DO YOU HAVE VISION 20/20...?

Visual Acuity: What is 20/20 Vision?

20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet

Having 20/20 vision does not necessarily mean you have perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. Other important vision skills, including peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision, contribute to your overall visual ability.

Neural factors that limit acuity are located in the retina or the brain (or the pathway leading there). 

Some people can see well at a distance but are unable to bring nearer objects into focus. This condition can be caused by hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia (loss of focusing ability). Others can see items that are close but cannot see those far away. This condition may be caused by myopia (nearsightedness).

A comprehensive eye examination by a eye  doctor  can diagnose what is affecting your ability to see well. In most cases, your ophthalmologist can prescribe glasses, contact lenses or a vision therapy program that will help improve your vision. If the reduced vision is due to an eye disease, you may be prescribed ocular medication or another treatment.

MYTH:-Having 20/20 vision means that the eyes are perfect:

FACT:- The term "20/20" denotes a person with excellent central vision. But other types of vision-such as side vision, night vision, or color vision might be imperfect. Some potentially blinding eye disease, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, can take years to develop. During this time, they are harming parts of the inner eye, but the central vision can remain unaffected.

DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

Dark circles under the eyes are dark blemishes around the eyes.

Causes of dark circles are:-

1.     Hereditary: It means that it runs in the family.

2.     Allergies, eczema, asthma: It is associated with frequent rubbing of eyes

3.     Medications: Vasodilator drugs can make varicose blood vessels more prominent

4.     Anemia: Low hemoglobin or Iron means not enough oxygen, sometimes seen with pregnancy or menstruation

5.     Fatigue: Excessive stress, lack of sleep or late sleep timings.

6.     Age: Decreasing collagen and thinning skin makes under eyes look darker

7.     Increased pigmentation around the eyes found in dark people and Asian .Excessive Sun exposure leading to increased Melanin pigmentation.

                                  

When to see a doctor:-

If discoloration and swelling appear under just one eye and seem to get worse over time, talk to your primary care doctor. If you want a more lasting solution than concealers and over-the-counter creams can provide, see your dermatologist for advice.

Depending on what's causing the circles under your eyes, your doctor may recommend prescription creams or a combination of treatments to erase or reduce discoloration. Laser therapy or chemical peels can be helpful in some cases. Hollows that cause shadows can be smoothed with injectable fillers, and surgery can eliminate puffy lids.

However, dark under-eye circles usually aren't a medical problem, and home remedies for dark circles under eyes may be all you need to help manage this condition.

SELF CARE

Mild to moderate dark circles often respond well to simple and inexpensive treatments, such as:

·         Cold. Try a cold compress, two chilled teaspoons or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a soft cloth to temporarily reduce dilated and discolored under-eye blood vessels.

·         Extra pillows. Elevate your head with two or more pillows to prevent puffiness that develops when fluid pools in your lower eyelids.

·         Extra sleep. Although short nights don't usually cause under-eye circles, a lack of sleep makes you paler and more hollow-eyed, so shadows and circles you already have become more obvious.