The importance of regular eye check ups cannot be stressed enough because signs of certain disorders become visible in certain parts of the eye such as the retina long before their symptoms become visible and these signs can be observed during a comprehensive eye examination. The frequency of eye check ups, however, depends on several factors such as eye health history, age, and others.Here is a brief overview of certain vision problems people face:
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, also known as hypermetropia, is the medical term used for farsightedness or the inability to see objects that are close by. Farsighted people need to put in extra visual effort to see objects that are closer to them, and if they try too hard, they may get a headache or experience severe eye strain and blurry vision.
Myopia
Myopia, known in layman’s terms as nearsightedness, is the very opposite of hypermetropia. People with myopia have no problems seeing things that are closer, but will experience great difficulty seeing things that are at a distance. The shape of the myopic eyeball is slightly different from that of the normal eyeball, and according to the degree in which it differs from the normal eyeball, optometrists or eye care specialists prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
Astigmatism
The normal cornea is smooth and curved equally in all directions, owing to which the rays of light are equally focused on its surface. In case of a person suffering from astigmatism, however, the cornea is curved in an irregular way. In other words, its front surface is curved more than the other parts of its surface. Therefore, the light rays that reaches those parts of the corneal surfaces that are more curved focus faster than the light rays that reach those parts that are less curved, leading to difficulties in seeing.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia usually affects those who are middle aged. A person with presbyopia cannot see objects that are closer, but has no difficulties seeing the same objects when they are held at a distance.If a person with presbyopia sews, knits, or reads for a long time, he/she is sure to suffer severe eye strain or headache. Optometrists usually prescribe reading glasses for presbyopic people.
Cataracts
While the lens of a normal eye is crystal clear, the lens of a person suffering from cataract is cloudy, which means that it cannot focus light rays on the retina, leading to poor vision. Most cataract problems can be surgically corrected.
Specks and Threads
It is quite normal to see thread-like shapes or specks or spots floating in front of your eyes. If you try focusing on them, they move away. However, if you see too many of them, you must see your eye care specialist.The number of spots, specks, or threads floating in the air in front of your eyes tends to become larger as you age. It could just be a sign of aging, but it could also indicate that you have a serious eye problem that requires treatment right away.