Each eye forms it own image, and
it is the brain's job to fuse the two images into
one. For the brain to do its work, the eyes must
be aligned, move together and produce images of
similar size and shape. When the eyes are not coordinated,
they have to work hard to see clearly, often causing
eyestrain or headaches.
Good vision is all about curves. A correctly
shaped cornea and lens direct the light to the
right spot on the retina to produce a clear, sharp
image. When the curvature is too flat, too steep
or inconsistent, the image does not fall precisely
on the retina, and curved lens (or possibly LASIK
surgery) are used to correct myopia (nearsightedness),
hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted
vision) and/or presbyopia (difficulty adjusting
to close distances when one becomes 40 or older).
To your eye doctor, your eyes are window to your
overall health. Many illnesses show their earliest
signs in the eyes, and many diseases can affect
your vision. During your eye examination, your
Today's Vision doctor will look for signs of:
Hypertension: The appearance of irregular
blood vessels on the retina can indicate high
blood pressure.
Diabetes: Small, circular areas of bleeding
on the retina may be an early sign of diabetes.
Increases and decreases in blood sugar level can
cause blurred vision and retinal changes.
Headaches: These may be caused by or worsened
by vision problems such as eye strain.
Stroke: The vessels in the eye may point
to a risk of stroke.
High Cholesterol: Hypertension and high
cholesterol levels are often linked. The condition
of the veins and arteries in the eyes can be a
warning.
Multiple Sclerosis: Double vision, visual
field loss and uncoordinated or involuntary eye
movements may be an early sign of MS.
Take a few minutes to learn more About
the Eye, Eye Exams,
Disorders and Treatments.
You only have one set of eyes - and your good
health.
