Why do some people need glasses? Vision problems and solutions (Glasses and Contact Lenses)

Have you ever wondered why your friend needs glasses while you don't? Or why some people need glasses to read a book, while others need glasses to see far away? Our eyes are really special, different from each other. Sometimes it's when the little parts inside the eye don't work together properly that we can't see clearly. But don't worry, there are glasses and contact lenses to help with this. Let's talk about this in detail today, shall we?

How do our eyes work? It's amazing, isn't it?

Think of your eye as a tiny, very complex camera. Light is what this camera needs to create an "image." There are several key parts inside the eye that help it do this job.

• Cornea: This is the clear, watch-like part of the eye. When light enters the eye, it is first refracted, or bent, and directed into the eye by the cornea. To be precise, the process of focusing, or focusing, the light entering the eye begins here.
• Iris: Whether your eyes are blue, brown, gray, or black depends on the pigment in this ``Iris''. This is a muscular part.
• Pupil: This is the small black circle in the middle of the `(Iris)`. This is actually a hole. It's like the `(aperture)` of a camera. When there is a lot of light, this `(Pupil)` gets smaller, and when there is little light (in the dark), it gets bigger. Its main job is to control the amount of light entering the eye.
• Lens: This is the transparent part behind the `(Pupil)`, like a small piece of glass. After the `(Cornea)`, the `(Lens)` focuses the light further and makes it fall exactly on the `(Retina)`. What is special about this `(Lens)` is that it can change its shape (it is done by small muscles) and help you see things that are close as well as things that are far away clearly.
• Retina: This is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It is like the `(sensor)` in a camera or the `(film roll)` in old cameras. When the light that is collected by the `(Cornea)` and `(Lens)` falls on this `(Retina)`, an image is formed there. This `(Retina)` contains millions of special cells (`(Photoreceptor cells)`) that are sensitive to light and color. These cells convert light into electrical signals.

Then, these electrical signals travel through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain analyzes these signals and tells us, "This is the image you are seeing." It's amazing what goes on inside this little eye!

Why isn't everyone's vision the same? What are these vision impairments?

Just like our fingerprints, everyone's eyes are a little different. That means things like eyeball length, the curvature of the `(Cornea)`, and the shape of the `(Lens)` can vary from person to person. These differences are why some people need glasses and others don't. If light is not focused exactly on the `(Retina)`, vision becomes blurry. We call these refractive errors . Let's look at the main types of refractive errors that we see.

1. Myopia or Nearsightedness

This is when things that are close to you can be seen clearly, but things that are far away are blurry. It's like watching TV from a distance and the text is not clear. Examples include children who can't see what's written on the blackboard in class, or people who can't read the bus sign from a distance.

• Why does this happen? Simply put, either your eyeball is a little too long, or your ``Cornea'' or ``Lens'' have too much focusing power. Then the light entering the eye is not focused exactly on the ``Retina'', but rather a little in front of it.
• How do glasses correct this? People with `(Myopia)` are given glasses with concave lenses (Concave lenses / Minus power lenses) . These lenses diverge the light slightly, causing it to fall directly on the `(Retina)`.

2. Hyperopia or Farsightedness

In this , although distant objects can be seen relatively clearly, nearby objects, especially when reading books, looking at the phone, or sewing, appear blurry. Sometimes, when trying to see close up, the eyes may become tired (`(eye strain)`) and a headache may occur. When young children have `(Hyperopia)`, they may sometimes develop a condition in which the eyes look inward (`(crossed eyes)` / `(Esotropia)`).

• Why does this happen? This is the opposite of `(Myopia)`. Either your eyeball is a little too short, or your `(Cornea)` or `(Lens)` have not enough focusing power. Then the light tries to focus behind the `(Retina)` (to be precise, the `(Lens)` has to work harder to focus above the `(Retina)`).
• How do you correct this with glasses? People with `(Hyperopia)` are given glasses with convex lenses (Convex lenses / Plus power lenses) . These lenses bring the light together (converge) and bring it to the `(Retina)`.

3. Astigmatism

This is a slightly different type of weakness. Here , both near and far objects may appear blurry, sometimes stretched, and appear as shadows. When driving at night, you may also see starbursts around lights. Astigmatism may also be present, along with Myopia or Hyperopia.

