Eye Care
We know how important your eyes are to you. You may have heard already that your eyes channel more than 80% of information from the environment. It is your duty to take good care of your vision. That's where Vision 1 to 1 comes in. We are looking to make eye care simple and to guide you to personalized solutions. Eye Health is all about solutions and prevention. Whether it be myopia or color-blindness, you will want to know more about the latest ground-breaking news on vision treatment, improvement and correction, with great visual support.
Eye Health will appeal to parents concerned for the well-being of their children and to educators teaching daily prevention. Vision 1 to 1 may also be of interest to Eye Care Professionals looking to fine-tune their findings and to speak the consumer language.
You'll also discover century-old anecdotes surrounding famous artists' eye conditions and much, much more!
Click on a section below to browse through that subject, or search for a specific answer.
Defects and Solutions:
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a universal condition associated with the aging eye's diminishing ability to focus on close objects. It is neither a disease nor a defect. People usually discover this trouble during their mid-forties, and can correct it with lenses adapted to their various needs. Although presbyopia is a natural condition that everyone has to face sooner or later, proper diagnosis, eye care, safety precautions and monitoring of the condition can give our eyes a new lease on life!
Presbyopia is a universal condition associated with the aging eye's diminishing ability to focus on close objects. It is neither a disease nor a defect. People usually discover this trouble during their mid-forties, and can correct it with lenses adapted to their various needs. Although presbyopia is a natural condition that everyone has to face sooner or later, proper diagnosis, eye care, safety precautions and monitoring of the condition can give our eyes a new lease on life!
Spots, floaters and flashes
The spots, floaters and flashes we sometimes see in our line of vision are part of a natural process. While they may be bothersome at times, in most cases these shadows and 'light shows' are not harmful. However, if there is a sudden increase in the number of spots and floaters, if light flashes continue or vision dims for too long, immediate medical attention is needed.
The spots, floaters and flashes we sometimes see in our line of vision are part of a natural process. While they may be bothersome at times, in most cases these shadows and 'light shows' are not harmful. However, if there is a sudden increase in the number of spots and floaters, if light flashes continue or vision dims for too long, immediate medical attention is needed.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common vision defect most often caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which blurs and distorts eyesight. Although some degree of astigmatism is found in most people, those with problematic, moderate or severe astigmatism should seek correction. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct astigmatism. Laser or conventional surgery are now used, and new acrylic implants can be inserted to round out the cornea to eliminate astigmatism. However, these procedures are achieving varying degrees of success and their risks should be duly noted. Although astigmatism cannot be prevented, proper eye care and monitoring of your condition will help you see clear!
Astigmatism is a common vision defect most often caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which blurs and distorts eyesight. Although some degree of astigmatism is found in most people, those with problematic, moderate or severe astigmatism should seek correction. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct astigmatism. Laser or conventional surgery are now used, and new acrylic implants can be inserted to round out the cornea to eliminate astigmatism. However, these procedures are achieving varying degrees of success and their risks should be duly noted. Although astigmatism cannot be prevented, proper eye care and monitoring of your condition will help you see clear!
Crossed-eyes
Medical name: strabismus Other names: eye misalignment, squint, wandering eyes, wall eyes In a person with 'crossed-eyes,' one or both eyes point in different directions because the muscles in and around one or both eyes are not working in a coordinated manner. Causes of this defect are diverse, but in all cases, crossed-eyes should be treated as soon as possible after diagnosis to avoid any loss of vision!
Medical name: strabismus Other names: eye misalignment, squint, wandering eyes, wall eyes In a person with 'crossed-eyes,' one or both eyes point in different directions because the muscles in and around one or both eyes are not working in a coordinated manner. Causes of this defect are diverse, but in all cases, crossed-eyes should be treated as soon as possible after diagnosis to avoid any loss of vision!
Color blindness
Color blindness is a vision defect in which colors are not seen normally. The various degrees of color blindness are caused by the state of the color receptors found at the back of the eye. While there is no cure for color blindness, personalized methods of color identification and visual aids can help color-blind people. Parents, employers and color-blind people themselves all have a role to play in ensuring that environments are as safe and user-friendly as possible!
