Common Eye Conditions

FARSIGHTEDNESS or HYPEROPIA is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. Farsightedness occurs if your eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so light entering your eye is not focused correctly.

 

ASTIGMATISM or BLURRED VISION is a vision condition that occurs when the front surface of your eye, the cornea, is slightly irregular in shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the back of your eye, the retina. As a result, your vision may be blurred at all distances.

 

“SHORT ARM” or PRESBYOPIA is a vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects. Many people complain that their arms are too short to hold their reading a the distance needed for good focus. The actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years, but usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-forties. (‘Presbys” is a greek word meaning ‘old person’)  Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye. It is not a disease and it cannot be prevented.

 

LAZY EYE or AMBLYOPIA is the loss or lack of development of central vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and is not correctable with lenses. It can result from a failure to use both eyes together. Lazy eye is often associated with crossed-eyes or a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before age six and it does not affect side vision.

 

CROSSED-EYES or STRABISMUS occurs when one or both eyes turn in, out, up or down. Poor eye muscle control usually causes crossed-eyes. This misalignment often first appears before age 21 months but may develop as late as age six.