We provide diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases which affect the human eye and visual system. Some examples include:
- Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the normal flow of tears over the eyes is interrupted, or the tear film is abnormal. In many cases, dry eye syndrome is a life-long problem. You can relieve the symptoms, but not cure the original cause. Artificial tear lubricants or, in some cases, blocking the tear ducts will concentrate the limited tears that are available.
- Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition when a diabetic person’s blood sugar gets too high. High blood sugar levels start a series of events which end in damaged blood vessel walls. As such, the blood vessels begin to leak fluid or bleed, causing the retina to swell and form deposits known as exudates. Vision can be lost if these spots are not watched and treated. Here at our office, we carefully examine the back of your eyes to follow and manage this and other important eye diseases.
- Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye changes the optic nerve. This at first causes loss of peripheral vision, but if untreated can progress to total blindness. Glaucoma is called the silent thief of vision as it has no symptoms until it is far advanced. Glaucoma is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam.
- Cataract is a clouding or opacity of the natural internal lens of the eye. This opacity may be a small spot or may cover the entire lens. When light enters the eye it is scattered, causing images to appear hazy and blurred. There are many different types of cataracts. Ultimately, the best treatment is to remove the cataract lens and replace it with an acrylic man-made lens. This is referred to as cataract surgery.
- Macular Degeneration is a condition in which the central part of the back of the eye loses blood circulation. It is considered a natural aging process. There is a breakdown of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular region. As the disease progresses, central vision diminishes. It is believed that this breakdown may be due to a lack of nutrients being supplied to the region. Additional studies have found a genetic link to this disease. Treatment can range from better nutritional management, sometimes to include a tablet containing the primary minerals and vitamins that are found lacking in many macular degeneration patients.