If objects appear cloudy, out of focus, blurry, or you just can’t see as well as you use to, it’s time to make an appointment for an eye exam. Usually refractive errors are the cause of such issues, farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These all can easily be corrected, but these issues could also be the symptom of a serious sight-threatening eye disease.
With an eye exam by Dr. Ward at Lake Nona Eye Care, she can determine the extent of your vision problem. A sudden vision problem such as not being able to keep focus, can be a sign of a serious health issue and may need immediate medical attention.
Causes of Blurry Vision
Nearsightedness: Also known as Myopia, the most common refractive error. It can occur in both or just one eye. Objects in the distance appear blurry or out of focus. You may feel yourself squinting or getting frequent headaches from eyestrain.
Farsightedness: Also known as Hyperopia, where objects close up are difficult to focus on. This usually occurs slowly, causing fatigue and eye strain.
Presbyopia: An age related condition that naturally. Beginning in the late 30s and early 40s, the lens in your eye loses flexibility, making it difficult to read up close. This condition is called presbyopia (which literally means “aging eye”) and is commonly treated with over-the-counter reading glasses, though other treatments are also available. Usually corrected with bifocal, progressive lenses, or reading glasses.
Astigmatism: Both up close and far away become blurry. An irregular shape cornea is usually the cause. This can also be corrected with contact lenses or prescription glasses.
Dry eyes develop with age and is a common problem for women during pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes cause changes in the eye’s tear production. Certain medications can also cause dry eye. If you have dry eye, you may be prone to an eyelid irritation called blepharitis, a common cause of irritation or swelling of the eyelids. In addition to seeing an ophthalmologist, there are many simple things you can do at home to keep your eyes moist.
There are many eye diseases that threaten your sight that don’t have any noticeable symptoms in their early stages, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Eye exams are crucial in detecting eye issues early, when treatments are most successful.
Contact Lake Nona Eye Care for an appointment or with any questions. Check back with us next week for more vision problems.