Common Eye Conditions Explained
How many of these do you know?
Eye conditions may sound like a scary thing but, actually, many of them are more common than you think. They can be caused by certain lifestyle factors (such as excessive screen time, oops), or they can be part of your uniquely special genetic makeup.
The good news is that, in most cases, such conditions can be easily managed with the right prescription lenses. If left undiagnosed, however, they can cause you a lot of everyday discomfort – headaches, eye strain or fatigue. That’s why it’s important to get your eyes tested regularly.
As you prepare for your free eye test with one of our qualified opticians, here are a few eye conditions you might want to get familiar with:
Is there a disco ball around here or is it
Astigmatism
If you’re walking around at night and you notice that all the lights have a dramatic laser beam effect… you’re either at an 80’s disco or you might have astigmatism. Not to worry, astigmatism is a common condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of being round, the eye's surface is slightly oval, resulting in blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to see objects sharply.
Your optician will be able to immediately spot signs of astigmatism during your eye test, and prescribe the best choice of lenses for you. Now you can walk around confidently and not be blinded by the lights (because that only sounds fun in theory).
Squinting at the TV? Say hello to
Nearsightedness (a.k.a. Myopia)
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a condition where close objects are clear, but distant ones are blurry. It happens when the eye is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it. But, to put it more simply, it makes distant objects (like street signs or a cinema screen) appear blurred or fuzzy, whereas near objects, such as a book or phone screen, generally remain clear.
Myopia is very easily corrected with glasses. Having the right prescription can make your life so much easier, more enjoyable and, most importantly, safer.
These letters aren’t too small. You just have
Farsightedness (a.k.a. Hypermetropia)
Farsightedness, or hypermetropia, is when distant objects are easier to see than near ones. It’s caused by an eyeball that's too short, meaning light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. If you find yourself adjusting the distance between you and your book a lot, or frequently zooming in on your phone screen, there’s a good chance you’re farsighted.
Fortunately, this means you can finally get that nice pair of reading glasses you’ve always wanted. And also finally relax when working on a computer or performing any close-up task. Who knew life could be so easy.
Not sure if these apply to you?
Book an eye test
If you’re not sure whether astigmatism, myopia or hypermetropia apply to you, you can easily book an eye test at your nearest Ace & Tate store. Our friendly optician will answer all your questions, recommend the right glasses and examine your eyes with top-quality equipment. All in less than 30 minutes.
We recommend getting an eye test every two years, even if your vision is perfect. Apart from assessing your prescription, the test can also make out any asymptomatic conditions and diseases. It’s a great way to keep your eyes healthy, relaxed and well taken care of.
See you in the optician's room.
