Common Eye and Vision Problems
Amblyopia
an
amblyopic eye often refrerred to as a lazy eye has
reduced vision. Often there is no known reason.
Astigmatism
error
of refraction, which prevents light from coming to a point of focus on
the retina.Usally caused when the cornea (FRONT SURFACE) of the eye is
shaped like a rugbyball whereas it should be like a football. Results in blurred vision.
Cataract
the
partial or complete loss of transparency of the lens.The eye’s
internal lens becomes misty which prevents light from reaching the back
of the eye and therefore interrupts vision.
Cerebral
visual impairment
visual
difficulty caused by damage to the visual cortex or visual pathways. Can
be associated with the learning disability or acquired through brain
damage.
Cortical
visual impairment
visual
difficulty caused by damage to the visual cortex or visual pathways.
Also known as cerebral visual impairment. Can be associated with
the learning disability or acquired through brain damage.
Coloboma
normally
a developmental defect of the iris (and other parts of the eye) which
makes the pupil look keyhole shaped.
Corneal
Opacities
loss
of transparency of the cornea (the front surface of the eye). Resulting
in impairment of vision.
Glaucoma
an
eye disease associated with increased pressure within the eye,which can
cause damage to the retina initially often causing loss of peripheral
vision. Eye pressure may be
tested during an EYE EXAMINATION often using a machine, which fires a
puff of air against the eye and records the internal eye pressure.A test
of the visual fields is also normally carried out.Its important to have
a regular eyetest especially if there is a family history of glaucoma
Hypermetropia
(farsighted or longsighted)
inability
to focus on near objects which will appear blurred. Usually corrected by
glasses.
Kerataconus
occurs
when the cornea thins causing the central part of the cornea to bulge
forwards in the shape of a cone.
Microphthalmus
underdevelopment
of the eyes, the eyeball is abnormally small and often deeply set in the
orbit.
Monocular
vision
consequence
of either having vision in one eye only or of a long standing squint.
Myopia
inability
to focus on distant objects which will appear blurred. Usually corrected
by glasses or contact lenses.
Nystagmus
involuntary
repetitive movement of the eyes. Caused by poor vision or by muscle
defects.
Presbyopia
The
inability to focus on close objects such as reading material,caused by
the hardening of the internal lens making it difficult for the lens to
reshape (increase power) when trying to focus close up. Known as loss of
accommodation, usually occurs after the age of 40. First signs are
pushing away reading matter to focus clearly. Can be corrected with
reading glasses
Reduced
Visual field
·
Central
vision, loss of:
central vision is used in tasks like reading and facial recognition.
·
Peripheral
vision, loss of:
peripheral vision is used in tasks like mobility and in identifying
movement and the approach of people and objects.
Strabismus
another
name for a squint. Refers to eyes that are not straight.
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