• With myopia, nearsightedness, a person sees things more clearly close up and blurred at a distance.

• The eye is longer or more curved than normal, which causes light to focus in front of the back of the eye (retina).

• This genetic tendency usually develops during childhood, but it can evolve in the 20s.

• The degree of nearsightedness usually progresses for several years; eventually, it levels out.

• Myopia is NOT considered an eye disease, rather it is a normal variation in the shape of your eye. A myopic eye is a healthy eye which focuses light slightly off target.

• Nearsightedness is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Hyperopia or Farsighted means FAR vision is clearer than close vision.

• The eye is shorter or less curved than normal causing light to focus behind the back of the eye (retina).

• There is a genetic tendency for hyperopia.

• Moderate to severe involvement is often present from birth, thus children should have an eye examination between 1-3 years.

• There is a high risk of developing a permanent lazy eye amblyopia if undetected.

• IT CAN BE EASILY MISSED DURING A SCHOOL VISION SCREENING.

• Farsightedness is usually NOT progressive and can sometimes diminish during adolescence.

• It is NOT considered an eye disease. A hyperopic eye is a healthy eye which focuses light slightly off target.

• Farsightedness is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK (limited cases).

• The eye is egg or oval shaped, causing light to split into two beams as it enters the eye.

• A person's vision for far and near can both be blurred.

• There is a genetic tendency to have astigmatism, and it is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups (Hispanic).

• Moderate to severe astigmatism is usually presents at birth; therefore, an examination is needed between 1-3 years of age.

• If undetected, a person is at high risk of developing a permanent lazy eye ( amblyopia).

• IT CAN BE EASILY MISSED DURING A SCHOOL VISION SCREENING.

• It can change during adolescence.

• Astigmatism is NOT considered an eye disease, just a normal variation in the shape of the eye. The eye is healthy; it just focuses light at two points instead of one.

• It can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery ( LASIK).

Presbyopia (PREZ-BEE-O-PEA) is a condition that occurs between 40-45 years of age. The lens inside the eye gradually loses its elasticity, preventing it from focusing clearly at close distances during such activities as reading.

​​​​​​​The lens, an important partner in the process of sight, is responsible for focusing light on the retina. In youth, the lens is flexible; with the help of tiny muscles in the eye, it quickly and seamlessly focuses for both near and distant objects by bending or flattening out when needed to bring a clear focus to the eye. With age and the accompanying loss of lens flexibility, it becomes more difficult for the lens to bend to a greater degree. In addition to a loss in ability to bend, the lens responds more slowly with age.

Therefore, it not only becomes difficult for the eye to focus on near objects, which require a greater degree of flexibility. another symptom is the eye also does not adjust rapidly to changes in focus. For example, if you are sitting a reading the newspaper, when you change your gaze to the TV, it may be blurry. Although presbyopia mimics the symptoms of hyperopia (farsightedness), it is completely different. Presbyopia is caused by a loss of elasticity in the LENS of the eye. It happens to EVERYONE at some time or another.

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

​​​​​​​Color deficiency is usually inherited but can also result from certain diseases or trauma or as a side effect of certain medications. It happens when the color-sensitive cone cells in the retina of your eyes do not properly pick up or send correct color signals to the brain.

Changes in your vision

As time passes, bodies change. Hair colors change. Skin textures change. Voices change. And, inevitably vision changes. However, changes in your vision don't have to mean a change in your lifestyle. A program of preventive eye examinations and prompt treatment of problems can keep your eyes at their best throughout your life.