Astigmatism is one of the most common issues affecting visual acuity. While the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that about 33% of the population has astigmatism, these percentages vary significantly across age brackets. There is a genetic link associated with astigmatism, so you are more likely to develop it if one of your parents has […]
Optometrists and ophthalmologists use the term “visual acuity” to describe what you can see at a distance. We consider 20/20 to be “perfect” vision, although some people can see even better than that (more on that below). Testing For Visual Acuity (VA) Historically, the Snellen Eye Chart was the most common method used to determine […]
Vision loss is measured in degrees, ranging from normal to profound. Legal blindness falls in the severe category. The Social Security Act defines individuals as legally blind when their visual acuity (sharpness of vision) is 20/200 or lower. This means that even with corrective lenses, they have to be 20 feet away to distinguish something […]
Many of us grew up hearing how reading in the dark would ruin our eyes, and we may be passing that same myth on to others. No evidence indicates that reading in a poorly lit space - or in the dark - causes vision loss. However, reading without proper lighting can negatively impact vision in […]
Droopy eyelids are one of the many changes associated with aging but can also be caused by nerve damage, a stroke, or other underlying medical conditions. Diagnosed as ptosis in the optometry world, most cases of droopy or sagging eyelids are improved by regular eyelid exercises, which can prevent you from needing surgery. Common Causes […]
The eye's lens is a transparent, curved structure behind the pupil. When the lens becomes cloudy, we call it a cataract. The development of a cataract is progressive, so what starts out as slightly blurry, cloudy, or diminished vision can lead to complete blindness over time without treatment. Cataracts are quite common in the senior […]
Is your child tired of wearing glasses and asking for contacts? Or has the normal attack of vanity made your youngling pine for the cooler, lens-free look of contact lenses? We understand. We usually don’t recommend contacts for elementary school children and can discuss the pros and cons of letting your middle school or junior […]
Eye dilation helps us diagnose certain eye diseases so they can be treated as soon as possible. The conditions detected by dilating the eyes are often asymptomatic - meaning patients don’t notice any tangible or noticeable changes in their eyes until the condition is seriously progressed. While you may not have your eyes dilated during […]
When you visit your optometrist for a routine eye exam, odds are you interact with the Snellen Eye Chart. This is the most famous eye chart used here in the United States. The Snellen Chart is named after its creator - Dutch optometrist Hermann Snellen. This eye chart finds its way into more than just […]
Just like physical therapy improves the body’s muscle tone, strength, and coordination, vision therapy is specific to the eyes. Certain eye conditions benefit from vision therapy, which consists of a series of exercises prescribed by your optometrist. When done as recommended, vision therapy or eye exercises strengthen eye muscles, improve the connection between the eyes […]
