Vision Vocabulary 101

We understand some of the words and terms used to describe vision problems can be intimidating. We’d like to address some of the more common terms.  Once you understand what they mean, you’ll be better able to identify the issues that may be fueling your decreased vision.

Vision Vocabulary

Here is a list of the top four vision impairments.

#1 – Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness is a condition that causes objects far away to appear blurry.  It can cause headaches due to eye strain.

People with this condition may have vision issues while driving and watching television from across the room. It is generally treated using LASIK surgery, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.

#2 – Farsightedness

Farsightedness causes objects that are close to appear blurry.  This condition will also cause headaches due to eye strain.

People who are farsighted tend to have issues reading computer screens, phones, books, and other materials that are typically held close to the face and eyes.  Like nearsightedness, the condition can also be treated with LASIK, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.

#3 – Astigmatism

Astigmatism affects the curvature of the lens of your eye or the cornea.  Common symptoms are blurred vision, eyestrain, and headaches.

Your eyeball should be perfectly round, but astigmatism lengthens the eye which causes light to bend unevenly.  The result is less than perfect vision.

Fortunately, astigmatism is easily treated with LASIK, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.

#4 – Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a loss of focusing ability, which tends to affect older people. That’s because the lens of the eye may become harder and less elastic as you age.  This makes it more difficult to focus on objects that are near.

You may have seen an older family member pick up a pair of reading glasses to read the newspaper or a book due to blurred vision caused by presbyopia.  This condition may also lead to eye strain and headaches but can be corrected with LASIK, eyeglasses, or contacts.

When you see these words in your research of corrective options, you will now know what they mean and be ahead of the curve.  Enhancing your vision vocabulary can greatly improve your comfort level when discussing options with your doctor.

To schedule your LASIK consultation, please contact The Eye Center, with locations in Huntsville and Madison, at 256-705-3937 ex. 4.