1. What is the difference between nearsighted and farsighted?

Nearsighted/Myopia is a condition where light coming into the eye (from a distant object) focuses too soon and is therefore out of focus on the retina. Corrective lenses move the point of focus back to the retina so the image is clear. Light from nearby objects is still divergent (expanding) so the image focuses nearer to the retina and is more focused, even without corrective lenses; therefore, this person is called “nearsighted”.

Farsighted/Hyperopia is a condition where light coming into the eye doesn’t focus soon enough so the image on the retina is still blurry. Corrective lenses for hyperopia focus the light sooner, thereby bringing the clear image back on the retina. Many farsighted people can focus their own eyes enough to make objects appear clear, but this causes eye strain, especially when doing near work like reading or working on a computer. This is why the most common symptom of farsightedness is tired eyes and/ or headaches.

2. What is astigmatism?

If the optical system of the eye is not perfectly spherical, (like the surface of a bowling ball as compared to that of a football) the image formed by the entering light waves is distorted, creating two separate “points of focus”. Corrective lenses for astigmatism counteract this distortion and brings the two “points” back to a single point (as well as correcting any myopia or hyperopia); thereby, forming a single, clear image on the retina.

3. What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease where the pressure inside the eye is too high, which damages the delicate optic nerve and can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. In all but the later, advanced stages there are no symptoms. This is why it is very important to have regular eye examinations even if you do not need glasses! Glaucoma is treatable if caught early, typically with the use of eye drops to lower the pressure to healthy levels.

4. What is the difference between an Optometrist, an Ophthalmologist, and an Optician?

Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) and are trained and licensed to perform eye examinations and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Furthermore, optometrists are educated to detect and treat many eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eyes, eye infections, and many inflammatory and allergic conditions. Scope of practice varies from state or state.

Ophthalmologists hold a Medical Doctor degree (M.D.) and are trained to detect and treat eye diseases medically and surgically. They are also licensed to perform eye examinations and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Many ophthalmologists specialize in one area, such as cataract surgery, glaucoma, vitreo-retinal surgery, corneal disease, and more recently refractive surgery.

Opticians are trained in spectacle lens manufacture, as well as the selection, dispensing, repair and adjustment of spectacle frames. They may also dispense and train patients in the use of contact lenses. Opticians are NOT eye doctors and do not perform eye examinations or prescribe glasses or contact lenses.