Color blindness is a vision defect in which colors are not seen normally. The various degrees of color blindness are caused by the state of the color receptors found at the back of the eye. While there is no cure for color blindness, personalized methods of color identification and visual aids can help color-blind people. Parents, employers and color-blind people themselves all have a role to play in ensuring that environments are as safe and user-friendly as possible!
Farsightedness
Medical names: hyperopia, hypermetropia. Other common name: longsightedness, long-sight. Farsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the shape and length of the eye, and may be accentuated by environmental stresses. Farsighted people see distant objects clearly and close objects less clearly. Children with severe farsightedness are a high-risk category for developing crossed-eyes and lazy eye, and should be treated. In adults, problematic, moderate or severe farsightedness should be addressed. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct farsightedness. Laser or incisional procedures are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate farsightedness. Orthokeratology and drug therapy are two temporary solutions that can control the symptoms of this defect. The risks associated with these treatments and interventions should be duly noted. Although farsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into focus!
Medical names: hyperopia, hypermetropia. Other common name: longsightedness, long-sight. Farsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the shape and length of the eye, and may be accentuated by environmental stresses. Farsighted people see distant objects clearly and close objects less clearly. Children with severe farsightedness are a high-risk category for developing crossed-eyes and lazy eye, and should be treated. In adults, problematic, moderate or severe farsightedness should be addressed. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct farsightedness. Laser or incisional procedures are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate farsightedness. Orthokeratology and drug therapy are two temporary solutions that can control the symptoms of this defect. The risks associated with these treatments and interventions should be duly noted. Although farsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into focus!
Nearsightedness
Medical name: myopia Other common names: shortsightedness, closesightedness Nearsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the shape and length of the eye, and may be accentuated by environmental stresses. Nearsighted people can see close objects clearly and distant objects less clearly. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness. Laser or incisional procedures are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate nearsightedness. The risks associated with surgical interventions should be duly noted. Although nearsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into perspective!
Medical name: myopia Other common names: shortsightedness, closesightedness Nearsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the shape and length of the eye, and may be accentuated by environmental stresses. Nearsighted people can see close objects clearly and distant objects less clearly. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness. Laser or incisional procedures are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate nearsightedness. The risks associated with surgical interventions should be duly noted. Although nearsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into perspective!
Diseases and Treatments
Uveitis
The uvea is the middle layer (tunic) of the eye. It includes the iris, ciliary body, and the blood vessels that serve the retina. Any infection or inflammation of the uveal tunic is called uveitis. The common forms of uveitis are discussed, with emphasis on uveitis as a condition affecting young people more commonly than other eye diseases. Most people with uveitis have pain, so they see a doctor. Physicians look for the other uveitis symptoms as part of any proper eye exam, and with vigilance in high-risk groups. Researchers focused on the underlying conditions that cause uveitis strive to overcome this threat to healthy vision.
The uvea is the middle layer (tunic) of the eye. It includes the iris, ciliary body, and the blood vessels that serve the retina. Any infection or inflammation of the uveal tunic is called uveitis. The common forms of uveitis are discussed, with emphasis on uveitis as a condition affecting young people more commonly than other eye diseases. Most people with uveitis have pain, so they see a doctor. Physicians look for the other uveitis symptoms as part of any proper eye exam, and with vigilance in high-risk groups. Researchers focused on the underlying conditions that cause uveitis strive to overcome this threat to healthy vision.
Macular degeneration
A degenerative disease that affects the central spot (macula) of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 60. There are two types: wet and dry. Some people with wet macular degeneration may be helped by laser surgery. The cause of this disease is unknown, but scientists are studying whether vitamin and mineral supplements can prevent or slow its development.
A degenerative disease that affects the central spot (macula) of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 60. There are two types: wet and dry. Some people with wet macular degeneration may be helped by laser surgery. The cause of this disease is unknown, but scientists are studying whether vitamin and mineral supplements can prevent or slow its development.
