About Vision> Normal Vision> What is Nearsightedness?> What is Farsightedness?> What is Astigmatism?> Eye Disorders and Diseases > Cataracts> Children's Vision

Myopia

You may be familiar with the term myopia, also known as near-sightedness. Myopia is the result of an eyeball which is too long, or a cornea which is too curved. In both cases, light rays entering your eye fall short of the retina, and objects in the distance appear blurred. If you have this condition, you are not alone; more than 70 million people in North America have myopia.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia, or far-sightedness, is the opposite of myopia. Here, your eye is too short or your cornea is less curved. Consequently, light rays entering your eye fall behind the retina. This results in blurred vision which is worse at near distances than far.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the inability to focus the eyes at near. Presbyopia generally begins around age 40 as the lens inside our eye loses its ability to change shape. Presbyopia can be quite troublesome if one has to work at a computer all day long. Bifocals help, but because the computer screen is fairly high in our line of sight, bifocals are often too low to be beneficial. Oftentimes, special computer glasses, which puts the near correction higher into the line of sight are most beneficial.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye that can destroy the sensitive nerve fibers responsible for vision. Usually there are no symptoms related to this disease. It affects approximately 2% of the population over the age of 35.

Many individuals are at a higher risk to develop Glaucoma. Glaucoma is most common in people with a family history of the disease. Patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes, anemia, or hardening of the arteries are at higher risk of developing glaucoma. Nearsighted patients are more likely to develop the disease. In addition, African-Americans tend to develop glaucoma more often than other racial groups.

Cataract

The eye's natural lens is used for focusing near objects and is clear at birth. As we age, the lens begins to lose its clarity. This loss of transparency of the natural lens is called a cataract. A cataract decreases the amount of light that is focused on the retina, resulting in an overall blurriness of images. Having a cataract disturbs vision much like looking through a dirty windshield.

Cataracts are not caused by over using the eyes. The computer has no effect on cataract development. Cataracts progress more quickly with exposure to ultraviolet radiation and cigarette smoking. Recent studies have shown that some vitamins, such as vitamin C may play a role in slowing down the development of cataracts.

Other than the normal aging process, cataracts can develop as a result of injury, systemic diseases, and certain drugs such as steriods.

A thorough eye examination by our doctors can determine the presence of cataracts. If you have cataracts, Dr. Noble and Dr. Simonson can help you decide when cataract surgery is right for you.

Retinal Detachment

The retina is the thin, light sensitive, lining of the eye. The optic nerve sends the retinal image to the brain where vision occurs. Occassionally, the retina becomes torn and detaches from the internal portion of the eye causing reduced vision, floaters and sometimes flashes of light.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact Ada Vision Center immediately. Retinal detachments are most common in nearsighted individuals. They can also occur after blunt head trauma such as automobile accidents, sporting events or falls. Family history is also a contributing factor.