EYE EDUCATION | northwest-eyecare

Amblyopia (lazy eye) 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 usually develops before age six and does not affect side vision.
Astigmatism causes blur at all distances, and is usually caused by an irregular cornea. Symptoms of uncorrected astigmatism are eye strain and headaches, especially after reading or other prolonged visual tasks. Squinting also is a very common symptom.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a common vision problem, affecting about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is another common vision problem, affecting ability to see distant objects clearly. A recent study by the National Eye Institute shows the prevalence of myopia grew from 25 percent of the U.S. population (ages 12 to 54) in 1971-1972 to a whopping 41.6 percent in 1999-2004. Many eye doctors believe this may be due to eye fatigue from computer use and other extended near vision tasks, coupled with a genetic predisposition.
Strabismus (crossed eyes) occurs when one or both of your eyes turns in, out, up or down. Poor eye muscle control usually causes strabismus. It often first appears before age 21 months but may develop as late as age six or later in life with certain health conditions.

Dry eye is a condition in which eyes do not produce enough tears or that they produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition. It is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.
Diabetic eye disease
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure of your eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers in your optic nerve and cause vision loss. Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination and has several treatment options.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in America. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina located at the back of the eye that is responsible for clear, sharp vision. Common symptoms include: a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.
Spots and floaters are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the vitreous, which is the jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. Because they are within your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. Floaters are often harmless, minor nuisances, but can be a sign of a more serious problem and should be examined by an optometrist.

Caring for your vision is not limited to glasses, contact lenses, and corneal modification surgeries like Lasik. There are many things you can do to maximize and protect the vision you currently have. Several studies have shown that a diet high in the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin can help prevent sight-robbing diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Eye trauma, foreign objects embedded in the eye, and cuts to the eye often result in vision loss so safety eyewear is essential for work and sports activities.
An essential component of healthy vision is a regularly-scheduled comprehensive eye examination. Optometrists are highly trained and educated to detect and treat problems and diseases of the eye. They can help you maintain healthy vision as an essential part of your life.

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