How The Eye Works

The Function of Eye

Clear vision results when light enters the eye along the correct path and projects a sharp image on the retina. If this does not happen, a person will have blurry vision.

Poor vision has many causes. For example, the cornea may be too round or flat for the length of the eye. Light is then projected behind or in front of the retina rather than on it. This can cause a number of vision aberrations, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

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Aberrations of the Eye

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness, also called myopia, occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal. This causes light entering the eye to reach the front of the retina — the incorrect location. As a result, people can see objects clearly up close, but objects appear blurry when far away.

Nearsightedness usually develops in young children, becomes worse in adolescence, and stabilizes in early adulthood.

Farsightedness

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, occurs when the cornea is shorter than normal. This causes light to incorrectly focus behind the retina. Light should always reach the retinal surface.

Farsighted people see faraway objects clearly but struggle to see objects close by. For instance, they have trouble seeing the small print in a newspaper yet easily can read the words on a building sign. The problem usually becomes noticeable in adulthood, especially in the elderly.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is oval shaped rather than round. This causes light rays to miss the retinal surface — light either falls in front of or behind the retina. Astigmatism also occurs when the lens behind the retina is irregularly shaped.

People with astigmatism usually have blurred vision at all distances. They also can experience eyestrain and headaches.

People develop astigmatism at birth, and usually it does not worsen or improve with time. Astigmatism can be present in combination with either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

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Do You Qualify for Laser Surgery?

The Curacao Laser Institute exercises careful judgment before performing a procedure. Patients must meet our strict standards to qualify for laser surgery.

You qualify if you are:

You do not qualify if you have these conditions:

Procedures will be canceled if our doctors suspect that complications will arise during or after surgery.

Laser surgery is considered a cosmetic surgery, so medical insurance typically does not pay for it.

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Screening procedure

Our doctors conduct a thorough screening process to ensure laser surgery is the right choice for you. First, we recommend patients attend our informative orientation seminar held in the evenings.

Then, we conduct several tests that check refraction measurement, eye pressure, and thickness in the cornea. We ask potential patients to refrain from wearing contact lenses before an examination — two to three weeks for soft contact lenses, and four to six weeks for hard contacts.

Later, we explain the exam results, advise patients on their condition and set up a treatment schedule. Contact us today if you would like to attend our informative seminar.

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Curaçao Laser Institute
Margrietlaan 12 B
Curaçao, Netherlands
Antilles

Tel.: (5999) 737 5800
Fax.: (5999) 737 6300