Eye exams detect astigmatism, macular degeneration & gloucoma
Avoid Loss of Vision
Avoid Loss of Vision
Here's the deal.
Eye problems may seem scary since vision is of utmost importance in living day-to-day. It is ironic that though it is indispensable, people still hesitate to see an eye doctor. To add more pressure, the idea of failed eye exams and invasive eye surgery drives patients running further away from the eye doctors office.
What is an eye examination?
It is a series of tests performed by a professional eye expert - be it an optometrist, ophthalmologist or orthoptist. The aim is to assess and observe vision, to identify any problems with regards to the eye and any abnormalities with its function. The patients health history is also vital in knowing what eye disorders can possibly be expected and prevented effectively. The eyes ability to see objects up close and from afar is tested, along with its coordination. If needed, the doctor can also look into the eyes structure and appearance, both externally and internally. If glasses are worn, tests are also done to check if the prescription is still appropriate for the eyes condition and if there are any problems at all.
Why the need for an eye examination?
The key to finding the right cure is to get the most accurate and complete information regarding the client; this is why diagnosis is an important step that the doctors live by. Commonly, it all starts out with blurred vision as the main problem right? But through a detailed investigation of the eye, its present performance and the events leading to the problem. Any other problems may be overruled and a specific condition may be confirmed. The eye doctor may then make effective plans for intervention to ensure a better prognosis for the future.
When should I visit an eye doctor?
Unfortunately, most people are preoccupied with other things rather than running to an eye doctor at the slightest appearance of vision problems (and potentially saving their sight). The early warning signs of when to visit the eye doctor's office are as follows:
Pain
Pain around the eyes or pain from specific activities such as too much reading or computer-use and a very bright light source within the environment are situations to be aware of. In some circumstances, there is no need to be alarmed as the pain is normal and will go away along with the stressor. But then, if the pain remains, even after adequate rest, a trip to the doctor would be a better answer.
Blurry vision
Again, it is not uncommon for the eyes to experience momentary or temporary blurred vision. For example when there is a sudden change of a bright light in the room or if the patient has allergies or a cold. In instances wherein the blurriness does not go away and is increasing over time, it is surely an indication that a visit to an eye doctor is needed. Since most conditions start out as a blurred field of sight, this can lead to a serious eye problem.
Floaters
Floaters are common and usually accompany the symptom of blurry vision; these are tiny clumps of fibers literally floating in the gel within the eyeballs. There are random moments of passing clouds or shadows in the field of vision. It is expected with aging as the eyes and its elements begin to harden and mature.
The Big Four
Understand that blurry vision and floaters, are the early warning signs of more complicated eye problems related to aging. The four most common disorders are macular degeneration, glaucoma, astigmatism and cataracts.
Macular Degeneration occurs when an aged adult loses clear vision in the center of the eye. The condition has two forms, the wet and the dry. The wet form is a serious condition; objects are distorted in a way that a straight line may be viewed by the person as a crooked or wavy line. This type degrades rapidly if left untreated or unexamined. The second type dry, focuses on details like seeing blurry words and lesser colors in objects.
Glaucoma is a common eye problem wherein an optic nerve, responsible for bringing the images from the eyes to the brain, is damaged. The condition is characterized by gradual loss of vision, the feeling that the sides of the eye are being blocked or covered by a black curtain. It also has two kinds, which are differentiated by the presence or absence of eye pain. Glaucoma can occur to only one eye or to both eyes on some cases.
Astigmatism is caused by the inability or the difficulty of the eyes to properly focus on a specific object within the field of vision. Shifting from looking at a faraway tree and an up close hand-held photo may need more time and effort than usual to focus. Nearsightedness and farsightedness are at times present at birth and the famous sign of astigmatism is squinting, i.e. attempting to focus and clear up the image seen by the eyes.
Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye crystallizes due to old age. The once gel-like lens becomes harder and as it thickens, the vision is covered with a semi-transparent filter causing blurred vision. The problem may also be a result of prolonged exposure to radiation or as a secondary complication to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
So lets say Ive got an eye problem, now what?
Due to the great advancements in medicine, and the many years of research and testing, we know that there is a solution for all vision problems ... The Eye Exam. After a thorough eye exam, the eye doctor is able to recommend methods of treating the condition and how to cope effectively with the changes in vision.
