Frequently Asked Eye care Questions

Q: Why should I have a regular eye exam?

A: The benefits of preventive eye care involve exams frequent enough to detect early eye disease development which will allow for more successful treatment. Undiagnosed subtle visual performance problems can also make work and play less fulfilling.

Q: How often should I have my eyes examined?

A: Frequency depends on a person's eye health, systemic health, age, visual demands etc. An eye exam isgenerally recommendedevery 2 years for children, every two years for adults and yearly for the elderly and people who wear contact lenses. Some people may require more frequent eye examinations.  Your Doctor will advise you when you should return for another examination.

Q: What is glaucoma?

A: Glaucoma is the potentially blinding eye disease which consists of optic nerve deterioration resulting from intolerably high eye pressure and/or low circulation nourishment. Diagnosis includes measurement of subtle to severe peripheral vision loss and optic nerve inspection. Important risk factors include family history, age, race and systemic health.

Q: How would you define an optometrist, ophthalmologist and an optician?

A: The optometrist generally serves as a primary care clinician who evaluates and treats a variety of visual performance and eye health conditions. Patients with complicated eye diseases are referred to ophthalmologists, neurologists, internists or whatever combination of care is appropriate.

The ophthalmologist is the physician specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disease.

The optician is trained in the production and application of spectacles and contact lenses. The specifications for these lenses are described in varying detail in the optometric or ophthalmologic prescriptions.

Q: What is nearsightedness?Myopia)

A: If you are nearsighted, what you see at far distances is blurry. Near vision is often good. This condition usually begins between ages 6 to 21 and may gradually worsen until after age 30. Contact lenses or glasses can correct nearsightedness.

Q: What is farsightedness?(Hyperopia)

A: If you are farsighted, what you see at close distances is blurry. Far distance vision is often very good. This condition causes your eyes to overwork for reading and other close work. Usual symptoms are headaches and eyestrain. Contact lenses or glasses can correct farsightedness.

Q: What is astigmatism?

A:  Astigmatism is very common and not an eye disease. Symptoms include headaches, eye strain and squinting. It is caused by the eye not focusing light the same vertically (top to bottom) as it does horizontally (side to side). Astigmatism usually occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia. Contact lenses or glasses can correct astigmatism.

Q: What is presbyopia?

A:  A reduction of focusing ability for anything closer than an arm's length causing blurring and eyestrain.  This usually begins in the late 30's and worsens with age.  Bifocals or reading glasses can correct presbyopia.

Q: What is amblyopia?

A:  Incorrectly called "lazy eye.'"  This eye is not able to see 20/20 even with the best corrective lenses.  This condition can only be diagnosed by a complete eye exam.  Vision therapy is sometimes needed along with glasses.  Many cases cannot be helped if they are detected too late.

Q: What is eye teaming? (Binocularity)

A:  Process in which both eyes work together to form one image in the brain.  Also includes proper alignment of the eyes.

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