Vision Chronicles

A picture of a farsighted lady corrected with glasses. Farsightedness , also known as long-sightedness , hyperopia , or hypermetropia , is a condition where the eye focuses light behind the retina , causing blurry vision mostly  for nearby objects. It’s a common refractive error that affects both children and adults . A person with hyperopia is called a hyperope . Hyperopes may experience blurred vision at both near and far distances, although near vision is usually more affected. Most infants are born with mild hyperopia, which often improves as they grow older, but in some cases, it persists into adulthood, leading to eye strain, headaches, and the need for corrective lenses. Understanding the basics of farsightedness helps you spot the signs early and take steps to correct it. In this article, we dive deep into the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment options of farsightedness—and briefly compare it to a similar but age-specific condition called presbyopia. What causes Farsi...

A picture of someone with esotropia  Have you ever seen someone whose eyes don’t seem to look in the same direction? One eye may be focused ahead, while the other turns slightly inward, outward, upward, or downward. This condition is known as Strabismus—also commonly referred to as eye turn, squint, or tropia. Contrary to what many believe, strabismus isn’t always something you’re born with. It can develop later in life due to various factors. Whether it appears in childhood or adulthood, strabismus is a condition that deserves understanding—not just medically, but socially as well. Let’s dive deeper into what causes it, how it presents, and what can be done to manage or treat it. Signs and symptoms The most obvious sign of strabismus is misaligned eyes, but other symptoms may include: Double vision Eye strain or headaches Difficulty with depth perception (poor 3D vision) Squinting or tilting the head to see better Children with strabismus may not alway...

  An image of a person doing self eye medication In today’s fast-paced world, many people resort to self-medication as a quick and seemingly harmless solution to minor health issues. When it comes to eye problems, however, self-medication can be dangerous and even lead to irreversible damage. Despite the easy availability of over-the-counter eye drops and ointments, using them without proper medical guidance can have severe consequences. In this article, we’ll explore the hidden dangers of self-eye medication and why seeking professional help is always the best course of action. Why some people Self-Medicate Self-medication is common due to several factors. Many people find it more convenient to treat minor eye issues at home rather than visit a doctor. The cost of medical consultations and prescriptions also pushes  individuals  to opt for over-the-counter remedies. Additionally, a lack of awareness about the risks of using incorrect eye medication contributes to sel...

A photo of a youthful eye (left) and aged eye (right) Introduction Eyesight is one of our most treasured senses, allowing us to connect with the world around us. But just like the rest of our body, our eyes undergo changes as we age.  Over time, vision changes are inevitable, yet many people aren't aware of what these changes mean or how they can protect their eyesight. Understanding the science of eye aging is key to preserving your vision and ensuring you continue to see clearly as the years go by. Let’s dive into how your eyes change over time and the steps you can take to protect them.   The Science behind Aging Eyes As time passes, our eyes undergo several natural changes that can impact vision: Presbyopia : By age 40, the lens inside the eye starts losing flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Reduced Tear Production : Aging leads to decreased tear production, resulting in dry eyes. Cataracts : The lens gradually becomes cloudy, lead...

A photo of  Martin in Spects   For years, a common belief has circulated that wearing spectacles can weaken your eyes or make you dependent on them. Many people hesitate to get prescription glasses, fearing that once they start wearing them, their eyesight will deteriorate further. But is this really true? Let’s break down the myth and uncover the facts. Where did this Misconception come From? The idea that spectacles damage eyesight likely stems from personal experiences. Someone who gets glasses for the first time may feel like their vision is worse when they remove them, leading to the belief that their eyes have become weaker. In reality, this is just an adjustment to clearer vision. When your eyes get used to the right prescription, going back to blurry vision feels even more noticeable. Some people experience discomfort with their glasses, which may lead them to think glasses are bad. However, this is usually due to: Wrong prescription  – If your glasses aren’t the ...

Introduction Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, especially among children and young adults. While commonly used spectacles and contact lenses correct vision, they do not slow the progression of myopia. If left uncontrolled, high myopia can lead to serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular problems. Fortunately, various strategies can help slow myopia progression and reduce long-term risks. Myopia progression control is unfortunately ignored by some clinicians, however keen attention should be focused on it in order to reduce myopia complications. Understanding Myopia Progression Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurry distance vision. Myopia tends to worsen during childhood and adolescence as the eye continues to grow. Several factors contribute to its progression, including: Pe...