Eye defects are a phenomenon many people deal with daily. In some cases, the defects of the eye are present from birth. Other types of eye defects are developed later in life. There are several eye conditions that are far more common than others. Fortunately, many of these common defects can be treated effectively.
Myopia is easily one of the most common of all eye defects. Known to many as nearsightedness, this condition allows the individual to enjoy clear vision up close, while objects become increasingly blurred as the individual moves further away from them. Myopia is usually an example of eye birth defects, since the condition involves either a lens that is thicker than normal or an eyeball that is smaller than it should be. Corrective lenses and some surgical techniques can compensate for the condition and allow the individual to enjoy a more normal range of sight.
Hyperopia or farsightedness is the opposite of myopia. People suffering with this condition tend to have normal distance vision, but are unable to clearly focus on objects that are close by. This condition is more common later in life, and is usually attributed to a lens that has become too thin, or some condition that has caused the eyeball to increase in size. As with nearsightedness, the use of corrective lenses can partially compensate for the condition and make it easier for the individual to enjoy reading or other activities that require a clear view of nearby objects.
Astigmatism is a defect that develops due to shifts in the curvatures along the surface of the eye. A person dealing with this condition will not have clear vision in a variety of directions. One particular line of vision will be noticeably clearer than all others. Wearing corrective lenses that feature different curvatures along different planes can help to compensate for astigmatism.
Glaucoma is a situation in which a blind spot develops and slowly begins to expand, effectively obscuring vision. This condition is often due to pressure within the eye. Because glaucoma develops over time, patients often do not notice a difference in vision until the disorder is diagnosed during an eye exam.
Blindness is one of the eye defects most people fear the most. In some cases, blindness is a result of some sudden trauma to the ocular system, such as in an accident where damage to the head is sustained. At other times, the blindness develops over time as a particular physical condition escalates. People suffering with diabetes are more susceptible to a loss of vision than others and must take special precautions to limit the effects of the disease on eye function.
Often, eye defects can be treated or managed in some manner. Along with nutrition and corrective eyewear, there are also surgical options that may help to partially or completely restore full vision. However, not everyone suffering with eye problems will experience the same level of response to a given treatment, or even be eligible for all available treatments. Consulting with a qualified vision healthcare specialist is essential to identifying and implementing the most practical course of treatment.