Vision Problems
A concise guide to some of the more frequently encountered vision problems treated at Blue Ridge Eye Associates in Harrisonburg.
There are many different types of vision problems that could be affecting your eyesight. But, for the purposes of this guide, we will be focusing on four of the most common causes of impaired vision. These, along with other vision impairments, are treated with care and precision by the eye care providers at Blue Ridge Eye Associates in Harrisonburg. Let us customize a visual treatment plan for you and help you see with high-definition clarity.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an uneven or irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, which results in blurred or distorted vision. Other symptoms of astigmatism include the need to squint, eye strain from squinting, headaches, and eye fatigue.
In reality, most people have some degree of astigmatism, which is usually present at birth and is believed to be hereditary. In minor cases, treatment with eyeglasses and contact lenses may be beneficial. Moderate to severe astigmatism can be treated with corrective eyewear, contact lenses, or LASIK surgery.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Farsightedness, medically known as hyperopia, refers to vision that is good at a distance but not at close range. Farsightedness occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal, as measured from front to back, or when the cornea has too little curvature. This reduces the distance between the cornea and retina, causing light to virtually converge behind the retina, rather than on it.
If you are mildly farsighted, your eye care provider may not recommend corrective treatment at all. However, if you are moderately or severely hyperopic, you may have several treatment options available, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, LASIK, and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Your eye care provider at Blue Ridge Eye Associates will help you determine the best treatment option for you.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Nearsightedness, medically known as myopia, refers to vision that is good at close range but not at a distance. It generally occurs because the eyeball is too “long” as measured from front to back.
Nearsightedness is diagnosed during comprehensive eye exams and possible treatments include eyeglasses, contact lenses, LASIK, and photorefractive keratotomy (PRK). Your eye care provider will prescribe the best treatment option for you.
Presbyopia (Aging Eyes)
Aging eyes, medically known as presbyopia, is a condition in which the lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus clearly on close objects such as printed words. Distance vision, on the other hand, is usually not affected.
Unfortunately, presbyopia is an inevitable part of aging and cannot be prevented by diet, lifestyle, or visual habits. However, it is treatable with several types of corrective lenses, including progressives, bifocals and trifocals, single-vision reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses, and monovision therapy.
Your eye care provider at Blue Ridge Eye Associates will work with you to diagnose your vision problem and prescribe the best treatment option for your eyes at our optometric office in Harrisonburg. For more information, schedule an appointment with your eye care provider, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.