Chalazion
Medical names: meibomian gland lipogranuloma, meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst Other name: eyelid cyst Plural form: chalazia A chalazion is a bump caused by a blocked oil gland duct in the upper or lower eyelid. A combination of home treatments can resolve a chalazion. Homeopathic and surgical interventions may also be useful.
Medical names: meibomian gland lipogranuloma, meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst Other name: eyelid cyst Plural form: chalazia A chalazion is a bump caused by a blocked oil gland duct in the upper or lower eyelid. A combination of home treatments can resolve a chalazion. Homeopathic and surgical interventions may also be useful.
Styes
Medical names: external hordeolum, internal hordeolum, meibomian stye Other names: eyelash stye, eyelid stye Styes are infections of the glands around the eyelashes and under the upper and lower eyelids that may be associated with stress or eye conditions. Eyelash styes are less painful and clear up with less effort than those found within the eyelid. Eyelid styes and other stubborn styes usually require treatment by a doctor. Good hygiene and eyecare is key in healing any stye.
Medical names: external hordeolum, internal hordeolum, meibomian stye Other names: eyelash stye, eyelid stye Styes are infections of the glands around the eyelashes and under the upper and lower eyelids that may be associated with stress or eye conditions. Eyelash styes are less painful and clear up with less effort than those found within the eyelid. Eyelid styes and other stubborn styes usually require treatment by a doctor. Good hygiene and eyecare is key in healing any stye.
Dry eye
Dry eye is most common eye problem in North America. People with dry eye have burning, gritty or tired eyes. Dry eye occurs when the eye is bathed by not enough or poor-quality tears. Computer users and post-menopausal women are most often affected. Fortunately, this condition is often preventable and may be easily treated.
Dry eye is most common eye problem in North America. People with dry eye have burning, gritty or tired eyes. Dry eye occurs when the eye is bathed by not enough or poor-quality tears. Computer users and post-menopausal women are most often affected. Fortunately, this condition is often preventable and may be easily treated.
Retinitus pigmentosa
Other name: RP, pigmentary retinopathy, night-blindness disease Retinitus pigmentosa is a group of rare diseases affecting the retina. Symptoms progress from poor night vision to loss of peripheral vision and may include blindness in some people. There is no cure for retinitus pigmentosa, but experimental treatments may slow its progression. Visual aids along with professional monitoring and support areessential aids to coping with symptoms.
Other name: RP, pigmentary retinopathy, night-blindness disease Retinitus pigmentosa is a group of rare diseases affecting the retina. Symptoms progress from poor night vision to loss of peripheral vision and may include blindness in some people. There is no cure for retinitus pigmentosa, but experimental treatments may slow its progression. Visual aids along with professional monitoring and support areessential aids to coping with symptoms.
Keratoconus
People with keratoconus develop an irregular, cone-shaped cornea ? the clear window that covers the eye's iris and pupil. This change in the cornea's structure blurs vision and makes people more nearsighted over time. Changes usually begin in the late teens and early 20s, then progress for about 10 to 20 years. No one knows the cause, but keratoconus runs in families. Most people with keratoconus can wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses to correct vision problems. About 10% of people must have a corneal transplant to improve their vision. This operation is succesful in more than 90% of people. After a transplant, about 60% of people must still wear RGP contact lenses to correct their vision.
People with keratoconus develop an irregular, cone-shaped cornea ? the clear window that covers the eye's iris and pupil. This change in the cornea's structure blurs vision and makes people more nearsighted over time. Changes usually begin in the late teens and early 20s, then progress for about 10 to 20 years. No one knows the cause, but keratoconus runs in families. Most people with keratoconus can wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses to correct vision problems. About 10% of people must have a corneal transplant to improve their vision. This operation is succesful in more than 90% of people. After a transplant, about 60% of people must still wear RGP contact lenses to correct their vision.
Lazy eye
Medical name: amblyopia Infants and children with lazy eye experience a loss or lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. Lazy eye is caused by the physical limitations of the eye and the effect these limitations can have on the nerves leading to the brain. The three types of conditions that can lead to lazy eye are crossed-eyes, defects in the focusing power of the eye, and damage or clouding caused by cataracts or other diseases. In the treatment of this disease, the younger a child is, the more effective correction of vision tends to be. Parents have a special responsibility in seeing that prescribed treatment is closely followed so their children can look forward to a lifetime of good vision!
