Eye Conditions

Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a loss or lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. This degenerative process usually begins with an inherited condition and appears during infancy or early childhood. A lazy eye needs to be diagnosed between birth and early school age since it’s during this time that the brain “chooses” its visual pathway and may ignore the weaker eye permanently.

For this reason, we recommend getting your child’s first eye checkup at no later than five years old. Dr. Mitchell will see children three and up provided they know their letters, and Dr. Adsit sees children six and up. If your child is too young to be seen in our office or has an issue beyond what we work with here, we’ll refer you to Dr. Sala in Erie, who is an experienced pediatric ophthalmologist.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a general term for an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelashes. It is among the most common and stubborn eye conditions usually resulting from poor eyelid hygiene, a low-grade bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or abnormalities in oil gland function.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, which leads to a progressive blurring or dimming of vision. A cataract occurs when, due to different factors, but most often time and old age, the layers of your lens becomes cloudy or murky, making it difficult to see through. Because a cataract often forms gradually over time, many people do not notice the change in their vision until there has been a significant change.

(Think you might have a cataract? Get more details on what they and who they affect here.)

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome is characterized by neck pain, blurry vision, stiff shoulders, headache and watery eyes when working in front of a computer screen. The symptoms are typically due to posture, dry eyes, eye muscle coordination, and poorly corrected vision.

Since computer monitors are typically 20 to 26 inches from your eyes, your regular glasses may not be the best option for computer work. This distance range is considered intermediate – closer than what you use to drive a car but farther away than what you use to read. Special lens designs for computer work provide you with a larger intermediate area for viewing the computer and your immediate work area like the top of your desk. Our doctors can help you determine if these special lenses are right for you.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome refers to a breakdown in the quantity or quality of tears to moisten, cleanse and protect the eyes. This is significant because, with each blink, tears protect the surface of the eye, washing away dust and microorganisms. When this protective coating dries up, the eyes may feel “gritty” or burn, and can be more sensitive to light. In extreme cases, vision can be blurred.

(What causes dry eye syndrome, anyway? Read more about it here!)

Strabismus

Crossed-eyes, medically known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which the eyes are misaligned. It commonly occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not working together properly. The result is one or both eyes turning inward, outward, upward or downward, or one or both eyes moving irregularly.

Strabismus is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects about 4% of children. Though it cannot be prevented, its complications can be avoided with early intervention. Even if you notice symptoms intermittently – when your child is ill, stressed or fatigued – set up an eye appointment for them immediately.