WHAT IS ASTIGMATISM?
Astigmatism is a normal optical correction which is due to curvature on the surface of the eye. It is corrected by a lens called “cylinder”.
NOW THAT I AM IN MY FORTIES WHY IS MY NEAR VISION OFF?
A normal condition called presbyopia occurs. The lens in our eyes becomes dense and compact. The lens flexibility is lost and power is needed in a reading glass.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A CHILD BE EXAMINED?
Age 4 is a good age to begin early eye care. If an eye turn is noted or the child is constantly rubbing their eyes or the parent feels the child is not seeing objects clearly they can be seen as early as age 2.
AM I LEGALLY BLIND WITHOUT MY GLASSES?
No. Legal blindness is defined when with best corrected vision the patient cannot read beyond 20/200.
MY DAY TIME VISION IS GOOD BUT I HAVE TROUBLE AT NIGHT, WHY?
At night our visual system switches from cone vision to rod vision during which time acuity decreases. In addition the eye becomes a little nearsighted and the enlarged pupil allows for increased glare.
DOES A CATARACT HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED “RIPE” TO QUALIFY FOR SURGERY?
No, a patient qualifies for surgery when he or she feels their vision is impaired.
AT WHAT AGE CAN CHILDREN BEGIN TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES?
It all depends on the maturity of the child but a benchmark age can be 12 years old.
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA AND HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I HAVE IT?
Glaucoma is high pressure in the eye. There are no symptoms of pain or blurring vision. Your eye doctor can do a quick painless test to check for glaucoma.
ARE THERE ANY MEASURES ONE CAN TAKE TO PROTECT EYE HEALTH?
Yes there are. Have a good diet which includes dark leafy vegetables (lutein & zeanthin); wear good protective sunglasses and have periodic eye exams.
I HAVE TYPE II DIABETES – WILL IT SHOW UP IN MY EYE EXAM?
Diabetic changes to the blood vessels in the retina may be detected. Usually these changes do not occur until the patient is taking insulin for several months.
Howie Carr
Sean Hannity
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