Hyperopia is a condition where light rays focus beyond the retina either because the cornea is flatter (less curved) than normal or the eye itself is shorter from front to back than normal.  This results in close up objects appearing blurry.  If the hyperopia is severe distance vision will also appear blurry.  Often hyperopia doesn't manifest itself until the third or fourth decade of life.  The cause of farsightedness is usually hereditary.

Diagnosing Hyperopia

The diagnosis of hyperopia is usually made during a complete eye exam.  School screenings usually don't detect farsightedness, because most kids with the condition are able to see well at distance.  A refractive exam testing both distance and near vision, as well as testing the eyes coordination and its ability to change focus at different distances is necessary to diagnose hyperopia.

Glasses and contact lenses can treat hyperopia. In some cases Lasik (laser vision correction) or Conductive Keratoplasty can permanently alleviate hyperopia.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a sight threatening disease that is usually caused by elevated eye pressure, which in turn causes damage to the optic nerve. Peripheral vision is initially lost, but as the disease progresses, central vision can also be effected. There are no alarming signs of early glaucoma so it is important for the general population, especially those over the age of fifty, to have an annual glaucoma screening.

The first line of treatment for glaucoma consists of eye pressure lowering eye drops. Fortunately, a new class of glaucoma medications called "Prostiglandin Analogues" is on the market today, and they are very effective in lowering eye pressure.

There are several other classes of eye drops that can be used additively to further enhance the lowering of eye pressure. If pressure cannot be controlled adequately with eye drops, a laser treatment would be the second line of treatment. If laser treatments were unsuccessful in controlling the pressure, a surgical procedure would usually be recommended.

At the Ullman Eye Center, we are experts in the medical, laser and surgical treatment of glaucoma, and have the latest imaging devices and diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis and management of this disease. In addition, Dr. Ullman participates in clinical trials, testing new treatments for glaucoma. If you have glaucoma and would like to participate in a clinical trial, please contact our office.

Other types of refractive errors include: nearsightedness and presbyopia.

 We invite you to contact the Ullman Eye Center to discuss your needs or any questions you may have.  Simply complete our form, or you may send an e-mail to: info@ullmaneyes.com.