How often should a family have an eye exam?
An eye exam is recommended every two years assuming there are no problems; otherwise as problems arise. As with any health issue, the sooner something is detected and treated the better.
What is Myopia?
Commonly known as being nearsighted. You are able to see close but vision is blurred at a distance.
What is Hyperopia?
This is known as being farsighted. You are usually able to see at a distance but vision is blurred at near; symptoms depend on age and degree of hyperopia.
What is Astigmatism?
This is present when the central cornea is not completely round or“spherical”. It can your vision both near and distance vision depending on it’s magnitude. It is not usually indicative of a serious problem.
Could you explain the different types of contact lenses?
Good question.
Soft lenses are more comfortable and wear can be more flexible.
Rigid lenses are less comfortable initially and should be worn on a more regular basis. However, they are better for correcting large amounts of astigmatism.
There are choices to make. There are different types of soft contact lenses to choose from; those for daily wear, disposable (one month to one day) and toric (correct astigmatism). Many are available in different colors. Some allow overnight use but this is not recommended because of an increased risk of infection.
Important notes:
Contact lenses should be removed cleaned and sterilized on a regular basis to avoid lens intolerance due to mucous buildup and to decrease the chance of infection.
Contact lenses cannot be lost behind the eye because there is a membrane called the conjunctiva that prevents access to the space behind the eye.
What are flosters?
These tend to occur as one ages. It happens when the gel in the back of the eye separates from the retina. There is a small chance of a retinal tear developing at the same time they develop (2-4%) so a dilated retinal exam is recommended. However this problem is rarely sight threatening.
What is Glaucoma?
There are many types, the most common being chronic open angle glaucoma. This is characterized by a gradual loss of nerve fibers in the optic nerve and is usually associated with elevated eye pressure. The disease is more common as one ages and is usually asymptomatic until the advanced stages.
If left untreated significant vision loss will occur. For this reason it is important to schedule regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist.
What is a Cataract?
A Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. I t is not a film that grows over the eye. It usually causes a gradual decrease in vision that one may notice when watching TV, when driving, particularly at night because of light scatter[glare]from on-coming headlights or when reading. The problem can be corrected by surgically removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. .
I have heard the term Ocular Migranes what does this mean?
They are a benign but disturbing event. They typically present
as a temporary disturbance in part of one’s visual field. They are usually described as an area of flashing lights and a blurred spot surrounded by jagged lines, however there are many
variations. They can occur in any area of visual space and are not associated with a headache.
What is Uveitis?
It is an inflammation in the front or back of the eye. The eye is often red, painful, and sensitive to light. Vision may be reduced.
Some are associated with diseases that affect other parts of the body. Often this can be treated with eye drops alone. More serious types may require medication by mouth or vein.
What is conjuctvitis?
This is characterized by redness, discharge, and or tearing of one or both eyes. It is very contagious but not serious. It can be viral or bacterial. Most respond to drop therapy. This should be evaluated by your general physician or your opthalmologist depending on the severity and the duration of the symptoms.
I have heard the term “ subconjunctival hemorrhage” Please explain.
This is a benign event characterized by an area of the white of the eye that looks like it is covered in bright red blood.
Althoughit looks disturbing it is usually not associated with another disease such as high blood pressure, stroke or a bleeding disorder. There is no treatment but it will resolve spontaneously in roughly one week.
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