What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is optic nerve damage as a result of an increase in the pressure of the eye. Just like your body can have high blood pressure, the eye can also have high eye pressure (Intraocular Pressure). Intraocular Pressure checks are necessary to monitor glaucoma. Drops may also be prescribed to stabilize pressure.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. The lens is made up mostly of protein and water. Sometimes, the protein builds up and creates a cataract which grows over time. Cataracts usually occur as people age, but can appear on a person of any age’s eye. A common symptom of a cataract is blurred or fuzzy vision which is not helped with correction. In order to restore vision, cataract surgery may be needed.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the macula, which is located in the back center of the retina. Symptoms often include blurred or distorted central vision. Many experts feel that macular degeneration prevention may include a balanced, healthy diet which includes essential vitamins.

What is Farsightedess (Hyperopia)?

Farsightedness is caused when light rays are focused behind the retina so that objects in the distant are clearer than objects up close, which are blurry.

What is Nearsightedness (Myopia)?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual. This causes light to focus in front of the retina. Objects up close are clear, while objects at a distance are blurry.

When should my child have an eye exam?

Kentucky requires that children have an eye exam before attending school. Kids in pre-school programs such as Kentucky Head Start typically must have an exam. If you notice your child squinting, straining, or having frequent headaches, they may need an exam. Also, if a young child’s eye is crossing or moving in, an exam would be necessary.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the front window and the lens within the eye. It makes light rays scatter when entering the eye, which causes vision to be blurry.

Can my eyesight cause me to have headaches?

Yes, eyesight can often be directly correlated to headaches. When objects appear blurry or to small, headaches may occur from squinting or straining. Often visual correction may alleviate frequency of headaches.

What are bifocal lenses?

Bifocals have lenses designed to look through the top for distance vision and the bottom of the lens for near vision such as reading. They may be a lined bifocal, with an obvious separation of the two spaces. Or they may be a progressive (no-line) bifocal for a gradual and unseen separation of the two spaces.

What kind of lenses does Family Eyecare make?

Family Eyecare has an in house lab in which it makes Optical Dynamics Company’s brand of lenses. These lens are made directly on glass molds, rather than grinding the lens. They are high quality lenses which allow for clear and corrected vision.

What kind of optical lenses darken in the sun?

Photochromatic lenses darken in the sun, but lighten when you come inside. Many people enjoy them as a way to have sunglasses automatically when going outside. Photochromatic lenses do not darken in cars.

What is Anti-Reflective Coating?

Anti-Reflecting coating is a glare reducer which goes directly on the lens. It helps reduce night glare, helps reduce glare at a computer, and cosmetically improves the look of your lenses.