Computer vision syndrome is a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer or other display device for long, uninterrupted periods of time. The eye muscles are unable to recover from the strain, and symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, double vision, eye fatigue, and vertigo can ensue. A comprehensive eye exam can be performed which will help in diagnosing CVS.
Amblyopia is a condition in which one or both eyes do not see as well as they should with corrective lenses. Also known as “lazy eye”, this condition only develops in children and may cause vision loss. Amblyopia is associated with conditions such as high nearsightedness and farsightedness, congenital cataracts, and eye turn. Usually a child will develop amblyopia no later than age 6, though it may appear much sooner than that. Your optometrist can diagnose amblyopia during a comprehensive eye exam. A child with “lazy eye” will need to wear prescription lenses and may need vision therapy to help treat the condition.
Accommodative Dysfunction is a term used to describe when a person has difficulty with their focusing system, due to reasons other than natural aging changes. Stress, certain medications, and prolonged reading and computer work can all result in AD. Signs and symptoms of AD include blurry near vision, intermittent blurry distance vision, headaches, and eye strain. A comprehensive eye exam can aid in diagnosing this condition and treatment is often obtained with reading glasses for near vision tasks.
Presbyopia is a refractive error in which the eye is no longer capable of focusing correctly. It is age related and occurs in all people usually sometime after age 40. Presbyopia is not a disease, although it can make reading and viewing objects up close much more difficult. A comprehensive eye exam can evaluate visual acuity and diagnose presbyopia. Often, patients only require reading glasses to manage the problem, though prescription bifocals, trifocals or contact lenses may be necessary for some people. There are also surgical procedures that can help correct presbyopia.
Emmetropia is the term used to describe an eye with normal vision strength, curvature and eyeball length. Light is able to focus onto the retina resulting in clear vision. People with emmetropia require no corrective lenses, as images come into natural focus on the retina.
Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s natural lens or cornea becomes misshapen. This can create multiple images on the retina resulting in blurry vision far away and up close. Astigmatism is very common, causing blurry or distorted vision, as well as the potential for headaches or eye strain. An optometrist can diagnose astigmatism during a comprehensive eye exam and prescribe treatment, such as glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Hyperopia is a refractive error that causes farsightedness. The anatomy of the eye is such that light focuses behind the retina creating a blurred image when looking at objects up close. Approximately 1 in 2 people have some degree of hyperopia, which may also cause headaches and eyestrain. Hyperopia is typically genetic and usually develops in childhood. The condition is easily diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam and treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery
Myopia is a refractive error that causes nearsightedness. The anatomy of the eye is such that light focuses in front of the retina creating a blurred image when looking at far away objects. The condition is very common, affecting approximately 30 percent of the total US population. The condition typically develops in childhood and gradually worsens throughout adolescence. Myopia is easily diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam and corrected with various treatments, including glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
