Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!
If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia there are a vast amount of solutions available to correct and treat your specific vision problem. With the medicine and technology available to improve your vision, there is no need to worry about you and your family's eye sight. The vision problems mentioned above and the measures that can be taken to correct them are listed below:

Astigmatism
Astigmatism is the most common vision problem within the United States, and surprisingly, has only recently been treated with contact lenses. Astigmatism is generally caused by an irregularly shaped cornea but can also be caused by an irregularly shaped lens. Astigmatism affects persons of all ages, including children. It can also lead to symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches, or distorted/blurred vision. However, it is important to note that astigmatism often manifests itself only by slightly blurred vision or by symptoms that are barely detectable--especially by children. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to schedule regular eye exams, especially for children. Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, toric contact lenses (link to: http://discountcontacts.info/acuvue/toric-contact-lenses.asp) or refractive surgery.

Nearsightedness
It is estimated that up to one third of the population experience symptoms of nearsightedness, or myopia. Symptoms of myopia may include headaches or eyestrain and difficulty seeing objects at a distance while driving or playing sports. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is longer than average from the front to the back, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia is often caused by genetic factors and in general is manifested during childhood. Myopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses (link to: http://discountcontacts.info/contact-lens/contact-lenses.asp) or corrective surgery. (Source: AllAboutVision.com)

Farsightedness
Farsightedness-also referred to as hyperopia-is also a very common vision problem. Hyperopia affects around one fourth of the population, and like myopia is generally caused by genetic factors. Hyperopia is caused by an eyeball that is shorter than normal, and may often occur in children. Many people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia but hyperopia is generally caused by genetic factors and presbyopia is an age-related vision problem. Those who experience hyperopia may have symptoms such as headaches or eyestrain and may in addition find it difficult to focus when working on close range projects such as reading or sewing. (Source: AllAboutVision.com)

Presbyopia
Unlike astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness-which are caused by the shape of the eyeball and attributed to genetic factors-presbyopia is an age-related disease. Presbyopia develops during middle age-occurring most often when a patient is in his or her 40's. Those who experience the symptoms of Presbyopia have difficulty distinguishing objects which are close to them. For instance, those who develop Presbyopia often find it difficult to read a menu, to sew, or to write. Presbyopia can be treated by bifocal contact lenses, (link to: http://discountcontacts.info/bifocals/bifocal-contacts.asp) which like most contact lenses are available in various varieties, which include among others, soft and rigid gas permeable lenses as well as disposable or frequent-replacement lenses.



About the Author
Marci Crane is a web content specialist for 10x Marketing in Orem, UT. She enjoys dancing, aerobic exercise and other health related activities.