Our goal is to preserve your eye health in Mooresville, NC, so it’s important that you understand how the human eye works.

At Vision Center of Lake Norman in Mooresville, North Carolina, our goal is to preserve the health of your eyes. However, understanding conditions that can affect your eye health and how the eye works can help you understand the importance of an annual eye exam for your eyes.

There are many different eye diseases and conditions that can affect your eye health.

• Cataracts – Think of a dirty windshield, but there is no way to clean it off.  Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision after age 55. Smoking and UV light are common causes of cataracts.

• Diabetes/Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease and a major contributor to blindness in American adults under age 74.  It is very important any person with diabetes gets an annual eye exam.

• Glaucoma – Early detection is important.  There is no pain involved, and glaucoma affects your peripheral vision, so you will not notice it until it is too late.  This is one of the numerous reasons we recommend an annual eye exam.

• Macular Degeneration – This eye disease affects the macula, the part of the eye that is responsible for producing sharp central vision and providing fine detail.  The onset of macular degeneration does not hurt and is not generally noticed until considerable damage has been done, which is yet another reason for an annual eye exam.

• Dry Eyes – Dry eye syndrome is a common condition with several causes. Many treatment options are available.

Other eye conditions that can affect how well you are able to see include astigmatism, nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), eye allergies, amblyopia, keratoconus, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and retinal detachments.

How does the eye work?

When light enters your eye, it is reflected off of a transparent layer of tissue known as your cornea. Then, the cornea bends these light rays through your pupil. The adjusted light then travels through your lens and it is brought into focus in your retina. Finally, the retina converts the light rays into electrical impulses, which eventually travel through the optic nerve.

Keep in mind that any slight alteration with your eyeball, the health of your cornea, or the shape of your lens can have an effect on your eye health and your overall vision. If you are having problems with your eyes or your ability to see, make sure you come and see us at Vision Center of Lake Norman. We can prescribe contact lenses, glasses, and other treatments to help you ensure your vision.

At Vision Center of Lake Norman, we can help you preserve your eye health in Mooresville, Davidson, Troutman, Sherrills Ford, Terrell, Huntersville, Statesville, and Cornelius, North Carolina.