Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens – the part of the eye which helps to focus light and produces clear images. This clouding results from the accumulation of protein on the lens, which causes images to appear blurry. Common causes of cataracts are aging, eye injuries, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia means that light entering the eye will focus behind, instead of directly on, the retina. This results from a flatter cornea or shorter eye. Those with hyperopia usually have trouble focusing up close, and may be unable to see at a distance as well.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia means that light entering the eye will focus in front of, instead of directly on, the retina. This results from a steeper cornea or longer eye. Those with myopia can usually focus clearly up close, but have trouble seeing far away.

Astigmatism

Normally, the cornea is spherical like a basketball. When light hits the cornea, it will focus on a single point, resulting in clear vision.

With an astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like a football. Light focuses on more than one point in the eye, causing blurred vision. Astigmatism often occurs in conjunction with farsightedness (hyperopia), and nearsightedness (myopia).

Presbyopia

Presbyopia occurs when the eye is no longer able to adjust its focusing distance. A healthy natural lens is flexible so that it thickens when we need to focus close-up. With presbyopia, this lens becomes less flexible, which makes it difficult to focus on things like fine print. People most commonly begin to experience presbyopia around age 40.