COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

l. Do computers hurt your eyes?

Eye irritation and fatigue are common symptoms among people who work with VDTs (Video Display Terminals). They may be a result of the way that you use the equipment and furnishings in your workstation. But they may also be, at least partly, the result of a vision problem. Anytime you experience symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tears or dry eyes, pain in the eyes or excessive blinking or squinting, you should visit your doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination. And, when you do, be sure to tell the doctor about the VDT work that you do.

2. Does everyone need to wear bifocals at a certain age?

You really have no choice but to accept some kind of visual aid when you reach the bifocal age, (usually in the 40's) if you want to continue to see comfortably at near distances. Eyes are not damaged by wearing or not wearing glasses. The condition of "presbyopia" (the change in near focus) progresses, even if you postpone obtaining glasses. Correction with glasses, and updates as needed, can provide continuous, comfortable vision.

3. Which sunglasses offer the best protection for your eyes? To provide protection for your eyes, your sunglasses should:

• Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
• Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light
• Be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection
• Have lenses that are gray, green, brown or amber.

Photochromatic lenses provide UV protection, darken in response to UV light, and are available in both plastic and glass materials. Polycarbonate lenses are a must for your sunglasses if you participate in potentially eye hazardous work or sports. These lenses provide the most impact resistance. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames can provide additional protection from the harmful UV radiation. Don't forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults do.

4. How often should you have your eyes examined?

Depending on your age and vision needs, the doctors recommend an eye exam as often as every year. The criteria for yearly eye exams are broad. School age children and people over 65, in particular, need annual exams because these are the times in life when the eyes change most significantly. Others needing yearly exams include contact lens wearers; anyone who has had a recent eye infection or injury; diabetics; people with high blood pressure; and others whose medical conditions could impact their eyes. Based on these criteria, nearly everyone should be in to see their eye doctor once a year.

5. What is the best first aid treatment when the eyes have been exposed to chemicals?

Flush the exposed eye(s) with water for at least 15 minutes. This may be done indoors in the shower or outdoors with the garden hose (use low pressure). If you are assisting a victim, have the person lie down and, using a clean container, gently pour warm water over the eye for 15 minutes. Then consult an eye doctor immediately, and bring any product ingredient information with you.

6. What causes blindness -- and how can you prevent it?

The primary causes of blindness are such diseases as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, macular degeneration, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Some conditions may be hereditary, and in many cases, blindness can be prevented. The best preventive actions include proper diet (lots of fruits and vegetables), exercise, avoidance of cigarette smoking, and regular eye examinations.

7. How do parents know if their child's reading problems are caused by vision problems?

About 16 percent of children 5 to 12 years old have vision problems that can lead to reading disabilities. Some signs that your child may have trouble seeing

include: dislike and avoidance of close work, short attention span, tilting the head to one side, holding books close, excessive rubbing of eyes, losing place while reading, and blurred vision. Early detection through a professional eye exam is the best way to correct any visual deficiency and prevent a vision-related learning problem.

8. How should motorists prepare their eyes for safe driving?

Most states require drivers to take a vision screening test for licensing. These tests evaluate visual acuity on a pass/fail basis, and anyone with 20/40 vision or better is usually eligible for a driver's license. Safe driving depends on optimal vision, and regular eye examinations will ensure that drivers are wearing their best correction. Good driving vision also can be affected by such conditions as glare and nighttime difficulties. These impairments can often be alleviated by polarized lenses or anti-reflective lens coating. And don't forget to keep your headlights clean and well aligned, and your mirrors well adjusted.

9. What are floaters and who gets them?

Floaters look like moving dark specks or threads. Most people see them occasionally. They may be pieces of material floating inside your eye, and are usually harmless. You will probably notice floaters more as you get older, but if they appear suddenly or greatly increase in number, you may have an eye problem that needs attention.

10. When is cataract surgery necessary?

Cataracts tend to develop slowly, and usually do not need to be surgically removed in the early stages. You may need to have your eyeglass prescription changed, and you may need to use more light for reading. When cataracts affect your abilities to drive, read, or participate in your normal activities, it may be time to discuss surgery.