General Ophthalmology
Below are details of the common eye conditions that are treated at Eye Associates by both Drs. Sucheski and Walker.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
In myopia, close objects look clear without glasses, but distance objects such as street signs or television appear out of focus. Myopia affects about 25% of the population. It is corrected for by glasses, contacts or laser surgery. Myopia often begins in grade school, worsens in teenage years and changes less frequently between ages 20 and 40. Very nearsighted patients are at an increased risk for retinal detachments in some cases.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
In hyperopia, distance objects are clearer than near objects. For significant hyperopia, vision can be blurry for any distance, near or far. Children can often use focusing muscles in the lens (accommodation) to see objects without glasses, but may develop eyestrain after prolonged efforts. As we age, we lose our accommodation, so many patients transition to needing bifocals for farsightedness. If you have difficulty with reading or eyestrain on computers, there may be some farsightedness that needs correction with lenses. Contacts, glasses or LASIK can correct hyperopia.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the cornea’s curvature. If the cornea is curved equally in all directions, vision is crisper. If the cornea or sometimes lens isn’t evenly curved, but more oval shaped, light is improperly focused at all distances and areas of distorted or ghosted vision occurs. Patients with astigmatism often will squint to try to clear their vision.
Glasses, contacts or LASIK can fix most astigmatism. If astigmatism is not symmetric, a tool called a corneal topographer can detect it. Rigid contact lenses (RGPs) may be needed depending on severity.
Presbyopia (Aging Eye)
When the eye is young, the lens is soft and elastic. After the age of 40, the lens proteins become more rigid. After staring at a near image for some time, it may take longer to refocus at distance. Also, reading fine print can become more difficult. Frequently, patients with presbyopia complain that their arms “aren’t long enough” or reading in dim light becomes difficult. Reading glasses are often purchased at the drug stores, pharmacies or even dollar stores to aid in close work. Some patients opt for progressive bifocals to gradually transition from far to near in glasses. Others opt for contacts. Monovision (one eye for far and one eye for near is another common option. There is currently no surgical correction for presbyopia. Presbyopia correcting technologies such as intraocular cataract lenses such as the Crystalens, Technis multifocal and ReStor try to help presbyopia. Other technologies such as the Kamra inlay and Raindrop inlay have yet to be FDA approved.
To learn more about other general ophthalmology conditions, click on the links below.
If you would like more information about General Ophthalmology or to schedule an appointment, feel free to fill out our convenient contact form or call us directly at 215-997-2015.