Understanding Your Vision: Common Eye Conditions

Your eyes are your window to the world, but when your vision isn’t as clear as it should be, everyday tasks can become challenging. From difficulty seeing far away to struggling with up-close reading, common eye conditions affect people of all ages. The good news? Most vision problems can be managed with the right treatment.

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What is Myopia (Short-Sightedness)?

Struggling to see things in the distance but reading up close with ease? That’s myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness. It happens when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Over time, this can lead to myopia progression, where the eye elongates, making the condition worse. The good news: we now know how to control and treat this condition, with five evidence-based treatments to stop Myopia from progressing.  

What is Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)?

If reading a book or using your phone feels like a struggle, but distant objects are clear, you might have hyperopia, or long-sightedness. This occurs when light is focused behind the retina instead of on it. Hyperopia is often present from birth and is usually due to the eye being too small. This can affect learning and development in young children, as well as causing difficulties with coordination. Sadly, children with Hyperopia are often mislabeled as not being able to maintain attention in school.  Younger people can often compensate by adjusting their focus (a process called accommodation), but overusing this ability can lead to eye strain and discomfort.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism happens when the front of the eye (cornea) isn’t perfectly round but shaped more like a rugby ball. This causes blurred or distorted vision, making round objects appear oval or lights at night seem streaky. It can affect both near and distance vision and is a common condition that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

What is Presbyopia?

Around the age of 40, many people start noticing it’s harder to focus on nearby objects—this is presbyopia. It’s a natural part of aging where the eye gradually loses its ability to switch focus between near and far. If you find yourself holding menus or books at arm’s length, presbyopia may be to blame. The good news? Reading glasses or multifocal lenses can help!

Concerned about your vision? Book an eye exam today and let us help you see clearly.  

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