Frequently Asked Questions
Optometrists – Serving Lynchburg, Forest, and Surrounding Communities in Central, Va
What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a vision condition in which you can usually see close or near objects clearly, but cannot see ones at a distance as clearly.
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision condition in which objects at a distance are usually seen clearly, while objects up close appear blurred.
Why do we dilate?
When the pupil is functioning normally, shining a bright light into a person’s eyes causes the pupil to constrict. Using dilation drops allows the eye doctor to evaluate the posterior or back portion of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve, without the pupil becoming smaller.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a vision condition in which light entering the eye is unable to be brought to a single focus, resulting in vision being blurred at all distances. Astigmatism is not a disease, but a vision condition that is common.
How soon should I take my child for his/her first eye exam?
An infant should have his/her first eye exam at six months of age.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease in which the fluid pressure in the eye increases (high IOP or intraocular pressure) and damages the optic nerve. This damage can cause severe vision loss and even blindness, if untreated. Glaucoma can generally be effectively controlled with prescription eye drops or other medicines which reduce the pressure in the eye. In some cases, laser surgery may be needed.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
A person over age 60, African-American, diabetic or has a family member with glaucoma, is at higher risk for glaucoma than others.
What are the signs and symptoms of glaucoma?
There are usually no signs that you are developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs, which is why it is so important to have yearly eye exams.
What are cataracts?
If the normally clear lens in the eye becomes cloudy, it is called a cataract. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurred and/or distorted. A cataract usually starts very small and practically unnoticeable but grows gradually larger and cloudier. Cataracts will need to be removed surgically.
What are floaters?
Floaters are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the fluid inside the eye that become noticeable when they move within the line of sight. They may also appear with flashes of light. The inner part of your eye is filled with a clear, jelly-like fluid known as the vitreous. Occasionally, small flecks of protein and other matter become trapped during the formation of the eye before birth and remain in the vitreous body. Spots and floaters may also be caused by the age related deterioration of the eye fluid or its surrounding parts or by certain injuries or diseases. Almost everyone sees a few spots at one time or another. They can occur more frequently and become more noticeable as you grow older. If you notice a sudden change in the number or size of the spots, contact your eye doctor for an examination to be sure they are not the result of a more serious problem.
What is “Dry Eye”?
The tears you normally produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition. Dry eye symptoms can result from the normal aging process, exposure to environmental conditions, problems with normal blinking, or from medications such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives or antidepressants. Dry eye can also be symptomatic of general health problems, or other diseases. If dry eye is untreated it can harm your vision.
What affect does diabetes have on the eye?
Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye. Diabetes can cause change in your vision. It can result in cataracts, glaucoma, a lack of eye muscle coordination and in decreased corneal sensitivity. Visual symptoms of diabetes include fluctuating or blurred vision, occasional double vision, loss of visual field and flashes and floaters within the eyes. Sometimes these early signs of diabetes are first detected in a thorough eye examination by your eye doctor. The most serious eye problem associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy which occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of your eye, resulting in blood leakage, the growth of new blood vessels and other changes. Early detection is critical because if untreated, blindness can result. During your yearly visit,the doctor can diagnose potential vision threatening changes in your eye that can be treated to prevent blindness.
