South Bay Vision Center- Dr.Dat Do Optometrist

About The Eye

Myopia
Hyperopia
Astigmatism
Presbyopia
Cataracts
Macular Degeneration
Dry Eye Syndrome
Glaucoma

Myopia
(Nearsightedness) occurs when the curvature of the cornea is too steep for the length of the eye or the eye is functionally too long. With myopia, near objects are seen more clearly than distant objects. This results in blurry distant vision.

Hyperopia
(Farsightedness) occurs when the curvature of the cornea is too flat for the length of the eye or the eye is functionally too short. With hyperopia, distant objects are seen more clearly than near objects. This results in blurry near vision. Although farsighted patients see distant objects more clearly than near objects, they often have difficulty with both, especially as they get older.

Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is slightly oval and shaped like a football, as opposed to completely round like a basketball. Many patients with myopia or hyperopia have some degree of astigmatism. With astigmatism, images may be distorted and blurred at distance and near, depending on the degree of astigmatism.

Presbyopia
Presbyopia occurs when the lens on the inside of the eye hardens with age and loses it¹s ability to bend light rays. The patient¹s ability to focus on near objects becomes impaired. The onset of presbyopia typically occurs in the late 30's to early 40's. It is easily treated with bifocals and/or reading glasses.

Cataracts
A cataract is any opacity of the lens on the inside of the eye. This opacification of the lens leads to measurably decreased visual acuity and increased glare at night, especially while driving. Cataracts may occur as a result of the normal aging process of the eye, or due to secondary factors such as trauma, inflammation, metabolic or nutritional disorders. Cataract surgery is a very routine procedure and is the most common surgery for Americans over the age of 65.

Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is an acquired retinal disorder which is the leading cause of blindness in patients over the age of 65. Symptoms of macular degeneration may not become apparent until late in the disease process. As a result, patients with increased risk factors should be screened by their eye doctor for signs and symptoms of macular degeneration on a yearly basis. Those risk factors include:

Over the age of 60
Hypertension/cardiovascular disease
Family history of macular degeneration
History of increased UV exposure
History of cataract surgery before 1984
Fair-skinned and light colored eyes
Early diagnosis, monitoring and timely treatment of macular degeneration is the key.

Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. It is a result of one or more of the following:

natural aging process of the eye
living in a dry, dusty or windy climate
side effect of systemic medications
symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome
contact lens overwear
side effect of laser vision correction
incomplete closure of the eyelids
hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause
cigarette smoking
seasonal allergies

The primary treatment for dry eyes is artificial tears, ointments/gel before bedtime, Flax Seed Oil, and punctal occlusion.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States today. A majority of patients with glaucoma have elevated eye pressure, optic nerve damage and visual field defects. Untreated or inadequately treated glaucoma will progress to permanent vision loss, without signs or symptoms. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but adequate treatment can reduce the rate and extent of additional damage to the optic nerve.

At The South Bay Vision Center, your eyes will be examined for all these conditions and many more. You will receive the prescription to best treat each of your needs. You can rest assured that the doctor will be thorough and spend the time to explain every condition to you.