1. How does the eye work?
When you take a picture with a camera, the lens in the front of the camera allows light to pass through and focus that light on the film that covers the back side of the camera. A picture is taken when the light hits the film. Our eyes work in a very similar way. The front of the eye (the cornea, pupil and lens) is clear, which allows light to pass through. The cornea and lens of the eye focuses the light on the back wall of the eye, the retina. Like the film, the retina is the "seeing" tissue of the eye, sending messages to the brain through the optic nerve, allowing us to see.
2 . What is legal blindness?
Perfect vision is 20/20. A person is legally blind when their better eye's best corrected visual acuity is less than 20/200. A person can also be legally blind if their side vision in their better eye is narrowed to 20 degrees or less. Although someone may be legally blind, some vision still may be useful and helpful for everyday life. Legally blind people may qualify for certain government benefits.
3 . What is low vision?
Low vision is not blindness, but is a level of vision below normal (20/70 or worse) that cannot be corrected with conventional glasses. Low vision can interfere with a person's performance of daily activities, including reading or driving.
4 . What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
Ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care. They must complete four years of premedical college, four years of medical school, one year of internship and three years of medical and surgical training in eye care. Many also complete one to two years of additional specialized training to become specialists in areas like retina, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, etc.
Optometrists diagnose and treat eye conditions but do not perform surgical procedures. Optometrist obtain a bachelor’s degree from an undergraduate college then attend an accredited optometry school instead of attending medical school.
5 . When should my child's eyes be examined?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that the first vision screening be conducted for a newborn prior to being discharged from the hospital. Visual function will be monitored by your child's pediatrician during well-child exams (usually at 2, 4 and 6 months of age). If there are any signs of an eye condition, your child may be referred to an ophthalmologist. Beginning at 3 years of age (and yearly after 5 years of age), amblyopia (poor vision in an otherwise normal appearing eye), refractive and alignment screenings should take place. If you notice any signs of decreased vision or misalignment of the eye, please contact your eye care provider for a complete eye examination.
6 . When should an adult's eyes be examined?
We recommend adult examinations of the eyes be performed on a regular basis. Below is a chart with a recommended time line of how often an adult should receive an eye examination.
Ages 20-39
Ages 40-55
Ages 55 and older
Every two to four years.
Every one to two years.
Yearly.
7 . Is poor vision hereditary?
Yes, poor vision can be directly related to your family's history of eye health. It is important to have an eye exam at the first sign of poor or changing vision.
8 . Will sitting too close to the television hurt my child's eyes?
No, there is no evidence that television sets produce rays that are harmful to the eyes.
9 . Will working at a computer screen hurt my eyes?
No, there is no evidence that working at a computer can damage the eyes. However, low light, glare on the monitor, or staring at a computer screen too long can cause the eyes to become fatigued. Also, working on computers can contribute to symptoms of dryness or dysfunctional tear syndrome. It is recommended to take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest.
10 . Will reading in dim light hurt my eyes?
No, there is no evidence that low light can harm the eye.
11 . Is pink-eye contagious?
Yes, pink-eye (viral conjunctivitis) is very contagious, and very common. To help prevent spreading pink-eye, avoid touching eyes with your hands, wash hands frequently, do not share towels, and avoid work, school or daycare activities for a least five days or as long as discharge is present.
12 . Can eyes be transplanted?
Only the front clear surface, the cornea, can be transplanted.
13 . Are sunglasses good for my eyes?
Wearing UV protective lenses can be beneficial in protecting your eyes from cataract formation. Surprisingly, clear UV coated lenses may offer more protection than darker lenses because they allow the eyes to be exposed to more light causing the pupil to constrict more, which ultimately prevents more light from entering into the eye.
14 . What materials are available for glasses?
With the advancement in today's technology, there are many new materials available for glasses that have helped make them virtually indestructible. Titanium frames and polycarbonate frames are two of the newest materials used. Polycarbonate materials and various types of lightweight plastics are used to make the lenses. There are several types of coatings available for lenses, including UV protection (which is highly recommended for all types of lenses), polarization, anti-glare and scratch-resistant just to name a few.
15 . What does an eye doctor do during an eye exam?
Eye exams may vary from person to person, but here are a few common things we may do during a routine exam:
- Fully review your family history of eye health
- Determine your visual acuity
- Confirm your intraocular pressure
- Examine your pupils' response to light
- Dilate your eyes to properly examine the posterior structures of the eye
16 . Will carrots help maintain good vision?
Research has shown that eating carrots will provide you with a small amount of vitamin A, which is beneficial for good vision. Other food items that contain Vitamin A include: milk, cheese, egg yolk and broccoli.
17 . What do I do if I injure my eye?
It is important to seek immediate medical assistance from an eye care provider or primary care provider if there are other injuries. This will help reduce the risk of any permanent damage. To view some general guidelines for properly treating eye injuries, visit our Common Problems page.
