COMMON EYE TERMINOLOGY
Nearsighted (myopia)
Type of vision in which seeing at far is blurry. Near vision is often good. This condition usually begins between ages 6 to 21 and may gradually worsen until after 30. Contact lenses or glasses are indicated.
Farsighted (hyperopia)
Type of vision in which seeing is strained at near more than far. Distance vision is often very good. This condition causes your eyes to overwork for reading and other close work and distant viewing. Usual symptoms are headaches and eyestrain. Contact lenses or glasses are indicated.
Astigmatism
Very common and not an eye disease. Symptoms include headaches, eyestrain and squinting. Caused by the eye not focusing light the same up and down as across. Usually occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia. Contact lenses or glasses are indicated.
Presbyopia
A reduction of focusing ability for anything closer than an arm’s length causing blurring and eyestrain. This usually begins in the late 30’s to early 40's and worsens with age. Multifocals (such as progressive no-line multifocals or bifocals) or reading glasses are indicated.
Amblyopia
Incorrectly called “lazy eye.” This eye is not able to see 20/20 even with best corrective lenses. Can only be diagnosed by a complete eye examination. Vision therapy sometimes needed along with glasses. Many cases cannot be helped if they are detected too late.