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Common Eye Disorders

	Myopia: Commonly referred to as nearsightedness-This condition causes distance blur because the eye is not round enough resulting in the focal point being in front of the retina. Concave lenses bring the image back into focus allowing vision to be clear.

	Hyperopia: Commonly referred to as farsighted because the distance vision is better than the near vision. This condition is caused because the eye is shorter than normal resulting in the focal point being beyond the retina. Convex lenses bring the image back in focus allowing vision to be clear.

Progressives (multifocals with no lines)	Presbyopia: Due to the normal aging process of the lens this condition causes near blur when reading up close. Presbyopia usually develops around early forties but each individual varies in age when they are affected by this condition. Signs of presbyopia include: holding items further back, headaches and eye fatigue when trying to read. Your optometrist will usually prescribe multifocal lenses for this condition which does progress as you age. Multifocal lenses are usually used for patients who are presbyopic. This group includes bifocals(near and far with a line), trifocals(far, intermediate and near with a line) and progressives (multifocals with no lines)
Bifocals (near and far with lines)
Trifocals (far, intermediate and near with a line)

	Astigmatism: Is a a common visual condition caused by the cornea being shaped like an oval or football instead of being round. This causes the image seen to be distorted. This condition can be treated with glasses and contact lenses.

	Glaucoma: Is a disease of the eye where the pressure inside the eye builds up and harms the optic nerve, which carries the visual input to the brain. If left untreated this condition will cause blindness. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. This disease is one of the reasons that it is so important to get regular eye examinations. A person could have this disease and not know it. Usually there are no symptoms unless you have significant damage from the disease. Damage from glaucoma is irreversible but if diagnosed early, the condition may be controlled with prescription eye drops or laser surgery to prevent further vision loss.

	Macular Degeneration: Is a degeneration of the macula, which is the central part of the retina. This condition affects the central vision and is the most common cause of blindness in people over 60.

	Diabetic Retinopathy: Complications from diabetes can affect your eye and your vision as well as your whole body. The most serious problem affecting the eye is diabetic retinopathy, which is leaking blood vessels in the retina. This condition can be due to uncontrolled diabetes or the length of time having the disease. Diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness if left untreated. Early detection is very important to prevent vision loss. Routine eye examinations can diagnose changes in the eye that could potentially threaten your vision.

	Cataracts: A visual condition where the lens inside the eye becomes opaque and cloudy. Cataracts usually develop over age 55 but some babies are born with them. Injury to the eyes can also cause cataracts. An eye examination can detect if cataracts are forming. If they are affecting your vision you will be referred to an eye surgeon who may recommend cataract surgery with an intraocular implant.

Photochromic Lenses	Photochromic Lenses: Ttransition or photochromic lenses and uv protective lenses help protect the lens of the eye.

	Pink eye (conjunctivitis): An inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane covering the surface of the eye, the conjunctiva. There are many causes of conjunctivitis. The most common forms are viral and bacterial. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. The viral form has to run it's course but eye doctors can prescribe eye drops to help comfort the patient.