Strabismus

It may sound rare for a person’s eyeballs to look in two different directions, but according to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately four out of every 100 adults has this condition, known as strabismus. As noted, people with strabismus cannot focus properly with both eyes and typically have symptoms such as double vision, loss of depth perception, and overlapped/blurred vision. The foundation suggests that the most common type of treatment for strabismus is eye muscle surgery.

This type of surgery either loosens or tightens the muscles around the eye to allow both eyes to look straight and focus correctly. Some adults also wear glasses with prisms, which helps to correct double vision by aligning images into one solid shape. While most people with strabismus have had it since childhood, there are many medical problems that can lead to acquiring the condition, including head trauma and diabetes. It is very important to consult with an eye doctor if you have symptoms of strabismus. Doctors can conduct simple tests to determine the existence of the condition and help you identify the cause.

Vision after 40

Even if you never wore glasses as a child or young adult, it’s important to be aware of changes in your vision once you reach age 40. According to the American Optometric Association, there are five common vision changes you may experience in middle age, including:

• Changes in color perception: The lens within your eye, which is normally clear, may start to discolor and make it difficult for you to differentiate between shades of colors.
• Problems with glare: Driving may become more difficult as glare from headlights or the sun becomes more noticeable. This increase in glare is a result of light being scattered on the retina instead of being properly focused.
• Reduced tears: Tear glands tend to produce fewer tears as you age. Post-menopausal women may notice that their eyes are especially dry and should talk to their True Care Advantage optometrist about solutions like medicated eye drops.
• Needing more light: You may have noticed it is not as easy to read in dim lighting as it once was. Solve this issue by using bright lamps while reading or working.
• Difficulty reading or working up close: The lens in the eye starts to become more flexible as you age, making it harder for your eyes to focus on nearby objects. This can cause books or documents to appear blurry at close distances, so ask your True Dental Discounts eye doctor about getting reading glasses as well as an overall vision exam.

I don’t wear glasses. Do I need to visit the eye doctor?

Yes. According to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association, 20 percent of adults who do not wear glasses or contacts have never been to an eye doctor. Many of them assume that since they do not have noticeable problems with their vision, it is not necessary to schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, this common misperception often has devastating consequences, particularly when it comes to glaucoma. The American Optometric Association reminds patients that glaucoma – a degenerative vision condition – often “sneaks up” without any signs of pain or other symptoms.

Although this condition is not yet curable, it is treatable, and the earlier treatment begins, the better the patient’s future quality of life. For this reason, it is extremely important for all adults to visit an optometrist regularly. The American Optometric Association suggests adults under 60 without vision problems should schedule an eye exam once every two years. After age 60, an exam should be conducted annually. More frequent appointments may be necessary, depending on the person’s medical history and current health. If you have never been to the eye doctor, it’s easy to schedule that first appointment: Just call an optometrist on your True Dental Discounts vision plan. You will reap significant savings while also taking control of your health.

I’m losing my night and peripheral vision – what could be the cause?

Although many eye conditions develop later in life as an effect of aging, others are caused by genetic factors and may begin to present themselves much earlier. One such condition is retinitis pigmentosa – a disease that causes damage to the rods and cones in a person’s retina. Rods are responsible for both peripheral and night vision, and as they become damaged, the person with RP slowly begins to lose these types of sight. The American Optometric Association suggests that signs of RP often become apparent in childhood or adolescence, with night vision typically declining first. Fortunately, the disease is gradual, meaning a person may not develop a severe case for many years. Once the disease does progress, however, the patient may only be able to see straight ahead in a form of “tunnel vision.” At this stage, people must adapt to their new range of vision and stay aware of their surroundings. Otherwise, they may accidentally bump into furniture or other objects that are no longer in their peripheral vision.

If you suspect you or your child may have retinitis pigmentosa, talk to an optometrist on your vision plan that specializes in low vision. He or she can provide you with valuable information about ways to slow the progression of vision loss, including making changes to your diet to include vitamin A and lutein. And although there is currently no cure for RP, your eye doctor can introduce you to several of the low-vision aids available, such as magnifying lenses and night-vision scopes. Such doctors are also good sources of information about living productively and independently with low vision. Find out more by scheduling an appointment today.

Be on the lookout for signs of visual strain in your preschooler

Vision problems are not usually associated with young children. But the reality is that approximately 1 in 10 preschoolers experience trouble seeing – and if their parents aren’t watching for signs of such difficulty, it often goes unnoticed until elementary school or even longer. This could hinder their ability to learn and process information. To avoid this scenario, the American Optometric Association suggests parents be alert for such signs as:

• Squinting or tilting their head when trying to see something from a distance
• Sitting close to the TV or holding a book very close to their face
• Rubbing their eyes frequently
• A shorter attention span than their peers
• Crossing their eyes, or turning them outward
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Avoidance of such visual activities as coloring and puzzles
• Trouble with the hand-eye coordination needed to catch a ball or ride a bike.

If you observe any of these signs in your preschooler’s day-to-day routine, it is important to schedule an appointment with an optometrist on your True Dental Discounts, vision plan right away. He or she will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s vision and let you know if corrective lenses are needed. By making sure your children’s vision is healthy, you are setting them up for success in school and in life. Don’t wait!