Vision Disorders


The Normal Eye
The eye works much like a camera, using a lens to focus an image onto a focal point on the retina at the back of the eye. In the normal eye the light rays join together at a precise point on the retina, and near and distant objects appear sharp and clear.

The Myopic Eye
The nearsighted eye (myopia) is somewhat longer than the normal eye. This causes the light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, resulting in a blurry view of distant objects.

The Hyperopic Eye
The farsighted eye (hyperopia) is shorter than normal. Light rays are aimed at a focus point behind the retina causing blurring of objects viewed up close.

Astigmatism
The cornea (or lens) of an eye with astigmatism is shaped like an egg or football, not round like a basketball. This causes a distortion or doubling of images. It is especially noticeable after dark and with bright lights. With astigmatism, objects at all distances appear blurred.

Presbyopia
Presbyopia is caused by a loss of focusing flexibility in the eye and affects everyone, often starting in the mid-forties. This makes it difficult to view objects up close while wearing corrective eyewear for nearsightedness. People with this condition often wear reading glasses and bifocals (glasses that focus different ways for up close and distance viewing).

Amblyopia
Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition when one eye fails to develop clear vision. It is important that both eyes have the ability to see clearly together in order for both eyes to have the capability of seeing well throughout life. In most cases, it is best to diagnose Amblyopia before the age of 4 and the usual treatment is wearing any necessary prescription and implementing the use of patching the better eye in order to encourage the amblyopic eye to develop. Because of this, it is very important to have children evaluated before the age of 4 in those families with a family history of Amblyopia, as it can be an inherited condition.

Strabismus
Strabismus (wondering eye) is an eye muscle problem where the eyes do not align together. One eye turns in, out, up and/or down compared to the fellow eye. This condition can be full-time or intermittent (happens occasionally). Treatment may include eye exercises, the use of prism in the eyeglass prescription and/or surgery to straighten the muscles. No treatment is recommended in many cases of intermittent strabismus. Strabismus can be an inherited eye condition.