EYE CONDITIONS & VISION HEALTH
Learn About Common Eye Issues
Understanding your vision is key to protecting it. Below, we explain common eye conditions, what symptoms to watch for, and when to seek help. Our licensed opticians and eye care partners are here to support your visual health at every step.
REFRACTIVE ERRORS
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Nearsightedness means you can see close objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It typically begins in childhood and progresses over time.
Symptoms: Blurry distance vision, squinting, eyestrain.
Solutions: Glasses, contact lenses, or specialty myopia control lenses.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
With farsightedness, distant objects are clearer than those up close. In high amounts, even distance vision can be blurry.
Symptoms: Eye fatigue, trouble focusing, headaches with reading.
Solutions: Prescription lenses, often with added magnification for reading.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to distorted or blurred vision at all distances.
Symptoms: Blurry vision, halos around lights, eye discomfort.
Solutions: Corrective lenses with toric designs.
Presbyopia
A natural age-related condition where the eye loses its ability to focus on close objects.
Symptoms: Difficulty reading up close, needing to hold things farther away.
Solutions: Reading glasses, progressives, multifocal contact lenses.
EYE HEALTH CONDITIONS
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the quality of tears is poor.
Symptoms: Burning, grittiness, blurred vision, watery eyes (paradoxical).
Treatment: Artificial tears, prescription drops, lid hygiene, in-office treatments.
Eye Allergies (Allergic Conjunctivitis)
Caused by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Symptoms: Itchy, red, watery eyes.
Treatment: Antihistamine eye drops, avoiding allergens, cold compresses.
Computer Vision Syndrome / Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged screen use can cause eye fatigue and discomfort.
Symptoms: Tired eyes, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision.
Treatment: Computer lenses, AR treatments, hydration
MORE SERIOUS CONDITIONS
(Early detection is key)
Glaucoma
A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure.
Symptoms: Often no early symptoms; later stages may include peripheral vision loss.
Treatment: Prescription drops, laser therapy, surgery. Requires regular monitoring.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting central vision.
Symptoms: Blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading.
Treatment: Supplements (AREDS2), lifestyle changes, medical management.
Cataracts
A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, typically due to aging.
Symptoms: Blurry vision, glare at night, faded colors.
Treatment: Cataract surgery is highly effective and routine.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to the retina’s blood vessels due to diabetes.
Symptoms: Often no early signs; later stages include vision changes or floaters.
Treatment: Blood sugar control, regular eye exams, laser treatment or injections.
MORE SERIOUS CONDITIONS
(Early detection is key)
Glaucoma
A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure.
Symptoms: Often no early symptoms; later stages may include peripheral vision loss.
Treatment: Prescription drops, laser therapy, surgery. Requires regular monitoring.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting central vision.
Symptoms: Blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading.
Treatment: Supplements (AREDS2), lifestyle changes, medical management.
Cataracts
A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, typically due to aging.
Symptoms: Blurry vision, glare at night, faded colors.
Treatment: Cataract surgery is highly effective and routine.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to the retina’s blood vessels due to diabetes.
Symptoms: Often no early signs; later stages include vision changes or floaters.
Treatment: Blood sugar control, regular eye exams, laser treatment or injections.
MORE SERIOUS CONDITIONS
(Early detection is key)
Glaucoma
A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure.
Symptoms: Often no early symptoms; later stages may include peripheral vision loss.
Treatment: Prescription drops, laser therapy, surgery. Requires regular monitoring.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting central vision.
Symptoms: Blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading.
Treatment: Supplements (AREDS2), lifestyle changes, medical management.
Cataracts
A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, typically due to aging.
Symptoms: Blurry vision, glare at night, faded colors.
Treatment: Cataract surgery is highly effective and routine.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to the retina’s blood vessels due to diabetes.
Symptoms: Often no early signs; later stages include vision changes or floaters.
Treatment: Blood sugar control, regular eye exams, laser treatment or injections.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If you experience any of the following, schedule an eye exam:
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Sudden vision changes
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Eye pain or discomfort
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Flashes of light or floaters
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Trouble seeing at night
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Persistent dry or red eye
Project Optical provides referrals to trusted local optometrists and ophthalmologists when medical care is needed.