When the focused light hits the retina, a picture is taken. Messages about this picture are sent to the brain through the optic nerve. This is how we see. Click here for more information on the anatomy of the eye. Most physicians test vision as part of a child's medical examination.
New techniques make it possible to test vision in infants and young children.
If there is a family history of misaligned eyes, childhood cataracts or a serious eye disease, an ophthalmologist can check vision even earlier than age three. Adult examinations of the eyes should be performed on a regular basis. People with diabetes 2. People with glaucoma or strong family history of glaucoma 3. The medical term for farsightedness is hyperopia , correctable with glasses, contact lenses, or in some cases refractive surgery .