterial infection, skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, or problems with oil glands in the eyelids. While typically not sight-threatening, it can be chronic and uncomfortable without proper eyelid hygiene.
Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to diminished vision. This clouding develops when proteins in the lens break down and clump together, gradually worsening over time. Common symptoms include blurred vision, increased glare sensitivity, fading colors, and difficulty with night vision. Cataracts are most commonly related to aging but can also result from injury, certain medications, or medical conditions.
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure within the eye. This progressive condition can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Early-stage glaucoma typically has no symptoms, which makes regular eye exams crucial for early detection. Treatment can slow or prevent vision loss, but cannot restore vision that has already been lost.
Diabetic eye disease encompasses several conditions that can affect people with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy, the most common form, occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. Early stages often have no symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause vision problems and eventually blindness. Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for people with diabetes.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition causes the gradual loss of central vision, making activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult. There are two types: dry (more common) and wet (more severe). Risk factors include age, smoking, and family history.
A stye is a painful red bump that forms along the edge of the eyelid, caused by an infected oil gland. It resembles a pimple and can make the eye feel tender and irritated. A chalazion, while similar in appearance, is a painless bump caused by a blocked oil gland and usually forms further from the edge of the eyelid. Both conditions typically resolve on their own within a few weeks but may require treatment if they persist or recur frequently.
