subject: Common Eye Problems And What You Can Do About Them [print this page] Choosing an eye doctor can be a bit intimidating. You want to make sure that you get the right eye doctor the first time, so that you don't have to leave one eye doctor only to start the introductory process all over again with another one. Starting all over again can be a very frustrating process. That's one reason why many people avoid going to an eye doctor. It's a good idea to do as much research as possible to learn what to look for in a good eye doctor before you start the process of trying to select one name over another. An eye doctor can diagnose the most common eye problems, being knowledgeable with a broad range of eye topics. If you feel as though you have an issue with your eyes and/or your eyesight, it's a good idea to put aside your qualms about try to choose an eye doctor and make a decision so you can get your condition diagnosed as quickly as possible.
Are You Far-Sighted or Near-Sighted?
The most common problem that most people have with their vision is being either far-sighted or near-sighted. This means that the curvature of the eye is off, which means that the light isn't able to hit the retina in the back of the eye the way that it needs to. If you have this problem, then you could likely find yourself squinting, either when you try to look closely at something or when you're looking far away at something. Those who have problems with both may have an astigmatism, which is a condition that occurs when the eye is actually longer than it needs to be. The result is the same - the eye isn't able to focus on things because the light isn't able to hit the retina correctly.
Cataracts
One problem many people face when they grow older is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes clouded. This causes the vision to blur or even become dim, and if it's left untreated, it can even cause blindness. While it is more common in the elderly, there are some younger adults who have had to deal with cataracts before. Fortunately, a simple surgery can help to keep the condition from affecting your eyesight. Glaucoma is another problem that the older people have to face more often. It is caused by optic nerve damage that is so bad that the eyesight can actually be stolen from the person who is affected with it. In order to avoid glaucoma, it is best to have your vision monitored on a regular basis.
Schedule Regular Exams
There are several eye conditions that you can watch out for if you schedule regular eye exams, which is why it's so important that you choose an eye doctor that is right for you. When you are choosing an eye doctor, make sure that you select one that you feel comfortable with, as well as one that your insurance is able to work with. This way you're much more likely to return on a regular basis, and that can mean the difference between you having serious eye problems as you grow older and you being able to have eyes that are able to see for a very long time.
