Frequently Asked Questions
Eye Health
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve in the back of the eye. When this disease develops, the tissue of the optic nerve is progressively damaged. Often, but not always, glaucoma is associated with high pressures in the eye. A comprehensive eye examination by one of our doctors can check intraocular pressure and assess the optic nerve. If left undiagnosed, glaucomatous changes can lead to decreased vision in the periphery and ultimately, to complete blindness. Glaucoma can be a hereditary disease, so if diagnosed early, medications can be prescribed and vision can be preserved.
What can I do to relieve computer eyestrain?
To make your eyes most comfortable at the computer, be sure you are at a comfortable workstation. Good lighting is a must. Glare can be an issue on computer screens, and anti-reflective lenses help ease eyestrain. The use of lubricating tear drops can also improve eye comfort after long hours at the computer.
What is a cataract and how do I know if I have one?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye which is located behind the iris and the pupil. This usually occurs as we age, but can be caused by trauma, the use of certain medications, or excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, problems with glare, faded colors, or difficulty with night driving. A comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Stotesbery or Dr. Schneiderhan will determine if you have a cataract. In the event you do have a cataract, our ophthalmologist, Dr. Strinden, is available to perform the procedure necessary to correct your vision.
I see little black spots floating around in my vision, especially on bright sunny days - what are these and should I be worried?
These are called floaters, and in most cases, they are a normal phenomenon. As the eye ages, the vitreous (the jelly-like matter that makes up the back of the eye) changes. These changes cause very fine fibers to clump together, and we see the visible shadows of these fibers as floaters in our vision. If there is a sudden change in your floaters, it could be a sign that a problem is occurring in the back of the eye and should be examined immediately.
What is an astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a vision disorder, such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness, that can be caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or an irregularly shaped lens within the eye. Symptoms of astigmatism can be eyestrain or headaches, or the need to squint to see well. Eyewear can correct astigmatism.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which either the eye does not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate on the eye too quickly. Symptoms of dry eye include dryness, redness, grittiness, burning, or excessive tearing. Many treatment options are available to treat dry eye. A comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Stotesbery or Dr. Schneiderhan will determine whether or not you have dry eye and what treatments may be necessary.
Will my sight worsen if I start wearing eyewear?
Wearing a prescription does not make your vision worse. Often when a patient gets eyewear for the first time, the visual improvement is so significant that vision without it seems much worse, especially over time. This is simply because the brain can now compare two images, one with eyewear and one without, and realize how much clearer the vision is with prescription eyewear.