Myopia or nearsighted means that near vision is better than distance vision. Normally, as light enters the eye, it focuses directly on the retina to provide a clear image. In a myopic or nearsighted eye, the image comes to a focus in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred distant image. Near vision is unaffected. It most commonly develops and progresses between the ages of ten to sixteen. Earlier onset is usually indicative of a more advanced type. Myopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or LASIK.

Hyperopia or Farsighted means FAR vision is clearer than close vision. Normally, as light enters the eye, it focuses directly on the retina to provide a clear image. In a hyperopic or farsighted eye, the image comes to a focus behind the retina, resulting in potentially blurred near vision. Distant vision is mostly unaffected, unless a high degree of hyperopia exists. Most people are born with some degree of farsightedness, and it often goes undetected causing no problems. It usually does not progress like myopia or nearsightedness. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, and in some cases LASIK.

Astigmatism can cause blurred the vision in both distance and near, or it can affect one more than they other. Normally, as light enters the eye, it focuses directly on the retina to provide a clear image. With an astigmatism, the eye is not round but oval which causes the light to split into two focus points, reasulting in a blurred image. In an astigmatic eye , the two focus points can both be in front, or behind the retina, or one in front and one behind, each affecting the quality of the vision differently. Astigmatism is not progressive, but it can develop during childhood and adolesence. Higher degrees of astigmatism are usually congenital and are more common with hispanics. An astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK.

Presbyopia (Prez-BEE'-O-PEE' a) is a condition that occurs between 40-45 years of age. It is when a person looses the ability to focus clearly on near objects. It is often confused with farsightedness, because the vision is better at far than at close. Due to age, the lens inside the eye gradually looses its elasticity, preventing it from focusing clearly with near activities such as reading. The lens continues to loose flexibility until age sixty. Presbyopia can be corrected with either bifocal glasses or bifocal contact lenses. LASIK does NOT correct presbyopia.

Color deficiency occurs when your ability to distinguish certain colors and shades is less than normal. The term COLOR BLIND is often incorrectly used. Only a very small number of people are truly color blind, that is.....completely unable to identify any colors.

Changes in your vision

As with everything else, your eyes can undergo changes as you age. After forty, glaucoma is more common and bifocals or reading glasses are needed inorder to read clearly. After sixty, years of ultraviolet exposure from the sun can cause cataracts and / or macular degeneration. Dry eyes become more common as we age. Having eye exams every 1-2 years, wearing good ultraviolet blocking sunglasses and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can prolong eye health and good vision throughout your life.