Vision Problems & Treatment
A concise guide to some of the most common vision problems treated at The Eye Site of Tappahannock.
There are many different types of vision problems that could be affecting your eyesight. But, for this guide, we will be focusing on four of the most common causes of impaired vision. These, along with many other vision impairments, are treated with care and precision by the eye care providers at The Eye Site of Tappahannock.
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.
Most people have some degree of astigmatism, which is usually present at birth and is believed to be hereditary. In minor cases, treatment may not be required but is certainly beneficial. Moderate to severe astigmatism can be treated with corrective eyewear or LASIK surgery.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Farsightedness, medically known as hyperopia, refers to good vision at a distance but not at close range. Farsightedness occurs when the eyeball is shorter than usual, as measured from front to back, or when the cornea has a too slight curvature. This reduces the distance between the cornea and retina, causing light to 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, including eyeglasses, contacts, LASIK, and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Your eye care provider at The Eye Site of Tappahannock will help you determine the best treatment option for you
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Nearsightedness, medically known as myopia, refers to good vision 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 routine eye exams, and possible treatments include eyeglasses, contacts, acrylic corneal implants, LASIK, radial keratotomy (RK), and photorefractive keratotomy (PRK). Your eye care provider will suggest the best treatment option for you.
Presbyopia (Aging Eyes)
Aging eyes, medically known as presbyopia, are a condition in which the eye’s lens 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 corrective lenses, including progressives, bifocals and trifocals, single-vision reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses, and monovision therapy.
Your eye care provider at The Eye Site of Tappahannock will work with you to diagnose your vision problem and suggest the best treatment option for your eyes at our optometric office on Della St. & Airport Rd. Request an appointment with your optometrist for more information, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.