Trouble seeing through a camera?!
Question: I'm a photographer, and its very important to be able to know what you're taking pics of.
when I look through the camera, theres little green lights and numbers I cannot see clearly. Last month I could see them very sharply, but now I cant. I also cannot focus the camera looking though the viewfinder.
I can read things close up, see things at a distance. Its only when I look through the camera is when I have difficulty.
would something as simple as getting glasses fix my dilema?
If so, what number would you recommend?
Answers: I'm a photographer, and its very important to be able to know what you're taking pics of.
when I look through the camera, theres little green lights and numbers I cannot see clearly. Last month I could see them very sharply, but now I cant. I also cannot focus the camera looking though the viewfinder.
I can read things close up, see things at a distance. Its only when I look through the camera is when I have difficulty.
would something as simple as getting glasses fix my dilema?
If so, what number would you recommend?
Note: I added a few thoughts after you updated your initial post - due to your age.
That is a tough situation for a photographer to be in, even a 16 year old photographer. If this is a sudden change there might be a reason for the change in your vision beyond normal aging. Our eyes mature and change shape as we grow, which is why some people find their prescription for their glasses changes over time. Many medical problems can affect your vision. Give some thought to your overall health recently. Have you been excessively thirsty? Are you peeing more often than usual? Have you had a virus or infection recently? Have you developed an allergy that you did not have before?
Sudden changes in vision can sometimes signal serious medical problems. Diabetes can cause changes in your vision, as can something like glaucoma (excessive pressure inside the eyeball). Less serious problems like inflammation brought on by allergies can cause vision changes as well. Generally speaking, a sudden change in your vision is not something to fool around with, or to self-treat. You should see an ophthalmologist to rule out more serious issues. Do not see an optometrist for this problem. They are specially trained to prescribe corrective lenses, and they can sometimes catch serious eye problems, but ophhalmologists are trained to diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders.
You asked about "numbers" for glasses, so I assume (correct me if I am mistaken) you are referring to over-the-counter magnifying lenses that are available in drug or department stores. They are generally intended for people who are dealing with aging eyes or who need magnification for fine detail work like sewing or beadwork. You risk eye strain if you use those as corrective lenses, espcecially at such a young age. You really do not want to risk damaging your vision by using those non-prescription lenses. As a photographer your eyes are as much tools of your trade as your cameras, lenses, tripods and lights. Please do not take a chance on treating this yourself. See a doctor, a general practioner or an ophthalmologist, just in case your vision changes have been caused by something other than eye strain or just normal changes with aging (or in your case, maturing).
When you see the ophthalmologist be sure to describe to them what you are seeing when they do the visual acuity test (the old eye chart). Even if you cannot see a specific line, how you are preceiving the lines you cannot see is as important to them as whether or not you can see it. For example, if you see a reverse-polarity image (white or light grey letters overlapping the black letters on the chart), it might suggest scars or scratches on your cornea, which can cause a sudden change in vision. If you see "haloes" around street lights, car headlights and the like, be sure to tell the doctor about that. You never know what little tidbit of information can help the doctor figure out what is going on.
Please do not trust anyone with your eyes but a skilled professional. I am not a doctor but I do live with severe vision problems associated with a genetic disorder. I've met plenty of folks in the waiting room of my eye specialist who tried to treat their vision problems themselves, and as a result they have to endure more serious treatment than would have been required had they seen a doctor from the beginning. I was studying to be a forensic anthropologist when my eye problems started. It is possible that had I gone to a doctor sooner I might have been able to continue my studies. Having said all this, it is your vision in question, not mine, so please see a doctor. It could be something relatively minor, but why take a chance? We only get one pair of eyes! Good luck!
Your best bet, without a doubt, is to discuss this with your parents or even the school nurse, some adult you trust. At your age you shouldn't be worrying about a change in your vision without support, or trying to solve the problem on your own.
Take the lens cap off.
Have you tried the diopter adjustment? It adjusts the focus in the manual viewfinder. I think it is the little wheel to the upper right of the optical viewfinder. Check the owner's manual to be sure.
You might also try the Canon web site for information.