• Why does this happen? Normally, the `(Cornea)` and `(Lens)` of a healthy eye are spherical, with the same curvature on all sides, like the surface of a round ball. But in people with `(Astigmatism)`, the `(Cornea)` or `(Lens)` (often the `(Cornea)`) is more curved on one side and less curved on the other, like an oval / football shape. Then, light coming from each direction is focused differently, in different places. That is why the image appears blurry and stretched.
• How do glasses correct this? They use specially shaped, cylindrical lenses . These correct the uneven curvature and focus light on a single plane, providing clear vision.

4. Nearsightedness (Presbyopia)

This is not a disease, but a natural change that occurs with age. It usually occurs in most people around the age of 40-45. Even those who had good eyesight before find it difficult to read small print or do close-up tasks, such as threading a needle. That is why people of that age stretch their arms a little when reading newspapers or looking at their phones, and sometimes say that they feel "hands are getting tired."

• Why does this happen? As we age, the `(Lens)` inside our eyes gradually loses its flexibility, that is, its ability to easily change shape. When we are young, this `(Lens)` easily becomes convex and focuses when we look up close. However, as we age, this ability decreases, so when we need to look up close, the `(Lens)` is unable to focus properly.
• What is the solution? You can also use reading glasses , or bifocal lenses or progressive lenses that allow you to see both far and near with the same glasses.

Why is it so important to get your eyes checked?

If you notice any changes in your vision – that is, you can’t see as clearly as you used to, you have frequent headaches, your eyes feel tired – or even if there is nothing wrong , it is very important to have an eye exam at least once a year. As parents, we should especially be concerned about the vision of our children. Because they may not say that they cannot see. Also, people with diseases such as `(Diabetes Mellitus)` (Diabetes) can develop eye complications, so it is essential to have regular eye exams.

What is usually done during an eye exam?

• Visual Acuity Test: This is what you read on a Snellen chart with each eye. It measures how clearly and how far you can see.
• Refraction Test: This is used to determine if you have Myopia, Hyperopia, or Astigmatism, and if so, what power lenses you need. You may have seen a machine called a Phoropter that tests your vision by inserting lenses one by one.
• Tonometry: This measures the pressure inside the eye. This is important for diagnosing a disease called glaucoma.
• Dilated Eye Exam: Sometimes, the pupil is dilated by applying eye drops, and the parts inside the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve, are examined with special instruments (ophthalmoscope and slit lamp).

Who do you want to show?

Usually, an optometrist examines the eyes and prescribes glasses. They are the ones who diagnose these refractive errors and recommend glasses or contact lenses that correct them. However, if you need to see an eye doctor (e.g., Glaucoma, Cataract, Retinal detachment) for a more in-depth examination, treatment, or surgery, you should see an ophthalmologist . An optometrist can also refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary.

Are glasses or contact lenses better?

Now, if the doctor says you need glasses, the next question is, 'Should I wear glasses or `(Contact Lenses)?' This is really a personal decision. There are pros and cons to both.

Glasses (Eyeglasses):

• Advantages:
• It's very easy to put on and take off. No special training is required.
• Since the eye is not touched directly, the risk of infection is very low.
• Low maintenance. No special ``solutions`` needed, just wipe and keep clean.
• You can choose from different `(style)`, `(frame)`, and colors. It adds something new to your look.
• It is best for those with dry eyes and allergies.
• Disadvantages:
• It can be difficult to do certain sports or exercises, and you may slip and fall.
• During rain, fog can form when you move from a warm place to a cold place.
• Some people may feel a heaviness in their face and a lump on either side of their nose.
• Peripheral vision may be slightly obstructed by the frame.
• Some people may feel a little uncomfortable about their appearance.

