Eye Conditions & Treatment
Below are brief descriptions of the various eye conditions we commonly see and treat at The Eye Site of Tappahannock.
Many different eye conditions could affect your eyesight or could have long-term consequences if not treated properly or promptly. We list some of the more common conditions below. If you think you or someone in your family has one of these conditions, please contact The Eye Site of Tappahannock for an exam and recommendations.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
A lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a loss or lack of vision development, usually in one eye. This degenerative process usually begins with an inherited condition and appears during infancy or early childhood. Therefore, the lazy eye needs to be diagnosed between birth and early school age since it is during this period, the brain “chooses” its visual pathway and may ignore the weaker eye permanently.
Lazy eye is not always easy to recognize since a child with worse vision in one eye does not necessarily have a lazy eye. Because of this, it is recommended that all children, including those with no symptoms, have a comprehensive eye examination by the age of three and sooner if there is a family history of any eye condition or disease. If you suspect a problem or need to set up your child’s first eye examination, contact The Eye Site of Tappahannock to set up an appointment.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a general term for an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelashes. It is among the most common and stubborn eye conditions usually resulting from poor eyelid hygiene, a low-grade bacterial infection (usually staphylococcal), an allergic reaction, and abnormalities in oil gland function.
Like some other skin conditions, blepharitis can be controlled but not cured. The main goals in treating it are to reduce the number of bacteria along the lid margin and open plugged glands. Contact The Eye Site of Tappahannock to assess the severity of your problem and the best treatment method.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s usually clear lens, which leads to a progressive blurring or dimming of vision. It is the world’s leading cause of blindness and among the most common conditions related to aging – by age 65, you have a 50 percent chance of developing a cataract, and, by age 75, it jumps to 70 percent.
A cataract starts small and initially has little or no effect on vision. However, as the cataract progresses, it becomes harder to read and perform other everyday tasks. In the early stages, your doctor may recommend stronger eyeglasses and adjusting your lighting to reduce glare. When cataracts disrupt your daily life, your doctor may recommend cataract-removal surgery, one of the most frequent and successful procedures done in the U.S.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome is characterized by neck pain, blurry vision, stiff shoulders, headache, and watery eyes when working in front of a computer screen. The symptoms are typically posture, dry eyes, eye muscle coordination, and poorly corrected vision.
Since computer monitors are typically 20 to 26 inches from your eyes, your regular glasses may not be the best option for computer work. This distance range is considered intermediate – closer than what you use to drive a car but farther away than what you used to read. Unique lens designs for computer work provide you with a larger intermediate area for viewing the computer and your immediate work area like the top of your desk. The Eye Site of Tappahannock can help you determine if these special lenses are appropriate for you.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye syndrome refers to a breakdown in the quantity or quality of tears to moisten, cleanse and protect the eyes. This is significant because, with each blink, tears protect the surface of the eye, washing away dust and microorganisms. When this protective coating dries up, the eyes may feel “gritty” or burn and more sensitive to light. In extreme cases, vision can be blurred.
If you suspect that you have dry eye, see your eye doctor. Proper care will not only increase your comfort – it will protect your eyes. Your eye care provider can perform a series of tests to determine if you have dry eyes.
Strabismus
Cross-eyed, medically known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which eyes are misaligned. It commonly occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not properly working together. The result is one or both eyes turning inward, outward, upward, or downward, or one or both eyes moving irregularly.
Strabismus is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects about 4 percent of children, afflicting boys and girls equally. Though it cannot be prevented, its complications can be avoided with early intervention. Even if you notice symptoms intermittently – when your child is ill, stressed, or fatigued – alert your eye care provider.
The Eye Site of Tappahannock has the experience and equipment necessary to diagnose and often treat the eye conditions detailed above at our offices on Della St. & Airport Rd. Please request an appointment with one of our eye doctors for more information, and we will be in touch with you shortly.