Medical name: amblyopia Infants and children with lazy eye experience a loss or lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. Lazy eye is caused by the physical limitations of the eye and the effect these limitations can have on the nerves leading to the brain. The three types of conditions that can lead to lazy eye are crossed-eyes, defects in the focusing power of the eye, and damage or clouding caused by cataracts or other diseases. In the treatment of this disease, the younger a child is, the more effective correction of vision tends to be. Parents have a special responsibility in seeing that prescribed treatment is closely followed so their children can look forward to a lifetime of good vision!
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal blood-vessel disease that affects people with diabetes. It may progress from early to advanced disease. At first, vision is unaffected. In later stages, new blood vessels and fibrous tissue grow on the retina, interfering with sight. If not promptly treated, vision loss may occur. Tight control of blood sugar levels may prevent or slow the progress of this disease. Laser surgery may help preserve vision in some people with advanced disease.
Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal blood-vessel disease that affects people with diabetes. It may progress from early to advanced disease. At first, vision is unaffected. In later stages, new blood vessels and fibrous tissue grow on the retina, interfering with sight. If not promptly treated, vision loss may occur. Tight control of blood sugar levels may prevent or slow the progress of this disease. Laser surgery may help preserve vision in some people with advanced disease.
Prevention
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
The fatigue and pain of CVS shows up after long-term computer use leads to physical stress including eyestrain. Not only with computers. Videogames require extreme focus at a short distant range which brings forth the same effects as with CVS. Constant strain due to problems related to lighting, posture, and the physical placement of screen, keyboard, mouse and work material can cause CVS. The syndrome is preventable. An additional critical component of CVS discussed in this article is the ultraviolet radiation emitted by computer screens. This UV ?noise? can be avoided by a filter placed directly in front of the screen, by a low-UV monitor or with appropriate eyewear (specially coated glasses or contact lenses). Over 16 million North Americans have or are at risk for CVS.
The fatigue and pain of CVS shows up after long-term computer use leads to physical stress including eyestrain. Not only with computers. Videogames require extreme focus at a short distant range which brings forth the same effects as with CVS. Constant strain due to problems related to lighting, posture, and the physical placement of screen, keyboard, mouse and work material can cause CVS. The syndrome is preventable. An additional critical component of CVS discussed in this article is the ultraviolet radiation emitted by computer screens. This UV ?noise? can be avoided by a filter placed directly in front of the screen, by a low-UV monitor or with appropriate eyewear (specially coated glasses or contact lenses). Over 16 million North Americans have or are at risk for CVS.
Prevention in perspective
The best way to protect vision is through good general health. A balanced diet includes all the essential nutrients needed by the eyes for each vision mechanism. Examination by a specialist is critical to identify eye problems, and personal hygiene and awareness of our own health and body is the best way to keep our eyes healthy. Safety and correction of vision defects complete the picture of a person who is alive to the world they see around them
The best way to protect vision is through good general health. A balanced diet includes all the essential nutrients needed by the eyes for each vision mechanism. Examination by a specialist is critical to identify eye problems, and personal hygiene and awareness of our own health and body is the best way to keep our eyes healthy. Safety and correction of vision defects complete the picture of a person who is alive to the world they see around them
Family Corner
At birth, vision is one of the least developed senses. This article takes a unique family approach on vision ? from birth until old age. It explains what baby sees from birth to 12 months and how parents can help infants develop good visual skills. It reviews milestones in children's visual development and explores vision care in children. It talks about vision changes in pregnancy and how to care for a parent with aging eyes.
At birth, vision is one of the least developed senses. This article takes a unique family approach on vision ? from birth until old age. It explains what baby sees from birth to 12 months and how parents can help infants develop good visual skills. It reviews milestones in children's visual development and explores vision care in children. It talks about vision changes in pregnancy and how to care for a parent with aging eyes.
