What You Should Know About Eye Contrast Sensitivity

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Most adults have probably had their eyes examined by a doctor at least once in their lives, but you're not alone if you've never heard of the contrast sensitivity test. This is a special test that ophthalmologists may perform if you're having difficulty with eye strain, problems seeing colors clearly, or difficulty seeing at night. Read on to learn more about this test and what the outcome of it may mean for you.

Contrast Sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity is your eyes' ability to see the difference between colors and recognize colors that are similar to surrounding colors. For example, if you've ever seen gray text on top of a black background, you may have noticed that it's harder to read than black text on a white background. Some people with contrast sensitivity problems may not be able to read the text at all, or even see it, even if their vision is otherwise perfect.

The Test

Testing your eyes for their contrast sensitivity is a fairly easy and painless process. If you've ever had a regular eye examination, chances are your doctor has shown you an eye chart with increasingly smaller words written on it. Contrast sensitivity tests use the same concept, but the words fade instead of shrinking.

Your doctor will show you a Pelli Robson contrast sensitivity eye chart while you wear any vision correction items that you have, including glasses or contacts. They'll ask you to read back each line as they grow paler until you either can't discern the lines or you reach the end of the chart.

Correcting the Problem

If you can read all or nearly all of the lines on the eye chart, you're doing great and don't need to worry about color sensitivity. However, if you have difficulty discerning some or many of the lines, your ophthalmologist will provide a series of options to help you.

One easy solution is to use a pair of glasses with tinted lenses. These glasses have yellow-tinted lenses that make it easier to clearly see colors, even when they're near or on top of similar colors.

Another option is to undergo laser eye surgery to improve the color sensitivity of your eyes. If you've already had laser eye surgery, this may not be an option, but talk to your ophthalmologist to see if it's right for you.

Having difficulty seeing colors clearly can impact your ability to drive, see at night, or read. If you think you may have a contrast sensitivity problem, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist right away. Click this link to learn more.

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8 June 2016

Help Others Make Health Decisions when They Cannot

One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.