Eye Conditions
Below are brief descriptions of the various eye conditions we commonly see and treat at Virginia Eyecare Center in Burke.
There are many different types of eye conditions that could be affecting your eyesight or could have long-term consequences if not treated properly or promptly. We list some of the more common conditions below. If you think you or someone in your family has one of these conditions, please contact Virginia Eyecare Center in Burke for an exam and recommendations.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome is characterized by neck pain, blurry vision, stiff shoulders, headache and watery eyes when working in front of a computer screen. The symptoms are typically due to posture, dry eyes, eye muscle coordination and poorly corrected vision.
Since computer monitors are typically 20 to 26 inches from your eyes, your regular glasses may not be the best option for computer work. This distance range is considered intermediate – closer than what you use to drive a car but farther away than what you use to read. Special lens designs for computer work provide you with a larger intermediate area for viewing the computer and your immediate work area like the top of your desk. Virginia Eyecare Center can help you determine if these special lenses are appropriate for you.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. This process is most commonly due to uncorrected refractive error (such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) or strabismus (see explanation below) and appears during infancy or early childhood. The earlier a Lazy eye is diagnosed and treated the better, because it is between birth and early school age that the brain “chooses” its visual pathway and may ignore the weaker eye permanently.
Lazy eye is not always easy to recognize. A child with worse vision in one eye may not have any complaints and the difference may be very subtle. Because of this, it is recommended that all children, including those with no symptoms, have a comprehensive eye examination between the ages of 6-12 months. If you suspect a problem, or need to set up your child’s first eye examination, contact Virginia Eyecare Center to set up an appointment.
Strabismus
Cross-eyed, medically known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which eyes are misaligned. It commonly occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not properly working together. The result is one or both eyes turning inward, outward, upward or downward, or one or both eyes moving irregularly.
Strabismus is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects about 4 percent of children, afflicting boys and girls equally. Though it cannot be prevented, its complications can be avoided with early intervention. Even if you notice symptoms intermittently – when your child is ill, stressed or fatigued – alert your eye care provider.
Virginia Eyecare Center has the experience and equipment necessary to diagnose and often treat the eye conditions detailed above at our office in Burke. For more information please Request an appointment with your eye care provider, and we will be in touch with you shortly.