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The normal eye acts as a camera
that allows light to converge
in a
clear point of focus on the retina,
which functions
like the film in
a camera. |
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In the nearsighted eye, the corneal
curvature is too steep
thus causing
light to focused in front of the retina.
As
a result, distance vision appears
blurred. |
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In the farsighted (hyperopic) eye,
the light converges
at a point
beyond the retina making it
difficult to clearly
see objects |
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The front of the
astigmatic eye has
an irregular shape, much like a
football instead of
a baseball, and
causes objects to look blurred or
double
(ghosting). |
Dr. Stuart Sondheimer is a well-renowned surgeon providing LASIK in Chicago. To help educate his patients on how vision works he has created this page. Please read the information below to better understand how the eye works.
To better understand the many problems and diseases as well as
the revolutionary technology available in eye care today, it
is important to have a basic understanding of the eye and the "magic" of
how we see. By having a better understanding, patients hopefully
will be able to seek medical care early in the disease process
and make the choices in treatment that are right for them.
Basically, the eye is a miraculously complex structure
that comes complete its own circulatory system. The process
of "seeing" begins
when light enters the cornea (clear front portion of the eye)
and travels through the eye's
natural crystalline lens where light is focused on the retina (back portion
of the eye). The macula of the retina is a small, centrally located area
which contains a cuplike depression, also known as the fovea,
and is closely packed with cones which give us our most acute,
discriminating vision. Once images of light are focused on
the macula, the optic nerve sends these images to the brain
where they are translated into what we know as "sight." This
process occurs literally millions of times each day and is
dependent on the correct function of many physiological functions. The eye's natural balance is dependent
on a tear system that lubricates the eye and circulatory
system that brings blood into the vital structures of the
eye such as the retina, choroid, cilliary body, and iris.
Tears are secreted by special glands around the eye, some
of which are commonly called "tear
ducts." Tear film is composed of basically three layers: mucous,
oil and water to spread antibodies and special proteins, provide for
comfort and to help resist infection. When the tear film is insufficient,
dry eyes, causing an uncomfortable grtitty feeling may occur. When abnormalities
in the eye's circulatory system occur, serious disease such
as glaucoma (increased pressure on the optic nerve) or retinal circulatory
disorders may result. It is easy to see that all systems must be a "go" in
order for the eye to function properly and give us good vision. In
fact, the most common problem, refractive error, is often improved
with modern procedures such as LASIK or PRK in addition to glasses
and/or contact lenses. So whether you are considering LASIK, suffering
from diminished vision due to cataracts, or you are concerned about your
family history of glaucoma, see your eye doctor for early diagnosis and
state-of-the-art treatment. Remember, your vision is precious! Learn more about eye disorders.
Stuart Sondheimer, MD, is well-regarded in the Chicago area, including the towns of Deerfield, Skokie and Park Ridge. In addition to providing LASIK surgery, he has helped numerous Chicago cataract and glaucoma patients with their vision needs.
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