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Vision Conditions
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia occurs when distant objects appear blurry, while nearby objects are usually clearer. Light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. It is commonly corrected with a concave (minus) lens.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia occurs when nearby objects may appear blurry, while distant objects can be clearer. Light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. It is commonly corrected with a convex (plus) lens.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an uneven shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at various distances. It is corrected with a specialized astigmatic (cylinder) lens.
Presbyopia and Eyes over 40
Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that makes it harder to see objects up close. As we age, the natural lens inside the eye becomes harder and less flexible, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects.
Presbyopia typically begins to become noticeable around age 40–45. Common signs include holding reading materials farther away, blurry near vision, and eye strain. Reading glasses, progressive lenses, or contact lenses can help improve near vision.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, occurs when one eye does not develop clear vision during childhood. The brain begins to rely more on the stronger eye, which can lead to reduced vision in the weaker eye. Amblyopia can develop when the eyes have different prescriptions, one eye turns inward or outward, or something blocks clear vision, such as a cataract.
How Is Amblyopia Treated?
Treatment focuses on helping the weaker eye develop better vision and encouraging the brain to use both eyes together. Depending on the child's age and the cause, treatment may include:
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Glasses: Correcting differences in prescription or focusing problems.
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Eye patching: Covering the stronger eye for a prescribed amount of time each day to encourage the weaker eye to work.
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Atropine eye drops: Temporarily blurring vision in the stronger eye to help strengthen the weaker eye.
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Treating the underlying cause: Surgery may be needed in certain cases, such as a cataract or significant eye misalignment.
Early detection and treatment are important, as treatment is generally most effective during childhood while the visual system is still developing. Regular eye exams help identify amblyopia and other vision problems early.
At Christiana Eyecare LLC, we encourage parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children to help support healthy vision development.
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