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Vision is a critical but often underappreciated part of daily life. Educating yourself on the right eye care practices keeps you seeing clearly. Many people are curious about their sight. Here are the answers to four questions optometrists often hear about eyes. 

Top FAQ on Eyesight & Eye Care

 What roles do different parts of the eyes play?

Eyeballs contain many parts. The transparent dome in front of the eye is the cornea, which allows light to enter and comprises 65 to 75% of your ability to focus visually. Behind the cornea, there’s an anterior chamber that contains aqueous humors, or fluids that nourish and inflate the eye while maintaining healthy pressure.

The colored part of your eye is called the iris. This muscle is responsible for pupil dilation and contraction. The pupil – the black central part of your eye – adjusts light entry. Flexible lens tissue behind the iris and pupil focus images and light on the retina, which is a photosensitive tissue lining the eye’s interior surface. Retinal cells turn light transmissions into electrical impulses that the optic nerve delivers to the brain.

Does my eye color affect my health?

Eye color doesn’t influence vision. However, blue eyes are typically more sensitive to light. Along with green and gray eyes, they’re at increased risk of eye cancer because they have less pigment protecting against UV rays. Melanoma of the uvea, or cancer affecting the middle portion of the eye, is thus more common among light-eyed people. Eye care practices such as always wearing sunglasses with built-in UV protection regardless of the season will mitigate these risks.

Can my eyes get sunburned?

eye careYes. The eyes are just as sensitive to UVB and UVA rays as skin, and become either excessively watery or dry when you spend too much time in the sun without quality sunglasses or a broad-brimmed hat. Irritation, itchiness, and light sensitivity also occur when your eyes are sunburned.

Can I train my vision to get better? 

Unfortunately, no. Eye exercises or “eye yoga” will not improve your eyesight. If you’re having difficulties, visit an optometrist promptly for an evaluation and overview of treatment options, which can include prescription glasses, contact lenses, or referral to a specialist. 

 

Keep up with your eye care by scheduling regular exams with Spencerport Optical. The Monroe County, NY, facility has provided the region with comprehensive eye exams, as well as contacts and eyeglasses, for over 32 years. They also offer referrals to area specialists for patients with issues such as glaucoma and cataracts. Call (585) 352-1960 today to schedule an appointment with this eye care team or visit their website for service details.

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