Common Eye Conditions
Astigmatism
Asymmetric steepening of the cornea or natural lens causes light to be focused unevenly, which is the main optical problem in astigmatism. To individuals with uncorrected astigmatism, images may look blurry or shadowed. Astigmatism can accompany any form of refractive error and is very common. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, corneal relaxing incisions, laser vision correction, and special implant lenses.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and affects both eyelids. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged. This leads to irritated and red eyes and is often a pre-cursor to Dry Eye Syndrome. Several diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis. Click here to watch a YouTube video to learn more about this condition, and the innovative treatment Sundell Eye Associates offers to care for blepharitis. More detailed information on BlephEx is also available.
Dry Eye Syndrome
There are several factors causing and contributing to dry eye syndrome. During your comprehensive eye exam at Sundell Eye Associates we will evaluate the root cause of your symptoms and treat it accordingly. We consider the ocular anatomy, the tear gland production, inflammatory response, environmental and hormonal effects. We offer a variety of treatments for Dry Eye including iLux. Please bring it to your doctor's attention if you suffer from dry eyes.
Floaters and Flashes
At some point in their lives, many people see what looks like small specks of dust or wispy threads drifting across their vision. They notice, however, that blinking does not get rid of the specks or threads. And when the eye moves, the specks or threads move too. These are called floaters. Sometimes when vitreous body fibers pull on the retinal nerve cells, the eye has the sensation of a flash of light. This can be a small flash in just one spot, or it can be several flashes across a wider area of vision. It is not unusual for flashes and floaters to occur at the same time. Floaters may be a symptom of a tear in the retina which is a serious problem. Often, they are harmless but if you notice new floaters or flashes, you should schedule an eye exam.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye but there are many other causes including family history, injury, long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight and more. Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful. We are proud to be offering PanOptix and Vivity lenses to our patients that will benefit from their features.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Do you spend a grueling full day at work staring at the computer reading small print with uncomfortable lighting leaving the office with headaches, eye strain, blurry vision, and general eye discomfort? Welcome to the modern day at work. Your doctors are here to help! Research has shown several methods to relieve that eye strain with customized computer glasses in combination with methods to naturally relieve some eye stress and ergonomic considerations. If you’re experiencing these issues remember to ask your doctor for recommendations.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve - the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Early detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Farsighted individuals typically develop problems reading up close before the age of 40. The farsighted eye is usually slightly shorter than a normal eye and may have a flatter cornea. Thus, the light of distant objects focuses behind the retina unless the natural lens can compensate fully. Near objects require even greater focusing power to be seen clearly and therefore, blur more easily. LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange and Contact lenses are a few of the options available to correct farsightedness.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the macula - a small area in the retina at the back of the eye. The macula allows you to see fine details clearly and do things such as read and drive. When the macula does not work properly, your central vision can be blurry and you may have areas that are dark and distorted. Macular degeneration affects your ability to see near and far, and can make some activities, like threading or reading, difficult or impossible. Macular degeneration can cause different symptoms in different people. Many people do not realize they have a problem until blurred vision becomes obvious. Your ophthalmologist can detect early stages during a medical eye exam.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Nearsighted individuals typically have problems seeing well at a distance and are forced to wear glasses or contact lenses. The nearsighted eye is usually longer than a normal eye, and its cornea may also be steeper. Therefore, when light passes through the cornea and lens, it is focused in front of the retina. This will make distant images appear blurred. There are several refractive surgery solutions available to correct nearly all levels of nearsightedness.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition that typically becomes noticeable for most people around age 45. In children and young adults, the lens inside the eye can easily focus on distant and near objects. With age, the lens loses its ability to focus adequately. Although presbyopia is not completely understood, it is thought that the lens and its supporting structures lose the ability to make the lens longer during close vision effort. To compensate, affected individuals usually find that holding reading material further away makes the image clearer. Ultimately, aids such as reading glasses are typically needed by the mid-forties. Besides glasses, presbyopia can be dealt with in a number of ways. Options include: monovision and multifocal contact lenses, monovision laser vision correction, and new presbyopia correcting implant lenses.