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Here is a list of helpful pdf files on your vision and health provided by the NZAO:
Astigmatism is a very common focussing error of the eyes which causes blur. It is caused by the shape of the eye, usually due to the cornea's surface or occasionally due to the eye's lens being tilted. Sometimes astigmatism can be inherited but it often happens as a normal characteristic of growth. Blur from astigmatism is not like that from myopia where all of an image is equally blurred, because some parts of the image are more out of focus than others. If you look at the line diagrams, you can see the effect of astigmatism by tilting the tip the page down and facing away from you the lines running across the page are less distinct than those running away from you. The blur of astigmatism makes things uncomfortable to look at, difficult to focus and may cause headaches, tiredness and poor concentration. 
Read more about Astigmatism
(PDF, 72k) Statistics show that one driver in five has a vision defect which may affect driving performance. Just as your car needs regular checks to ensure that it is functioning normally, your eyes need examining to ensure that your vision meets the LTSA eyesight standards. Most drivers can reach the standard necessary for safe driving with spectacles or contact lenses.
Read more about your eyes and driving
(PDF, 88k) Glaucoma usually comes without any warning. Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the fluid pressure inside the eye causes progressive damage to parts of the optic nerve. The pressure usually increases when there is inadequate drainage of fluid from inside the eye. A gradual but permanent loss of vision occurs unless the condition is treated.
Read more about Glaucoma
(PDF, 76k) Myopia causes blurred vision. The most common problem for those who are shortsighted is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. Some myopic children have never had clear distance vision and so are not aware of what they are missing. School vision screening will often detect myopia. Frowning and screwing up the eyes in an effort to see better is common and this may cause headaches. Shortsighted children will sometimes hold reading material quite close. In their mid to late forties most people with perfect distance vision need reading spectacles, however many people with myopia can see close work clearly without them.
Read more about Myopia
(PDF, 80k) A young "normal" eye looking into the far distance sees clearly without making any focussing effort. A hyperopic (longsighted) young eye looking into the far distance can only see clearly if the muscular focussing system inside the eye is used. A normal eye begins to use its focussing system as an object comes closer. A longsighted eye has to make the same focussing effort for near work as a normal eye, but this is in addition to the effort it makes to keep distance vision clear. With hyperopia, a long sighted eye has to "work harder" than a normal eye at all distances.
Read more about Hyperopia
(PDF, 92k) Part of an optometrist's profession is helping people from all walks of life who have concerns about their eyes. Optometrists are friendly and approachable and are here to help you with your vision care.
Read more about Regular Examinations
(PDF, 88k) |