FAQ

When you take a picture with a camera, the lens in the front of the camera allows light to pass through and focus that light on the film that covers the back side of the camera. A picture is taken when the light hits the film. Our eyes work in a very similar way. The front of the eye (the cornea, pupil and lens) is clear, which allows light to pass through. The cornea and lens of the eye focuses the light on the back wall of the eye, the retina. Like the film, the retina is the "seeing" tissue of the eye, sending messages to the brain through the optic nerve, allowing us to see.

Perfect vision is 20/20. A person is legally blind when their better eye's best corrected visual acuity is less than 20/200. A person can also be legally blind if their side vision in their better eye is narrowed to 20 degrees or less. Although someone may be legally blind, some vision still may be useful and helpful for everyday life. Legally blind people may qualify for certain government benefits.

Low vision is not blindness, but is a level of vision below normal (20/70 or worse) that cannot be corrected with conventional glasses. Low vision can interfere with a person's performance of daily activities, including reading or driving.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that the first vision screening be conducted for a newborn prior to being discharged from the hospital. Visual function will be monitored by your child's pediatrician during well-child exams (usually at two, four and six months of age). If there are any signs of an eye condition, your child may be referred to an ophthalmologist. Beginning at three years of age (and yearly after five years of age), amblyopia (poor vision in an otherwise normal appearing eye), refractive and alignment screenings should take place. If you notice any signs of decreased vision or misalignment of the eye, please contact your ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination.

Yes, poor vision can be directly related to your family's history of eye health. It is important to see an ophthalmologist at the first sign of poor vision.

No, there is no evidence that television sets produce rays that are harmful to the eyes.

No, there is no evidence that working at a computer can damage the eyes. However, low light, glare on the monitor, or staring at a computer screen too long can cause the eyes to become fatigued. It is recommended to take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest.

No, there is no evidence that low light can harm the eye.

No. Presently, there is no medical way to transplant a whole eye.

Research has shown that eating carrots will provide you with a small amount of vitamin A, which is beneficial for good vision. Vitamin A is also in other food items including milk, cheese, egg yolk and broccoli.