Last updated 2 months ago
The eye contains 4 angulated surfaces that bend light, a process called refraction. A refractive error occurs when light is not refracting correctly. Dr. Leslie J. Weil provides comprehensive care to diagnose and treat refractive errors.
The areas of refraction in the eye include the interfaces between air and the front of the cornea, between aqueous humor and the back of the cornea, between aqueous humor and the front of the lens, and between vitreous humor and the back of the lens. Light must be refracted correctly at each of these points in order for the eye to focus clearly. In addition the tear film over the cornea affects the refraction as well.
- Symptoms of Refractive Errors
The most common symptom of a refractive error is blurred vision. Individuals may also experience double vision, hazy vision, and glare or halos around bright lights. These symptoms can lead to squinting, strain, and headaches.
- Types of Refractive Errors
There are 4 different types of
refractive errors. If light focuses in front of the retina rather than on it, then myopia, or shortsightedness, occurs. When light focuses behind the retina, then the result is farsightedness or hyperopia. Astigmatism is a condition that is caused by light focusing unevenly on the retina. The last type refractive error, called presbyopia, differs from other refractive errors in that it is due to changes that occur with aging. With presbyopia, the lens is no longer able to change shape and focus correctly.
- Treatment for Refractive Errors
The treatment chosen for a refractive error will depend upon the severity of the condition and the patient’s preference. Eyeglasses are often the simplest solution for correcting refractive errors. Contact lenses can also be used to correct the blurry vision caused by problems refracting. Refractive surgery is a third option that allows the shape of the cornea to be permanently changed so that light focuses correctly on the retina.
Correcting refractive errors provides patients with clear and accurate vision. To find out more about refractive errors or to schedule an eye exam and refraction test, call
Weil Eye Care Medical Center today at (650) 226-8461.
Last updated 3 months ago
In our latest blogs, we’ve discussed what you can expect during your first ophthalmic exam and the links between diabetes and eye problems. To learn more about these topics, explore the links below or call Weil Eye Care Medical Center today at (650) 226-8461.
Last updated 3 months ago
Last updated 3 months ago
It is important to visit an ophthalmologist regularly to monitor the sharpness of your vision and the health of your eyes. At Weil Eye Care Medical Center, we focus on lifelong eye care and recognize the unique needs of every patient.
? Eye Care History
At the beginning of the appointment, you will be asked about the current state of your vision. If you are having any problems with your eyes, then this will be the time to discuss them. You will also be asked about your history of vision correction. If you have worn glasses or contacts, then you will be asked about how long you have worn them and any problems you have encountered with them. Your family’s vision history and any medications that you are currently taking will also be discussed at the start of your ophthalmic appointment.
? Vision Test
After discussing the medical history of your eyes, your ophthalmologist will exam your vision using a Snellen chart or similar device. Snellen charts feature rows of random letters that become progressively smaller. You will be asked to read the smallest row of letters that you can using both eyes and only one eye at a time. Your ophthalmologist may also determine your vision prescription at this time by placing different glass lenses in front of your eyes and asking you when the Snellen chart is easiest to read. Your peripheral and three-dimensional vision will also be checked with different devices during your appointment.
? Eye Examination
Your ophthalmologist will examine the retina, optic nerves, and blood vessels of each eye. You will be asked to follow a pinpoint of light with your eyes so that the ophthalmologist can examine your eye muscles. The ophthalmologist may also dilate your pupils to examine the back of your eyes.
Undergoing regular ophthalmic exams is important for monitoring the state of your vision and the health of your eyes. To learn more about ophthalmology or to schedule an exam with our ophthalmologist, Dr. Weil, call Weil Eye Care Medical Center today at (650) 226-8461.
Last updated 3 months ago
For those with diabetes, regular ophthalmic exams are essential for monitoring eye health and preventing blindness. Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness among adults between the ages of 20 and 74, but seeing an ophthalmologist regularly makes it possible to discover and treat diabetic eye diseases early.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that represent a degeneration of the optic nerve and vision loss. Glaucoma is often associated with increased levels of pressure inside the eye, but there is a large group of patients who do not have elevated eye pressures but still have glaucoma. Diabetics face a risk of developing glaucoma that is twice that of non-diabetics. While the relationship between diabetes and glaucoma is not well understood, it is possible to help prevent damage to your eyes from glaucoma by undergoing an annual glaucoma screening.
Cataracts
The lens of the eye is normally clear, allowing light to pass through easily. For those with cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, leading to vision loss. Cataracts generally develop as people enter their senior years. Having high blood sugar can accelerate damage to the lens, leading to the development of senile cataracts at an early age. The use of steroid medication either orally or topically can also cause cataract formation. Another type of cataract, called a sugar cataract, can occur in anyone with diabetes at any age. However in people in their twenties who are poorly controlled with Type 1 diabetes it can develop rapidly and can lead to a complete loss of vision in 3 days.
Diabetic Retinopathy
The most common eye problem associated with diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy and involves changes to the blood vessels inside the retina. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels inside the retina shut down and block the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. As the shutdown increases and more blood vessels are blocked, new blood vessels are developed inside the retina to try to correct the deficiency. These new blood vessels grow along the surface of the retina and tend to have weak walls, leading to leakages of blood inside the eye which can cause vision loss, and the gel inside the eye can pull on these vessels causing traction retinal detachment. Abnormalities of blood vessels can also cause swelling of the central part of the retina and leakage of lipid both of which can cause vision loss. Good control of blood glucose levels and blood pressure are important in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.
With regular ophthalmic exams, diabetic eye diseases can be caught early and treated appropriately to significantly decrease the risk of blindness. To schedule an exam for diabetic and other eye diseases, call Weil Eye Care Medical Center in San Carlos today at (650) 226-8461.
