We love it when our patients ask us questions! Here are 4 frequently asked questions from our patients.
Do I have cataracts?
A cataract is when a normally clear lens in your eye becomes cloudy due to protein deposits. The chances of cataracts forming increases with age. Cataract eye surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States, and due to technology these days, it is also a fairly easy one, too. Some common signs of cataracts are cloudy or blurred vision, but the best way to know if you have cataracts is to visit your eye doctor yearly for a comprehensive eye exam.
What are those floaters in my eyes?
Floaters are actually inside your eyes. They are bits of connective tissue that have grouped together to float around inside your eyes. You see them when the light comes into your eyes and hits the floaters. The floaters cast a shadow onto the retina causing you to see them. Floaters are usually normal and should not be a concern. However, these symptoms should not be confused with a much more serious condition called a Retinal Detachment. After a retinal detachment, you may see flashes of light, even when there is no light present or a dark curtain coming across the vision in one eye from any direction. If this should occur, this is an ocular emergency and you should call your eye professional immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
What is 20/20 vision?
The best way to explain this might be through a comparison. Let’s say you can see 20/200 without glasses or contacts, and your friend sees 20/20 without glasses or contacts. Both of you are standing 20 feet away from the eye chart. Your friend asks you to point out the smallest word you can see on the sign. Your friend could walk 200 feet away from the sign and still be able to see it, even though you can only see it at 20 feet away. In more technical terms, the top number in 20/20 is referring to you standing 20 feet away. The bottom number corresponds to the eye chart and what someone with perfect eyes can see standing 2o feet away from the chart.
Why Can’t I sleep in my contacts?
Contacts have really changed the way we see. Unfortunately, not taking care of your contacts and your eyes can lead to some serious consequences. Those who sleep in their contacts are at a much greater risk of getting eye infections. Even if you have extended wear contacts, you are still at greater risk for infection. Although technology has come a long way for contact lenses, they still block out much-needed oxygen from getting to your eyes.
Questions
We love it when you ask us questions! Give our office a call here at Stone Canyon Eye Care if you have an eye-related question. We are happy to help. 435-359-2020
The content found on this blog is for information purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of professional medical advice from your eye care provider. Always seek treatment from a qualified health care provider with all your eye health and medical questions regarding your health.