Visual and Eye Conditions

In the US, half the population has congenital defects known as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. All of us will develop presbyopia (loss of near vision) as we age into our 40’s and 50’s.

The doctors at Durrie Vision have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision. When you are not seeing your very best, it affects everything you do, and Kansas City knows where to turn for help. You know your eyes better than anyone. If you’re not seeing as well as you would like, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors by using our online scheduling or by calling us at (913) 871-1166.

Normal Vision

Vision or visual acuity is tested by reading a Snellen eye chart at a distance of 20 feet. To have 20/20 vision means a person can see what the average human eye can see at 20 feet. This is considered “normal vision.” With any vision correction procedure, our surgeons aim to give the patient 20/20 vision.

The cornea (the clear window on the front of the eye) and the lens of the eye (the transparent structure inside the eye) are both critical to normal vision. The goal of these two lenses is to focus light onto a layer on the back of the eye known as the retina. As light enters into the eye it is focused by the cornea and the lens so that images appear clearly on the retina. The retina then transmits these images to the brain where they are processed. If the images focus perfectly on the retina, the result is 20/20 vision.

Visual Conditions

Astigmatism
When the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball, it causes distortion and blurry vision as light enters the eye. This condition is often coupled with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) which causes light to focus on more than one point on the retina. Astigmatism is treated with contact lenses or glasses, and we have vision correction procedures available to treat astigmatism as well.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
When the cornea is too flat in relation to the length of the eye, light focuses behind the retina. The result is blurry vision up close and clear vision far away. Hyperopia is treated with contacts or glasses and we have vision correction procedures that can reduce or eliminate farsightedness. It should be noted that latent hyperopia is a condition where the eye is able to compensate close up with the focusing power of the lens in the eye in a young person. This type of hyperopia does not show up until the lens loses some of its focusing power when presbyopia sets in.

Nearsightedness (Myopia)
A person is diagnosed with myopia when the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina resulting in clear near vision and blurry distance vision. Doctors have found it usually is diagnosed in children and may worsen as the child matures. Most individuals that are nearsighted find that their vision stabilizes in their late teens or early twenties. Glasses and contact lenses can be used for vision correction. Once the eye stabilizes, vision correction procedures can change the shape of the cornea to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

Presbyopia
Presbyopia will happen to 100% of the population sometime during midlife. The natural lens, or crystalline lens, has the ability to flex and focus both near and far. As the lens begins to age and harden, the flexibility becomes less, and the ability to focus on small print becomes difficult. Relief is usually found first with over-the-counter reading glasses and we have several vision correction procedures for presbyopia.

Eye Conditions

Amblyopia – Reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood.

Blepharitis – A condition where the eyelid margins become inflamed and irritated – this can cause dry eyes, fluctuation of vision, itching and discomfort.

Cataract – A condition caused by gradual yellowing/clouding of the crystalline lens, usually with age or trauma to the eye.

Conjunctivitis – Commonly called “pink eye.” This condition is caused by allergy or infection. Eyes can become red, itchy and may produce a discharge.

Dry Eye – A condition caused by certain medications, age, blepharitis, poor quality of tear film and /or not enough tear production.

Floaters – Particles of natural eye tissue in the vitreous fluid that float in the field of vision.

Glaucoma – A condition of progressive decline of the visual field and damage to the optic nerve, often a result of increased eye pressure.

Macular Degeneration – A condition where central vision begins to decline due to the degeneration of the macula, usually with age.

Retinal Detachment – A condition caused by separation of the retina, which can lead to blindness if not treated immediately. Symptoms may include a sudden onset of flashes, floaters, or a veil or curtain that appears to be pulled over vision.

Strabismis – A condition in which the muscles of the eyes are not aligned because the muscles of the eyes do not work together. This leads to crossed eyes and can cause double vision.

Keratoconus – A condition of progressive degeneration of the structure of the cornea that causes it to bulge from its normal round shape to a cone shape and results in decreased visual acuity.

Contact Durrie Vision today to learn more or to schedule your appointment. You may also call us at
(913) 871-1166.