Frequently Asked Questions
Cataracts
Equipment Used in Diagnosis: Slit Lamp
A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from property focusing light on the retina, at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. It is not a film that grows over the surface of the eye. No one is exactly sure what causes a cataract, but it is known that chemical changes within the lens cause it to become cloudy. This is often thought of as a part of the natural aging process, but it may also result from heredity, an injury or disease.
Cataracts are most often found in persons over age 55, but are also occasionally found in younger persons, even newborns. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates. Some cataracts develop slowly over a period of years and others form rapidly within a few months.
In a comprehensive eye examination, your doctor of optometry is able to determine whether or not you have cataracts.
Cataracts vary in their development from person to person, so the symptoms may also vary. Here are some common symptoms that people experience:
- Increasing haziness causing blurred or distorted vision... colors may seem yellowed
- The appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to move when the eye moves an increasing need for more light to see clearly a tendency to become more nearsighted because of increasing density of the lens
- Double vision
- A gradual loss of color vision
- A stage where it is easier to see without glasses...second sight
Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming or to make the cloudy lens clear after a cataract has developed. Your doctor of optometry can prescribe changes in your glasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly as your cataract develops.
Ultimately, if your cataract impairs your daily activities, your optometrist will refer you to an eye surgeon who may recommend surgical removal of the cataract. The surgery is relatively uncomplicated and has a 95% success rate.
When your eye's natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, some type of treatment is usually needed to achieve clear, comfortable vision.
Intraocular lenses, contact lenses and glasses are all common forms of post-cataract vision correction. Intraocular lens implants are inserted at the time of surgery and serve as "new" lenses. Daily wear and continuous wear contact lenses have also become increasingly popular as post- cataract vision correction.
Whatever the treatment, regular optometric follow-up care is important in making sure you maintain good vision and eye health.
Glaucoma
Equipment Used in Diagnosis:
OCT
Visual Fields
Applanation Tonometer
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the passages that allow fluid in the eye to drain become clogged or blocked. This results in the amount of fluid in the eye building up and causing increased pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve which connects the eye to
the brain. The optic nerve is the main carrier of vision information to the brain. Damage to it results in less information sent to the brain and a loss of vision. The exact cause of glaucoma is not known and, it cannot currently be prevented. It is one of the leading causes of blindness inthe U.S. But, if detected at an early stage and treated promptly, glaucoma can usually be controlled with little or no further vision loss. That's why regular optometric examinations are so important.
- Who are over age 40
- Who have a family history of glaucoma
- Who are very nearsighted
- Who are diabetic
- Who are black
Of the different types of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly, without warning signs or symptoms. This type of glaucoma is more common among blacks than whites. It can cause damage and lead to blindness more quickly in blacks, making regular eye examinations, including tests for glaucoma, particularly important for blacks over age
35.
Another type, acute angle-closure glaucoma, may be accompanied by:
- Blurred vision
- A loss of side vision
- Appearance of colored rings around lights
- Pain or redness in the eyes
Regular eye examinations are an important means of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, and will include:
- Tonometry - a simple and painless measurement of the pressure in the eye.
- Ophthalmoscopy - an examination of the back of the eye to observe the health of the optic nerve.
- Visual field test - a check for the development of abnormal blind spots.
Glaucoma can usually be treated effectively by using eye drops or other medicines. In some cases surgery may be necessary. Unfortunately, any loss of vision from glaucoma cannot usually be restored. But, early detection, prompt treatment and regular monitoring can enable you to continue living in much the same way as you have always lived.
Protect your eye health and your vision...Be sure to visit your doctor of optometry regularly.
Macular Degeneration
Equipment Used in Diagnosis: OCT
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among people over age 50. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina, which is located on the inside back layer of the eye. The macula is responsible for clear, sharp vision and is many times more sensitive than the rest of the retina. Without a healthy macula, seeing detail or vivid color is not possible. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration. In the dry type, the tissue of the macula becomes thin and stops functioning properly. This type is thought to occur as part of the aging process of the eye in some people. There is currently no treatment available for this slowly progressive condition.
In the wet form, which is less common, fluids from newly formed blood vessels leak under the macula and cause significant vision loss. This condition can sometimes be treated with laser therapy, but early detection and prompt treatment is vital in limiting damage.
Some symptoms of macular degeneration are:
- A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- Objects appear to be distorted in shape or straight lines appear wavy or crooked
- A gradual loss of clear color vision
- A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.
These symptoms may also indicate other eye health problems, so if you are experiencing any
of these, you should contact your doctor of optometry as soon as possible.
In a comprehensive eye examination, your doctor will perform a variety of tests to determine if you have macular degeneration or other eye conditions.
Unfortunately, there is no way to restore central vision lost to macular degeneration. However,
since macular degeneration does not affect side vision, low vision aids such as special telescopic
and microscopic lenses, magnifying glasses and electronic magnifiers for close work, can be
prescribed to help make the most of remaining vision. With adaptation, a person can often cope
well and continue to do most things he or she is accustomed to doing.
Remember! Early detection of macular degeneration is the most important factor in determining if you can be treated effectively.
Presbyopia
Vision condition in which the crystalline lens of the eye loses it flexibility. This results in difficulty in focusing on close objects.
Myopia
You see close objects more clearly than those at a distance.
Hyperopia
You see far objects more clearly than close ones.