5 Common Vision Problems Routine Eye Exams Can Detect Early in Adults

Clear vision is something many of us take for granted until it begins to change. An annual routine eye check-up is one of the most effective tools for safeguarding your sight.

At Conestoga Eye, we are proud to be your trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in Lancaster and Hershey, PA. Our dedicated team is here to help you protect your vision and address any concerns before they become serious. Schedule your routine eye exam with us today and experience the difference expert care can make.

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In this blog, we’ll explore five common vision problems that routine eye exams can detect early.

1. Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is one of the most common refractive errors worldwide. If you have this condition, you can see objects up close with clarity, but distant objects appear blurry and out of focus. This occurs when the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Symptoms of Nearsightedness

Many people experience a gradual onset of myopia, often during childhood or adolescence; as we age, your myopia can become greater or change. The symptoms can be subtle at first, but typically include:

• Difficulty seeing distant objects, such as a whiteboard in a classroom or road signs while driving.
• Squinting or partially closing your eyelids to see clearly.
• Headaches caused by eye strain.
• Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports.

A routine eye check-up is essential for diagnosing myopia. During the refraction portion of the exam, your eye doctor will precisely measure how your eyes focus light and determine the exact lens power needed to correct your vision. Early diagnosis, especially in children, ensures they have the corrective lenses they need to succeed in school and daily activities.

2. Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is the opposite of nearsightedness. Individuals with this condition can typically see distant objects clearly, but have difficulty focusing on things that are up close. In cases of significant hyperopia, vision can be blurry at all distances. This happens when the eyeball is shorter than average or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.

Symptoms of Farsightedness

Young people with mild farsightedness may not notice any issues, as the flexible lenses in their eyes can often compensate for the refractive error. However, as the eyes age and lose flexibility, the symptoms become more apparent. Common signs include:

• Blurred vision when reading, writing, or using a computer.
• Eye strain, aching, or burning sensations around the eyes.
• Headaches after performing close-up tasks.
• Squinting to see nearby objects more clearly.

Adults see changes in their vision as they age and this leads to the need for readers or bifocal/progressive lenses. This not only improves visual clarity for daily tasks but also prevents the chronic eye strain and discomfort associated with uncorrected farsightedness. It is important to note that as we age, it is possible that glasses correction still can’t get you to 20/20 vision. Make sure you listen to the expectations your doctors and opticians share with you about your new lenses. 

3. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision at all distances. It's not an eye disease but a refractive error, similar to nearsightedness and farsightedness. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular, football-like shape instead of being perfectly round. This imperfection changes the way light passes to the retina, causing it to focus on multiple points instead of just one.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The symptoms of astigmatism can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some people with mild astigmatism may not notice any significant issues with their vision. For others, the symptoms can be quite disruptive:

• Blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances.
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night, sometimes with halos or starbursts around lights.
• Persistent eye strain or discomfort.
• Headaches, especially after reading or focusing for extended periods.

Many people have some degree of astigmatism, and it often occurs alongside myopia or hyperopia. A comprehensive routine eye check-up is the only way to accurately diagnose and measure the condition. Your eye doctor can then prescribe corrective lenses (either eyeglasses or specialized toric contact lenses) that are crafted to compensate for the unique shape of your eye, providing clear and comfortable vision.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that damages the optic nerve, the vital link between the eye and the brain. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, but with early detection, its progression can be slowed or stopped. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and often has no warning signs or pain in its initial stages. The gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision it causes may go unnoticed until significant, permanent damage has occurred.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Because early-stage glaucoma is often asymptomatic, regular screening is paramount. As the disease advances, you might experience:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, often described as tunnel vision.
• In advanced stages, difficulty seeing objects in your central vision.
• A less common type, acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden, severe eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision, which requires immediate medical attention.

A medical eye exam at Conestoga Eye includes several tests to screen for glaucoma. We measure your intraocular pressure (IOP), check for optic nerve damage, and can perform visual field testing to assess your peripheral vision. Identifying glaucoma before it causes noticeable vision loss is the key to preserving your sight for the long term.

5. Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. For most people, cataracts are a natural part of the aging process. The lens, which is made mostly of water and protein, can begin to clump together over time, creating a cloudy area that blocks light from reaching the retina. This process is typically slow and gradual.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Initially, a cataract may have little effect on your vision. However, as it grows larger and clouds more of the lens, you may start to notice changes:

• Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision.
• Increasing difficulty with vision at night.
• Sensitivity to light and glare.
• Seeing 'halos' around lights.
• Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
• Fading or yellowing of colors.

During a routine eye check-up, your doctor can detect the presence and extent of cataracts through a thorough examination of your lens. In the early stages, vision can often be improved with a stronger prescription for glasses. As the cataract progresses and significantly impacts your quality of life, your doctor can discuss the benefits of cataract surgery, which is a safe and highly effective procedure to restore clear vision.

Your Vision is Our Priority

Your eyesight is precious, and a routine eye check-up is the most important step you can take to protect it. By identifying common types of vision problems and serious diseases early, we can provide the right interventions to ensure you see the world clearly and comfortably.

If you are experiencing any vision problem symptoms or it has been more than a year since your last exam, don't wait for issues to arise. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with the trusted team at Conestoga Eye today.

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