Eye Glasses
The most common and also the most dreaded by those confronted with eye problems for the first time would be the wearing of eyeglasses. Reading glasses are prescribed for patients having problems with focusing on either far or near objects. It is a fact that, as the patient ages and if the glasses are worn most of the time, the eye glasses may have to be altered to maintain proper vision. But then in some minor cases, wearing eyeglasses may be a temporary remedy until the eyes have adjusted to function properly on their own.
Contact Lenses
Popular among the younger generations, those leading active lifestyles and those who are uncomfortable with reading glasses, contact lenses have been ideal. Apparently, contact lenses offer convenience but the maintenance before and after use can be a bit tricky and time consuming. For those hesitant to compromise style, contact lenses are great and their ability to enhance eye color make them attractive.
LASIK Surgery
Finally, laser eye surgery or the ever popular LASIK, it is the promising procedure threatening to replace both reading glasses and contact lenses. What makes it popular is that it only takes 10 to 20 minutes and the results are just like having new eyes. In the procedure, the laser reshapes the eyes form, specifically the cornea. The sight is improved once the error in refraction has been successfully corrected. Advantages of the LASIk surgery include the following:
- Quick recovery and immediate results. After the procedure, vision should return to its near perfect 20/20 state (that is before the problem occurred). No need to wait for any wounds to heal or medications to subside like many other operations out there.
- Low complication rate. Since there were no incisions or open cuts, there is a slight chance of a complication or post-operation problem developing.
- Easy and painless. The procedure is meant especially for those who are frightened of the mere idea of surgery. It lasts for a short time only and is done right at the eye doctors clinic.
The big problem: How to choose an eye doctor?
Eye doctors come in different specialties; the optometrist focuses on lenses and non-surgical treatment of blurry eyes and unfocused sight. They are the ones recommending contact lenses and prescribing reading glasses. For more serious eye problems or chronic symptoms, ophthalmologists are the go-to guys to get the job done. They do eye surgeries and invasive eye procedures that involve severe eye problems.
Trying to find the right eye doctor to suit individual needs may be tough. Check the doctors background by asking around from friends and family or from any previous patients. Know how many patients have been treated and if any of the previous procedures done were a success or not. Trust is an important factor in developing a great patient-doctor relationship, leading to an effective healing process for the patient and a comfortable working environment for the physician.
Am I too comfortable?
In today's environment, vision gets to be used and abused everyday. From reading hundreds of documents at work, using the computer for hours surfing the net and watching too much TV during leisure time, the eyes still continue to work even when the person starts to relax. The main problem is that the eyes get loads of work but then gets little attention for maintenance. Clueless as to which symptoms constitute an acceptable reason for visiting the doctor, the average person simply ignores the discomfort until it develops into a serious, irreversible eye problem (definitely not the thing to do).
How often should I get my eyes examined?
Frequent trips to the eye doctors office may be life saving, or in this case, vision-saving. For an average adult with no eye problems at all, it is recommended to have their eyes checked at least once in every three years. Even infants should have their eyes checked once they reach their 6th month and children need further tests upon turning 3 and 6 years of age. By the time they enter high school, another eye check should be done even if they claim that their vision is absolutely perfect. There's no harm in having the eye doctor himself declare that there are no problems, right?
As we humans age, the need for an eye exam increases in frequency. For an adult with contact lenses or reading glasses, eye exams should be re-examined once a year to ensure that they are wearing the correct prescription. For adults with diabetes or high blood pressure, annual eye exams are important to see if their medical condition is affecting their vision. People after 40 should have eye exams every two years and for those over 60 it should be checked every year. Unfortunately, the elderly are prone to macular degeneration, cataracts, prebyopia and other degenerative eye problems. Hence, early detection is the key to successful treatment.
Overall, we humans are born with only one pair of eyes for appreciating nature, for observing life and for witnessing the world. There is absolutely no second chance when it comes to damaging your vision. The only thing humans can do is to protect and preserve their eyes. Going to the gym for a workout, going to the salon for to maintain the tresses and going to the dentist for that glowing smile are habits we adopt. Why not go to an eye doctor to protect your precious 20/20 vision?
So schedule an eye exam today, it will be one deed you'll never regret for the rest of your life.
The content of this Guide is being made available for educational purposes only. The reader is encouraged to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive examination to arrive at a specific resolution to his or her vision problem.
Eye exams detect astigmatism, macular degeneration & gloucoma
By: CC Jones
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