Optometry FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about our optometry services. If you don’t find your question here, please contact the South Florida Vision location nearest you to find out more. We’re always happy to help.
The term 20/20 vision is used to describe normal visual clarity from a distance of 20 feet. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t mean perfect vision.
For example:
- With 20/20 vision, you can clearly see at 20 feet what can normally be seen from 20 feet away.
- With 20/100 vision, you must be 20 feet away to see what is normally seen from 100 feet away.
Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is when you can clearly see objects close to you, but distant objects are blurry. It is the opposite of farsightedness.
Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, is when you can clearly see distant objects, but close-up objects are blurry. It is the opposite of nearsightedness.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears for good overall eye health and clear vision. The most common symptoms of dry eye are eyes that sting, itch, burn, and are otherwise uncomfortable.
Eye coordination is the ability of both of your eyes to work together to give you depth perception. Each of your eyes sees a slightly different image, and it’s your brain that combines the two to create a single, three-dimensional picture.
Poor eye coordination can be the result of inadequate vision development or improper muscle control. It can be difficult to diagnose poor eye coordination, so regular eye exams, beginning at the age of 6 months, are recommended.
Vision disorders are common among children. It is estimated that the vast majority of school-age children with a learning disability also have some degree of visual impairment.
Regular eye exams, beginning at the age of 6 months, can help identify the earliest signs of a problem with your child’s vision.
These days, there are many eyeglass designs that don’t just help your child see clearly – they are cool-looking, too. In addition, eyeglass lenses treated with ultraviolet filters are recommended to protect the eyes of children who spend a lot of time on computers, playing video games, or watching TV.
Astigmatism causes blurry vision due to an imperfection in the curvature of the eye. Because of the curve of the cornea or lens, light does not focus evenly on the retina – resulting in difficulty seeing objects at all distances.
People with diabetes either do not produce adequate levels of insulin, or their body no longer is able to properly process the insulin that is produced. Either way, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerous levels, and cause a number of problems throughout the body.
Diabetes can cause changes in nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as lead to premature age-related farsightedness (presbyopia), blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty seeing at night. Diabetes can also contribute to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, crossed eyes (strabismus), and decreased corneal sensitivity.
The most serious eye problem associated with diabetes is retinopathy, which occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Retinopathy can cause blood leakage in the eye and other difficulties. Left untreated, retinopathy could result in blindness.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the inner eyelid at front of the eye. Signs and symptoms include red, watery eyes, inflamed inner eyelids, blurry vision, a sandy or scratchy feeling in the eyes, and discharge around the eyelids.
It can occur in children and adults, and appears in three main forms:
- Infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye) – caused by a contagious virus or bacteria
- Allergic conjunctivitis – which occurs as part of allergy response by your immune system
- Chemical conjunctivitis – due to exposure to irritants, such as chlorine, noxious fumes, or air pollution
