The following statements are meant for education purposes and are not intended to
diagnose or treat any illness or injury. If you are experiencing any symptoms, it is best to be seen
by an eyecare professional. Please contact our office at 303-772-6140 for specific answers or to schedule an exam.
1. I can see close objects just fine, but distant objects, like road signs,
are really blurry.
This is called myopia or nearsightedness. With myopia, the cornea is often too steep and light rays focus in front
of the retina.
2. I have to push reading material away to focus on it, but I’m also having
trouble seeing distant objects.
Both near vision and distance vision are usually blurry with farsightedness, also known as hyperopia.
With hyperopia the cornea is often too flat and light rays focus behind the retina.
3. What is astigmatism?
This is when the curve of the cornea is irregular and egg shaped, causing light rays to focus at multiple points and
resulting in blurred vision at all distances.
4. I’ve always had perfect vision, but I’m beginning to notice my vision isn’t
as clear as it was when I was younger. What is happening?
This could be presbyopia. At birth, the focusing lens inside the eye is soft and flexible, allowing it to change
shape to focus on near or distant objects. As we age, the lens gradually hardens, making it harder to adjust its
shape for focusing. Beginning around age 35, the eyes have increasing difficulty focusing, resulting in blurred or
distorted reading or near vision. Bifocals and reading glasses are used for presbyopia.
5. I have red, watery eyes, blurred vision, itchiness and a scratchy feeling
in the eyes. Could it be pinkeye?
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation and/or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue
covering the white of the eyes and inside of the eyelids. Symptoms include red, watery eyes; blurred vision; itchiness;
an irritated or scratchy feeling in the eyes and a clear or pus-like discharge. It is best to see your eyecare
professional to know for sure and avoid spreading a possible infection.
6. I haven’t been around anyone with pinkeye. How could I have contracted it?
There are three types of conjunctivitis and only one is contagious. The other two, can occur as a result of
allergens or toxic irritants such as air pollution or chemicals. You may also have been exposed to the bacterial
or viral kind and not known it. To be safe, take precautions to avoid spreading infection to others or to your other eye.
7. It looks like tiny pieces of dust are floating around in my eye. What is it?
With age, the clear jelly-like substance covering your eye liquefies, allowing particles to "float." These
"floaters" are typically harmless and usually require no treatment, but they can sometimes indicate a serious
condition so it is extremely important to be seen by your eye doctor.
8. I’m seeing flashes of light. Is it serious?
Flashes of light can be completely harmless or they can be indicators of a much larger problem, such as a tear
or detachment of the retina. It is best to contact the office immediately for an exam.
9. Why do my eyes have to be dilated for an exam?
Dilating the pupil is the only way to get a complete evaluation of the interior of the eye. Without a dilated
pupil, the doctor can only see a relatively small portion of the inside of the eye.
10. I have a lump on my eyelid. What is it?
It could be a chalazion or a stye. A chalazion occurs when an oil-producing gland in the eyelid becomes
blocked. It typically causes a relatively painless, pea-sized lump that can become swollen, inflamed and
painful if left untreated. A stye is an infection near the eyelash root or follicle resulting in a red,
sore lump. Both conditions rarely clear up without treatment so you should be seen by an eyecare professional.
11. Is there anything I can do about my dry eyes?
There are many causes of dry eyes, including the normal aging process, environmental factors and even
certain medications. Dry eye cannot be cured, but frequent blinking, changing environmental factors or using
artificial tears (eye drops) and/or moisturizing ointment may help. Another treatment involves inserting
small collagen or silicon plugs in the tear ducts to slow the drainage and loss of tears.
12. What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eyes, resulting in a
loss of vision. Cataracts often occur with age, but can also result from heredity, an injury or disease.
Symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, yellowing of colors or loss of color vision, dark spots or
shadows that seem to move, an increased need for light and a stage where it is easier to see without glasses.
If cataracts impair your daily, activities surgery may be recommended.
13. Are broken blood vessels in front of the eye serious?
This is often the result of violent coughing or sneezing, but usually clear up after a few weeks without
treatment. However, recurring hemorrhages could indicate a potentially serious condition and should be
examined by an eyecare professional.
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