Eye Disease Management

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Ocular Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Preserving the eyesight of our patients so they can get the most out of life is our greatest goal. Our Eye Care Clinic makes it a policy to ensure that all staff members are up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques to make your visit as comfortable and effective as possible. As optometric technology changes, it is even more important to visit an eye doctor who has all the right optometry qualifications and follows the latest developments in eye care.

Utilizing cutting edge technology, we diagnose and manage, with greater precision, diseases like Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy. Earlier and more precise diagnosis means earlier treatment and better outcomes. We can take an aggressive approach to diseases that previously had few treatment options. Great advances have been made in the treatment of these diseases.

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Cataract Surgery Co-Management

What are Cataracts: A cataract is a disease that results in the clouding of the eyeball's lens. This clouding prevents clear images from appearing on the retina, which causes blurred vision.
Risk Factors: Cataracts are typically associated with aging. Other risk factors include smoking, UV overexposure, and diabetes.
Evaluation: During your eye health evaluation, your lens will be carefully examined for any signs of cataract formation.
Co-Management & Surgery: If a cataract is causing visual disruption, you will be referred to a trusted surgeon for outpatient surgery, which removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a synthetic intraocular lens. Our practice will provide you with both pre- and post-cataract surgery care.

Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

What is Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to a buildup of intraocular pressure (IOP). It is a leading cause of preventable vision loss, and vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored.
The "Sneak Thief of Sight": Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Noticeable vision loss (starting with peripheral vision) usually occurs only after the disease has progressed.
Risk Factors: Those at higher risk include individuals over 60, people of African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian descent, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, and individuals who are severely nearsighted or have had significant eye injuries.
Detection & Testing: Early detection through routine eye exams is critical. Testing involves measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry), checking for blind spots (visual field tests), and imaging the optic nerve (pachymetry, OCT, or digital retina scanning).
Treatment Options: While damage cannot be reversed, glaucoma can often be controlled if caught early. Treatments aim to regulate IOP and may include medicated eye drops, pills, laser procedures, or traditional surgery, depending on the type and severity of the glaucoma.

Macular Degeneration Management

What is AMD: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a breakdown of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It is a leading cause of blindness in people over 65.
Types: There are two main types of AMD:
- Dry AMD: The most common and less aggressive form, progressing slowly. It is detected during routine eye exams. Treatment often involves high doses of zinc and antioxidants to slow progression.
- Wet AMD: The more severe form, caused by abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. This is an eye emergency requiring immediate attention if you notice a sudden worsening of blurry central vision. Treatments may include laser surgery or medication injected into the eye to stop vessel growth.
Prevention and Care: While there is no cure for AMD and vision loss cannot usually be recovered, early detection through routine eye exams is critical to prevent the disease from progressing.

Diabetic Retinopathy Management

What is Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes increases the risk for eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, but diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It only affects people with diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational) and occurs when the fragile blood vessels supplying the retina begin to swell or leak.
Symptoms: In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, which is why annual eye exams are crucial for diabetics. As it progresses, bleeding in the back of the eye can cause symptoms like blurry vision or dark/black spots in your visual field.
Prevention and Treatment: The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you have diabetes. Controlling blood sugar levels is essential to prevent vision loss. If treatment is needed, options may include laser surgery or a vitrectomy (replacing the gel-like substance inside the eye).

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