FAQ

Your frequently asked eye care questions all in one place.

FIND ALL THE
ANSWERS

What does it mean to be nearsighted?

If you are nearsighted you have a condition called myopia. Myopia is a vision disorder in which near objects appear clearly and distant objects do not come into focus properly.

What does it mean to be farsighted?

If you are farsighted you have a condition called hyperopia. Hyperopia is a vision disorder in which distant objects appear clearly and near objects do not come into focus properly.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a vision disorder that causes blurred vision at all distances. In severe cases it may cause distorted vision while mild cases may cause headaches, eye strain and fatigue. Most people have some degree of astigmatism.

Why can’t I see close up anymore?

When people reach a certain age, approximately 40 – 45 years, they will experience some natural loss of near focus. This normal vision condition is called presbyopia. With aging, the eye eventually becomes unable to focus instantaneously from distant objects to close objects. Presbyopia is not a disease and it cannot be prevented. Common signs include the tendency to hold reading materials at arms length, blurred vision at normal reading distance, eye fatigue and headaches while doing close work. Presbyopia can be alleviated with prescription lenses for reading only or with multifocal lenses, like progressive lenses.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the lens within the human eye, which results in distorted and blurred vision. Cataracts are most often found in individuals over age 50, but are occasionally found in younger people. Years of exposure to the sun’s harmful rays are believed to contribute to the formation of cataracts.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal ocular pressure increases. This pressure, if left untreated, can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness and it most often occurs in people over age 40. Glaucoma usually develops gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. It cannot be prevented, but when diagnosed and treated in its early stages it can be controlled.

What is a lazy eye?

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is the loss or lack of development of clear vision in one or both eyes. This can be caused by an eye turn (strabismus), a high prescription that has gone uncorrected with glasses or contact lenses, or a structural abnormality. Glasses or contact lenses may not be able to fully correct the reduced vision caused by the lazy eye if the vision is not corrected at a young age.

What is keratoconus?

An eye disorder causing progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea resulting in high astigmatism and blurred vision. The blurred vision may be corrected with a specialty contact lens.

What are floaters?

Eye floaters are spots or ‘cobwebs’ that can drift in your field of vision. While annoying, ordinary eye floaters are very common and usually are not cause for alarm.  As we age, the vitreous, gel-like portion inside of our eye, begins to dissolve and liquify creating particles that take on many shapes and sizes that we refer to as ‘eye floaters’.  You’ll notice these spots as you gaze at a clear sky or light-colored background as light passes through the eye and casts a shadow of the floaters on your retina.

Noticing a few floaters occasionally is not a cause for concern. However, if you notice a shower of floaters especially if they are accompanied by flashes of light, you should seek medical attention immediately from an eye care professional. That may be an indication of a more serious condition known as a retinal detachment.

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