Frequently Asked Questions
Often we hear about your questions and concerns and we have developed this section to give you additional information on your eyes. Remember, your eyes are just as important to us as they are to you.
The Medical Eye
Comprehensive annual eye exams with dilation are most important because of medical complication which can occur. Below are a few common examples.
Glaucoma is an eye disorder leading to damage to the optic nerve. This is usually caused by increased pressure in the eye. Symptoms only occur in late stages when it is too late to prevent nerve loss. Glaucoma can be managed with drops to lower pressure but cannot be cured.
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Common symptoms are glare and blurred vision. Antiglare treatments to glasses can help, but severe cases are treated surgically. Optometrists can comanage these surgeries, caring for your needs before and after the procedure.
Spots (floaters) are small, semitransparent or cloudy specks or particles within the clear, jellylike fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They appear as specks or threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are inside your eyes, they move as your eyes move. While most spots are not harmful and rarely limit vision, a sudden increase is a reason for an immediate eye examination.
People with Dry Eye either do not produce enough tears or have poor quality tears. Common symptoms are watery eyes, burning, itching, and intermittent blurred vision. Dry eye is a common, and often chronic, problem. When OTC drops are no longer an option, your optometrist can prescribe other treatments.
Diabetes and High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) are conditions which can cause progressive damage to the retina. There are a serious sight threatening complications of diabetes and high blood pressure when left unchecked.
The Vision Eye
An optometrist can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses that correct the following conditions:
Nearsightedness (myopia) is when close objects are seen clearly but objects far away appear blurred. Common signs include squinting, headaches, and eye strain.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is when distant objects are seen clearly but close objects are more difficult to focus on. Common signs include difficulty in maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.
Presbyopia is a when the lens in your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects. Presbyopia usually is noticeable in the early to mid-40s. Common signs of presbyopia include headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and ‘shrinking arms’. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye. It is not a disease, and it cannot be prevented.
Astigmatism is a condition that causes blurred vision because of an irregular shaped cornea or lens. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. Astigmatism is a very common vision condition. Common signs of astigmatism include squinting, headaches, and eye strain.
