Visual Impairments and Treatments
Visual impairments are vision problems that result from the eyes not functioning properly. Visual impairments can occur in many different ways and may be caused by problems in one or more areas of the eyes. The treatment of visual impairments depends on the cause of the vision problem. Glasses, contact lenses or eye exercises are effective treatments for visual impairments in some cases. In more serious cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia is the condition of nearsightedness. In this case, the focus of the eyes is further back than normal and close objects cannot be seen clearly. Hyperopia usually occurs because the eyeball is short and the cornea or lens is not sufficiently refracted. Hyperopia surgery can be performed through corneal surgery or lens implantation.
Myopic
Myopia is the condition of being unable to see far. In this case, the focus of the eyes is further ahead than normal and you may not be able to see far clearly. Myopia is usually caused by the elongated eyeball or the curved surface of the cornea (the clear layer at the front of the eye). Myopia surgery can be performed through corneal surgery or lens implantation.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a disorder of the eye caused by an error in the optical system. This disorder can occur due to irregularities in the surface of the cornea (the clear outer surface of the eye) or the lens (the clear structure inside the eye). Astigmatism results from the inability of the eye to focus in one or both directions, instead of focusing in a round shape. Astigmatism surgery can be performed through corneal surgical methods such as LASIK or PRK.
Lazy Eye
Lazy eye is a visual impairment that occurs as a result of the eyes failing to develop normally. Lazy eye can occur as a result of using one eye less than the other or focusing differently than the other eye. The treatment is mainly aimed at strengthening the lazy eye and establishing balance with the other eye. Glasses or contact lenses, special exercises that encourage the lazy eye to work, occlusion therapy (closure of the healthy eye) and eye surgery may be among the methods used in the treatment of lazy eye.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is an eye condition that occurs when the eyes are not moist enough or tears are not produced normally. Tears keep the eyes moist, protecting them from infections and providing clear vision. Dry eye occurs due to decreased quality or quantity of tears. Dry eye surgery is the surgical correction or restructuring of the lacrimal glands or tear ducts in people with dry eyes.
Keratocons
Keratoconus is an eye disease characterized by the gradual thinning and conical shape of the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye. The cornea is normally round in shape, but when keratoconus develops, the cornea becomes thinner and wrinkled, taking on a more conical shape. Keratoconus surgery can be performed by methods such as corneal transplant, cross-linking, or corneal ring implantation.
Eye Pressure
Eye pressure is an eye condition that occurs as a result of the intraocular fluid at a higher pressure than normal. Eye pressure is often associated with glaucoma, which can cause damage to the optic nerves and permanent vision loss. However, eye pressure can occur without glaucoma. Eye pressure surgery is designed to reduce the pressure affecting the optic nerves or to protect the optic nerves. Surgical methods may include trabeculoplasty, a surgical procedure to regulate the flow of eye fluid in the anterior region of the eye, and several different laser treatments to increase fluid drainage of the eye.