Glasses 4 Less - Eye Glossary
Eye Glossary
Here is a glossary of common eye problems, their symptoms, what can cause them, and types of treatment. If you are in any way worried about the health of your eyes please make an appointment to see us straight away as most problems can be treated more easily if detected early.
Myopia
Also known as short-sightedness. People with myopia cannot see things clearly when they are far away. This is due to light coming into the eye focusing before it gets to the retina, because the lens has a convex action. The condition is corrected with a concave lens.
Hyperopia
Also known as long-sightedness. This condition is caused by the focal point of light entering the eye falling behind the retina and causes sufferers to not focus on things close to them. The condition is characterised by an eye that is too short in length, or where the front of the corneal curvature is too weak.
Cataracts
The lens inside the eye is normally transparent and clear when we are born. It normally retains this clarity for about the first two-thirds of our lives.
As we age the proteins inside the lens change, and this leads to a loss of transparency and opacification (becoming non-transparent). This can cause a decrease in vision, and can indicate the development of cataracts.
If this is detected, we can refer you through your GP to an ophthalmologist.
Dry Eyes
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome include dryness, grittiness and irritation, or as a contradiction, excessive watering of the eye. It can be treated using artificial tears or a procedure called Punctual Occlusion, which closes the tear drainage canals. The condition is caused by any kind of disruption to the tear producing process.
If you suffer from this, we can give you appropriate advice.
Glaucoma
This condition can often go unnoticed until damage to the eyes has already occurred. If there is a family history of Glaucoma, it is even more important to have regular eye checks. Glaucoma causes reduced peripheral vision and eventual blindness. The condition can be treated by drops, oral medications and/or surgical treatment if appropriate. We have special equipment which we use to help detect this condition.
Astigmatism
When the cornea is an irregular shape, more like a rugby ball than a soccer ball, it prevents light from focusing properly on the back of the eye. This blurs or distorts vision for the sufferer. Other symptoms include headaches, eye strain and fatigue. The condition can be treated with prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
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