Vision Problems And Disorders

As an adult or a child, we may have experienced a vision problem. Vision problems can turn everyday activities like driving or reading into impossible tasks. Damage to sensitive components of the eye, congenital abnormalities in the shape of the eye, or age-related changes can all contribute to vision loss. Since vision loss can be a gradual process, regular eye exams and vision screenings should be a part of every individual’s wellness routine.

Blurred vision is one of the most common vision problems for adults and children. Blurry vision may be caused by a wide range of issues, ranging from dry eyes and eye strain to congenital or acquired focusing problems. Chronically dry eyes may make the visual field appear blurry, as well as a refractive error in the cornea or lens known as astigmatism. In some cases, patients recovering from eye surgery may experience blurry vision.

 Most Common Adult And Childhood Vision Problems

• Age-related macular degeneration (Adult)
• Glaucoma (Adult)
• Cataract (Adult)
• Diabetic retinopathy (Adult)
• Crossed Eyes (Child)
• Lazy Eye (Child)

Vision Problems And Their Characterizations

Eye Strain

This occurs when there is excess time spent reading for hours, working at a computer, or driving long distances. These symptoms occur when you overuse your eyes. Our eyes get tired just like any other part of the body and they need to rest.

Uveitis

Uveitis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the uvea which is the middle layer of the eye that contains most of the blood vessels.

These diseases may destroy eye tissue, and cause eye loss, and people of all ages can have the disease.

People that have immune system conditions like AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis may be more likely to have uveitis. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Light sensitivity

You must see your doctor if you have these symptoms and they don’t go away within a few days.

Red Eye

The eye’s surface is covered in blood vessels that expand when they’re irritated or infected.  Eye Strain can also occur due to pinkeye (conjunctivitis) or sun damage from not wearing shades over the years.

Night Blindness

Not able to see at night which is a symptom and not a problem. Nearsightedness, cataracts, and keratoconus are due to Vitamin A deficiency all can cause a type of night blindness that can be treated and cured.

Lazy Eye

This occurs when one eye does not develop properly and therefore, resulting in vision being weaker in one eye. It appears in infants, children, and adults, and rarely affects both eyes. Treatment should be sought immediately for infants and children.

Cross Eyes (Strabismus) and Nystagmus

When you look at something and your eyes are not lined up with each you could have strabismus, cross-eyes, or walleye. This problem will not go away if untreated. Vision therapy with an eye doctor may help strengthen the weak eye muscles. Normally, you will need an ophthalmologist eye surgeon specialist, to correct it surgically.

There are ties when the eye moves or jiggles on its own and this is called nystagmus. Your eye doctor can examine your eyes to determine if surgery is an option or other treatments.

 Colorblindness

Colorblindness occurs when you can’t see certain colors, or can’t tell the difference between them, usually reds and greens. The color cells in your eye are absent or don’t work.

The symptoms are most severe, you can only see in shades of gray, and this is rare. Most people who have it are born with it. However, you can get it later in life from certain drugs and diseases. Men are much more likely to be born with it than women.

Your eye doctor can diagnose it with a simple test. If you are born with it there is no treatment. However, special contacts and glasses can help some people see the colors.

Double Vision

Double vision, the perception of two overlapping images, occurs when the two eyes cannot align their separate images. It may be the result of dry eyes, cataracts, eye surgery complications, or other issues. In some cases, a neurological injury or disease may create double vision.

Higher-Order Aberrations

These visual symptoms occur when some irregularity in the lens, cornea or other parts of the eye interferes with the normal passage and refraction of light. Cataract sufferers, for instance, typically see halos around automobile headlights at night. Other aberrations may include starburst patterns, poor night vision, blurring of images, and uncomfortable glare.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the inability to view close objects in focus. It is usually the result of an abnormal eyeball shape that causes incoming light to reach a focal point that would extend beyond the back of the eye.

Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the distance between the front and back of the eye is too great or the cornea has too much curvature. This causes incoming light to reach a focal point before it hits the retina, causing distant objects to appear out of focus.

Peripheral Vision Loss

Loss of vision around the outer edges of the visual field may occur due to glaucoma, neurological damage, a detached retina, concussions, strokes, and other conditions.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” occurs when one eye does not develop its visual acuity as thoroughly as the other. It is a common childhood issue and can often be corrected with therapies to strengthen the eye.

Contact us immediately if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. We can examine your eyes, and provide the appropriate recommendations and feedback.