by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. November 2003 Retinal telangiectasias are a group of rare, idiopathic (a disease having no known cause), congenital retinal vascular anomalies affecting the retinal capillaries. The conditions are characterized by dilation and tortuosity of retinal vessels and formation of multiple aneurysms (localized, pathological, blood-filled dilatations of a blood vessel caused by [Read More]
Category: Eye Conditions
Computer Vision Syndrome and Computer Glasses
by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. Originally published October 2003 People who spend more than two hours on a computer each day will experience symptoms of CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome. The most common symptoms include headaches, focusing difficulties, burning eyes, tired eyes, general eyestrain, aching eyes, dry eyes, double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and [Read More]
How Visual Acuity Is Measured
by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. October 2003 This information is also available as part of an audiovisual presentation, “All About Eyeglasses”. A standard eye chart is necessary to make comparisons and to record people’s visual acuity. The most common chart used in most doctors’ offices is the Snellen eye chart. In 1862, a Dutch Ophthalmologist, [Read More]
Changes in the Retina Due to Aging
Originally published July 2003 All layers of the retina age, which can contribute to loss of vision from retinal maculopathy. This is a summary of these processes. For definitions and illustrations of the retinal layers, see Anatomy of the Eye on this web site. For definitions of terms, see the MD Support Glossary. Vitreous gel [Read More]
Macular Hole, Epiretinal Membranes, and Macular Pucker Have Similar Origins
by Wendy Strouse Watt, O.D. March 2003 The vitreous is the fluid in front of the retina. It keeps the eye round. When we are children, it has the consistency of egg white. As we get older, it gets thicker, like clear gelatin. As it gets thicker, it degenerates and pulls off in strings, creating [Read More]