Vision Problem Treatment in New Orleans
Advanced Technology Aids Diagnosis and Treatment
Many of us take our eyesight for granted, but when vision problems occur, most people will seek treatment to restore their vision to normal. Some issues can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, while others might require a form of laser-corrected eye surgery or other form of treatment to preserve what vision remains. If you’re experiencing changes in vision or have any of the symptoms below, schedule an appointment at our eye clinic for a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health.
We use proven diagnostic techniques and the latest technology to help detect and treat vision problems such as near and farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as to create a permanent and historical record of changes in your eye to help get an even deeper understanding of your ocular health. Our comprehensive eye exams cover every aspect of your eye health including an evaluation for signs of diseases or vision problems, and go beyond a routine check-up. Learn more about some of the most vision problems that we encounter at our New Orleans eye care clinic.
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Myopia Progression Prevention
Myopia is also referred to as nearsightedness. This is when objects that are far away are not clear because the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep. This is an anatomical variation that can progress and cause thinning and stretching of the retina. Myopia progression is something that can lead to blindness, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, and glaucoma.
If detected early, myopia progression can be controlled by specialty contact lenses such as multifocal contacts, orthokeratology, and even topical eye drops. All of these options are offered at Eyes on Canal.
Nearsightedness affects nearly half of the U.S. population. Instead of images being focused on the retina, nearsightedness causes images to be focused in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurred. People with uncorrected myopia tend to hold a book closer to the eyes when reading and must sit close to the front of the room to see clearly.
Nearsightedness is hereditary, typically appears in childhood, and progresses until about age 20 but can also develop in adults because of visual stress or health conditions. Many researchers attribute the increase of people with myopia to an increase in the use of handheld devices, books, and computers. If detected early, myopia progression can be controlled by wearing the appropriate prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. It can also be controlled by orthokeratology (ortho-k) and even topical eye drops. Many new studies have shown that the progression of myopia can be slowed down by simply wearing the right prescription multifocal contact lenses. All of these options are offered at our New Orleans eye care clinic.
Farsightedness
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is the opposite of nearsightedness. Images are focused slightly behind the retina, making objects nearby appear blurry. Although farsightedness is typically present at birth, people with the condition tend to experience it differently — some may not notice any vision problems, others have blurred vision at any distance (near or far), and children can outgrow mild farsightedness as their eyes grow to adult size. Like myopia, hyperopia is easily managed with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or in some cases, corrected with surgery. If left untreated, hyperopia can lead to straining of the eyes, overproduction of tears, frequent squinting and blinking, headaches, trouble reading, and difficulties with hand-eye dexterity.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina and resulting in blurred vision at any distance. Astigmatism frequently accompanies nearsightedness and farsightedness and together, these conditions are considered to be refractive errors because they affect the way the eyes bend (refract) light. Astigmatism can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, ortho-k, or laser surgery. The failure to properly treat astigmatism can lead to eye discomfort and headaches.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia — when the eyes gradually lose the ability to see things close up — typically occurs in older adults when the lens of the eye becomes thicker and more rigid and the muscles around the lens deteriorate. A normal (albeit annoying) part of aging, presbyopia commonly occurs after age 40 when the lens cannot change shape as easily as before, making reading, threading a needle, or performing other close-up tasks more difficult. Although there is no way to stop or reverse the normal aging process that leads to presbyopia, it can be managed with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. If presbyopia is not corrected, headaches and eye strain can result.