Contact Lenses:

• Advantages:
• It doesn't look like a mirror on the face, it gives a natural look.
• It's very convenient for those who play sports and lead active lives. There's no obstacle when running or jumping.
• There is no obstruction to lateral vision. The field of vision is complete.
• For some conditions like extreme Myopia and corneal irregularities like Keratoconus, glasses can provide better, clearer vision.
• No problem with rain or fog.
• Disadvantages:
• You need to be very careful about cleanliness. If you don't clean your lenses properly, if you don't take them off while sleeping, and if you don't use them as directed by your doctor, you can develop serious eye infections (`(severe eye infections)`) and corneal ulcers. This is the most important thing!
• It takes a while to get used to putting it on and taking it off, it takes practice.
• People with dry eyes may experience discomfort, redness, and itching.
• They can be a bit more expensive than glasses (due to the cost of lenses and solution that need to be replaced frequently).
• You must remove them before going to bed (although there are some special types of ``extended wear lenses'', but even those are only recommended by a doctor).

How to take care of glasses and contact lenses?

It is very important to take care of these two devices that help keep your vision clear, otherwise you will not be able to benefit from them properly, and `(Contact Lenses)` can even damage your eyes.

If the glasses are:

• When not in use, keep it in the ``case`` provided for it. That way, it's less likely to get scratched or broken.
• Clean only with a soft cloth (microfiber cloth) and a special lens cleaning solution. Do not clean with the corner of a shirt, a sari, or a tissue, as these can scratch the lenses.
• When placing the mirror on a table, do not place it with the lenses facing down, as they may get scratched.
• Do not clean the frame or lenses of your glasses with harsh soaps or solvents.

Contact Lenses (keep this in mind!)

Never touch, insert, or remove ``Contact Lenses'' without washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and drying them with a clean towel! This is the number one rule.

• Only clean, disinfect, and store your lenses with a disinfectant solution recommended by your doctor or optometrist. Never soak, rinse, or put your contact lenses in tap water, bottled water, saliva, or homemade saline solution. These can carry germs that can cause serious infections.
• Keep your `Contact Lens Case` clean by removing the `(solution)` you used every day, rinsing it with fresh `(solution), exposing it to air and letting it dry. Replace the `(case)` at least once every three months.
• Be sure to remove your contact lenses before going to bed, taking a bath, or swimming (in the pool or sea).
• Do not use the same `(lens)` for more than the period prescribed by your doctor (e.g., a daily `(disposable lens)` is for a day, a monthly `(lens)` is for a month). Do not use expired `(lens)`.
• If your eyes become red, itchy, painful, blurry, or have discharge, remove your contact lenses immediately and see a doctor. Do not put them back in until your doctor tells you to.
• Do not share your contact lenses with anyone, nor wear someone else's contact lenses.

If something like this happens, definitely see a doctor! (Red Flags)

Sometimes small changes in the eyes can be a sign of a bigger problem. So be very careful about what you are told, because early treatment can sometimes prevent vision loss.

• If you suddenly experience decreased or blurred vision (in one or both eyes).
• If you have severe eye pain .
• If your eyes feel too blue to look at the light or if your eyes cannot tolerate light (`(light sensitivity)`).
• If the eyes are red, swollen, constantly tearing, or pus-like discharge.
• If you suddenly see more and more black dots, webs, or spider webs floating in front of your eyes, or if you see flashes of light.
• If you see two things (`(double vision)`) and it starts suddenly.
• If part of the visual field seems to be lost (as if a curtain has fallen).

If something like this happens , see an ophthalmologist immediately without delay or trying home remedies.

So, here are some things to remember from what we've talked about (Take-Home Message):

So, we've talked a lot about eyes, glasses, and `(Contact Lenses)` today, haven't we? To summarize all of this, here are the most important things to remember:

• Everyone's eyes are different, so it's normal for some people to need glasses, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
• If you notice even the slightest change in your vision, be sure to see a doctor and have your eyes checked. If a disease is detected early, it is easier to treat and you can protect your vision.
• Decide whether to wear glasses or contact lenses based on your lifestyle, preferences, needs, and your doctor's advice.
• If you wear contact lenses, make sure to take the utmost care in keeping them clean. This is very important for the safety of your eyes! Never take it lightly.
• Eyes are very precious and sensitive organs. So take good care of them! Things like proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks from computer screens are also important for eye health.

I hope you've found this information helpful. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask a doctor.

Eyeglasses, Contact Lenses, Vision Impairments, Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia, Eye Exam, Eye Health, Refractive Errors