Growing up, most people learn about the importance of seeing a doctor once per year for an annual physical. Individuals also go to the dentist twice per year for regular cleanings. Individuals often overlook the importance of going to the eye doctor for an annual eye exam; however, it is very important for everyone to get their eyes checked by a trained eye doctor once per year. This gives eye doctors the chance to spot eye disorders before they start to threaten someone’s vision. Some eye disorders are more common than others.
One of the most common eye disorders is called myopia, which is the medical term for nearsightedness. Individuals often develop myopia during their childhood. As their eyes grow and change, their degree of nearsightedness might get worse as well. Myopia causes objects in the distance to appear blurry while objects that are close to the eyes remain clear. This refractive error can be corrected with prescription glasses or contacts.
Another common eye disorder is called hyperopia, which is the medical term for farsightedness. In essence, this disorder is the reverse of nearsightedness. This disorder causes objects in the distance to appear clear while objects up close appear blurry. Both of these disorders involve the lens of the eye, which is responsible for focusing light entering the eye clearly on the back of the retina. In farsightedness, the lens causes the rays to converge behind the retina. In myopia, the lens focuses light in front of the retina. Like myopia, glasses can be used to correct hyperopia.
Finally, another common eye disorder is called cataracts. This is a disorder that is more common in individuals who are older in age. With cataracts, the lens develops a cloudy film on top of it that causes people to feel like they are looking through a fog or haze constantly. Often, the cloudiness starts on one corner of the lens. Gradually, the cloudiness will progress to cover the entire lens. Some people have cataracts in both eyes while other people might only have one cataract. Regardless, this is another disorder that can be corrected with the help of a trained eye doctor. A surgeon can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a synthetic one, making it easier for people to see.
These are a few of the most common eye disorders. The good news is that if these disorders are spotted quickly, a trained eye doctor can correct them. This is why people should see an eye doctor regularly.