Management of Ocular Diseases​

 

Our doctors are trained to diagnose and manage a host of eye conditions and diseases, and our office has the up to date technology to ensure you are getting the best care (see our technology page)

 

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma can be a silent eye condition that a patient may have and not realize until significant irreversible vision loss has already occurred. Glaucoma is a family of eye conditions that results in damage to the optic nerve within the eye. The optic nerve sends information from our eyes to our brain, and when the tissue of this nerve gets damaged it results in areas of our vision no longer being sent to our brain and the vision is permanently lost. Glaucoma is currently managed by lowering the pressure within the eye. If pressure within our eyes is too high for our eye to handle, it damages the optic nerve tissue. Our goal is to detect Glaucoma early enough before any significant vision has been lost, and manage the condition closely to prevent future vision loss. 

• For more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839

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Macular Degeneration

• Macular degeneration damages the area of our eye that controls our central straight ahead vision. This damage can result in decreased central vision, difficulties reading or recognizing faces, and distortions in the vision. It is most common in people over age 50, can run in families, and affects caucasian races more often. Smoking, obesity, and heart or vascular disease can greatly increase the risk of developing macular degeneration. Our doctors can diagnose macular degeneration in its earlier stages and provide you with information about the proper lifestyle and diet changes to help prevent progression of the condition, and how to better monitor the condition yourself at home. If you experience vision loss from this condition, our doctors will work with you to find the best glasses prescription for your needs to maximize the vision you have and provide personalized suggestions on how to better navigate day to day life with your vision loss. 

• For more information: https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degeneration

 

Diabetes

• Diabetes weakens and damages small blood vessels throughout the body, and with the eyes being filled with small blood vessels they are at high risk of being affected. When the blood vessels weaken, it results in the leakage of blood and fluids out of the vessels and into the eye tissues. The blood and fluid leakage can cause the tissues within the back of the eye to swell, making the vision blurry and distorted. Because the blood is leaking and not going where it is needed, the tissues in the eye become starved for oxygen. The eye reacts to the lack of oxygen by growing extra unhealthy and leaky blood vessels within the eye that can actually pull on the retina and cause retinal detachments and total blindness. Diabetes can also cause your cornea to swell and vision to fluctuate greatly, and it increases your risk for developing glaucoma and cataracts. If you have diabetes, you should be receiving a dilated eye examination at least once every year. Our doctors work alongside your primary care providers and endocrinologist to ensure your condition is being properly managed and your eyes remain healthy year after year!

• For more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611

 

Cataracts

• We are all born with a lens in our eye that sits right behind our pupils. In most people, this lens is crystal clear throughout our early years. Over time, just as wrinkles form and grey hair grows, our crystal clear lenses can develop cataracts. This means the lenses become yellow and cloudy, and it’s like looking through a really dirty car windshield when trying to drive. Your vision can become increasingly uncomfortable as the cataract progresses. Cataracts can occur earlier than normal as a result of trauma, smoking, certain medication use, increased sun exposure, and diabetes. Common signs are increased sensitivity to bright lights with more glare, the need for increased lighting when trying to read, difficulties with your vision when night driving, and an overall decrease in the clarity and vibrancy of our vision. Our doctors are able to assess the condition of your cataracts, make adjustments to your glasses prescription as the cataracts alter your prescription as they grow bigger, and make personalized recommendations to help alleviate your symptoms.

• For more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790

• Informational videos: 

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5D0B2PoC7U

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGV3PD5sBgM

 

Presbyopia

• Starting around age 40-50, we all begin to notice that our ability to focus on something up close is not what is used to be. We may get fluctuating blurry vision, eye strain and headaches, and overall become frustrated with our eyes. Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that results from the lens inside our eye losing its flexibility and ability to change its focus from distance to near. Every year the lens gets less and less flexible, and by the time our 40s roll around it begins to catch up to us! Our doctors can help you cope with the presbyopia frustration with glasses and contact lenses, determining the best solution for you and your lifestyle. 

• Informational Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mt-7bj-tYY

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