Eye conditions
MYOPIA OR ‘nearsightedness’ is that dioptric condition of the eye in which parallel rays of light from infinity come to a focus in front of the retina. When you are myopic, you are able to see clearly up close, but everything in the distance is blurred. Myopia is the result of an eyeball that is too long, or a cornea that is too steeply curved.
MYOPIA SYMPTOMS
The inability to see distant objects clearly or the need to hold a book too close to the eye while reading are the usual complaints of myopic patients. Headaches caused by significant eyestrain is also one of the most common symptoms of nearsightedness. Sometimes the patient sees black spots floating before the eyes and occasionally flashes of light are also noticed.
TREATMENT
The treatment of myopia comprises prescribing appropriate concave lenses and paying attention to ocular hygiene. The myopic patient is fitted with eyeglasses or contact lenses that compensate for the elongated shape of the eyeball, thus allowing the light to focus properly on the retina.
HYPEROPIC EYE
Hyperopia or ‘farsightedness’ is an error of refraction wherein parallel rays of light come to a focus behind the retina. When you are hyperopic, you will have no problem seeing objects in the distance, but there will be difficulty in focusing clearly on near objects. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too small or the cornea is too flat.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPEROPIA
Common farsightedness symptoms include difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, blurred vision, eyestrain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, poor reading ability, general tension and irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.
TREATMENT
Hyperopia is corrected by prescribing appropriate convex lenses.
ASTIGMATIC EYE
Astigmatism is that condition wherein the refraction varies in different meridians of the eye. It occurs when light entering the eye is ‘split’ into two separate parts instead of focusing on one precise point on the retina. Astigmatism is commonly caused by abnormalities in the curvature of the cornea. If you are astigmatic, you will experience a distortion or blurring of images at all distances, nearby as well as distant.
SYMPTOMS OF ASTIGMATISM
Astigmatism may cause blurred vision, eyestrain or even headaches. It can also cause images to appear doubled, particularly at night.
TREATMENT
Astigmatism can be corrected with appropriate eyeglasses or ‘Toric’ lenses.
Presbyopia is progressive farsightedness that develops as we grow older. It is a condition that occurs as the eye’s lens grows older and begins to lose some of the elasticity needed to switch focus between viewing near and far objects. The age at which presbyopia is first noticed varies, but it usually begins to interfere with near vision in the early 40’s.
SYMPTOMS OF PRESBYOPIA
Need to hold reading material further and further away to be able to focus.
Vision is blurred at the normal reading distance; especially in poor light.
Headaches and/or eye fatigue after or during concentrated close work.
TREATMENT
Presbyopia is treated by wearing the prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses that allow the eye to refract light rays effectively.