Eye Conditions
To protect yourself from potentially serious problems, see your eye doctor as often as recommended. the following conditions can all be treated more effectively when caught early.
Myopia (nearsightedness)
In a myopic eye, the light rays are passed through the cornea and lens but the point at which they converge (focus) is in front of the retina, not on the retina. This configuration allows clear images of near objects but not those that are far way.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
In a hyperopic eye, the light rays do not converge or focus by the time they reach the retina. Hyperopic patients can focus on more distant objects, but not images that are close at hand.
Astigmatism
With astigmatism, the rays of light do not converge into a single point but form a line on the retina. There are various types of astigmatism including regular, mixed and irregular.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia affects people as they enter their 40s. Caused by changes within the eye's crystalline lens as one ages, presbyopia affects everyone, and eventually everyone will need to wear reading glasses or bifocals.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can cause blindness. It occurs when pressure inside the eye increases and damages the optic nerve. Vision that is lost from glaucoma can never be restored. But when glaucoma is caught early, sight can be saved.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally the lens is clear and allows light to enter the eye. But when a cataract forms, the eye is less and less able to see clearly. Cataracts are a common vision problem that is highly treatable.
Macular Degeneration (Dry & Wet)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that causes loss of vision. It usually affects persons over 50. With AMD the macular (part of the eye that controls central vision) breaks down.
Dry AMD This form is the most common and is less serious than the wet type. The macula wears out with age, so vision loss is gradual and you may not notice it at first. Vision loss from dry AMD can't be restored, but should be monitored because it can turn into the wet form.
Wet AMD This form is less common but is more serious. It occurs when tiny, weak blood vessels grow into the macula. The new blood vessels can leak, causing the macula to bulge and damage the retina. Rapid loss of vision can occur. Laser treatment may slow further vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy
As the name implies, diabetic retinopathy is a potentially serious disorder that affects the retina, the micro-thin membrane that contains millions of light-sensitive nerve cells and covers the back three-quarters of the eyeball. Any damage to the retina will result in diminished vision capabilities or in the most severe cases the loss of central vision or even total blindness.
Flasher, Floaters & Vitreous Detachments
You've probably seen flashers and floaters (dark spots) in your field of vision. Most of the time they're nothing to worry about. They are usually harmless signs of aging eyes. But sometimes they indicate a serious eye problems that needs treatment.
What are Flashers? Flashers are bright points of light you see when your eyes are closed. They usually look like tiny dashes that form an oval or a circle. Flashers come and go in an instant and often occur in one eye at a time.
What are Floaters? Floaters are dark spots that move through your field of vision. They can look like specks, cobwebs, stands, or other shapes. Sometimes you can make them disappear by turning your head, moving the eyes, or blinking.
Dry Eye
If your eyes often feel dry and scratchy, you may have a condition called dry eye. This occurs when the eyes are not kept moist enough by tears. Dry eye can be uncomfortable. It raises your chances of eye infection. Left untreated, dry eye can cause serious damage to the eye tissue. Over time, the cornea (the eye's protective covering) could even become scarred, resulting in vision loss. Dry eye can also make wearing contact lenses very uncomfortable.
Red Eye
Causes can range from viral to bacterial infections and allergic reactions. Some problems can be potentially sight-threatening, so contact us immediately for evaluation.
Allergies
An allergic reaction can make the eyes overly sensitive. Allergy symptoms such as itching, dryness, and tearing can make contact lenses uncomfortable. The protein contained in the tears from your irritated eyes builds up on the surface of contact lenses. This causes even more tearing, and the cycle continues.
