The following information is provided courtesy of the National Eye Institute and is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible nor endorse any information provided
outside of this website.
- Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams
- Common Vision Problems
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Cataract
- Diabetic Eye Disease
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Glaucoma
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless procedure in which an eye care professional examines your eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early
warning signs. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best. A comprehensive eye examination includes: dilation,
tonometry, visual field test and visual acuity test.
Watch this Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams vodcast and learn:
- Why it’s important to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam
- What the difference is between a comprehensive eye exam and vision screening
- How you can tell if you’ve had a dilated eye exam
- Where to find more information
Common Vision Problems
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common type of refractive error where close objects appear clearly, but distant objects appear blurry.
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common type of refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near. However, people experience hyperopia differently. Some people may not notice any problems with their vision, especially when they are young. For people with significant hyperopia, vision can be blurry for objects at any distance, near or far.
Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error. It is a condition in which the eye does not focus light evenly onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Presbyopia is a common type of vision disorder that occurs as you age. It is often referred to as the aging eye condition. Presbyopia results in the inability to focus up close, a problem associated with refraction in the eye.
Watch this Common Vision Problems vodcast and learn:
- About nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia
- How common vision problems can be detected and treated
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in older Americans. It affects the retina, the light sensitive layer of the eye. As yellowish deposits form under the retina, they can result in distortion and gradual blurring of vision. This is called “dry AMD.” The second type, called “wet AMD” can lead to bleeding and more rapid vision loss. The most common form is the dry type, but as more and larger deposits develop under the retina, the risk of developing the wet type increases.
Watch this Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) vodcast and learn:
- How age-related macular degeneration affects vision
- Treatment options for AMD
- How to monitor changes in vision
- Where to find more information
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other
Watch this Cataract vodcast and learn:
- How cataract affects vision
- Signs and symptoms of cataract
- Treatment options and cataract surgery
- Where to find more information
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease has no warning signs. Finding and treating the disease early, before it causes vision loss or blindness, is the best way to control diabetic eye disease. If you have diabetes, make sure you get a dilated eye examination at least once a year.
Watch this Diabetic Eye Disease vodcast and learn:
- How people with diabetes can avoid vision loss
- Treatment options for diabetic eye disease
- How often people with diabetes need a dilated eye exam
- Where to find more information
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision. However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as the air inside an airplane.
Watch this Dry Eye vodcast and learn:
- How dry eye affects the eyes
- Symptoms of dry eye
- Treatment options and management of dry eye
- Where to find more information
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is one of the main causes of blindness in the United States. However, with early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. Therefore it is very important that it be diagnosed.
Watch this Glaucoma vodcast and learn:
- How glaucoma affects the eyes
- Who is at greater risk of developing glaucoma
- Treatment options
- Where to find more information
