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Irondequoit Office
Eye Conditions |
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Cataract
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. There is no pain associated with the condition but there are other symptoms, including:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
Risk factors for developing cataracts include being over 55 years old, eye injury or disease, a family history of cataracts, smoking or use of certain medications.
For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, lens replacement surgery may be recommended. During cataract replacement, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL.
An example of vision with cataract.
Go to National Eye Institute to Learn more about Cataract
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple, painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.
Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms. People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions:
- At least 45 years old without regular eye exams
- A family history of glaucoma
- Abnormally high eye pressure
- African descent
- Nearsightedness
- Diabetes
- Previous eye injury
- Regular, long-term use of cortisone/steroid products
To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity, visual field and test the pressure in your eye. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.
Treatment to control glaucoma includes medications in the form of either eye drops or pills, laser surgery and conventional surgery.
Go to National Eye Institute to Learn more about glaucoma
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp
Macular Degeneration
The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our central vision is clear and sharp. Macular degeneration causes a progressive loss of vision. It is the number-one cause of blindness in the U.S.
There are two kinds of macular degeneration: "wet" and "dry." The "wet" form can be treated in its early stages. Regular eye exams are highly recommended to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss.
Symptoms often associated with macular degeneration include:
- A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- A gradual loss of color vision
- Distorted vision
- A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision
Go to National Eye Institute to Learn more about Macular Degeneration
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). These weak vessels can leak, swell or develop thin branches, causing a loss of vision. Changes to your vision may not be noticeable at first. But in its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots - and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye complication and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Macular edema, which is leaking fluid that causes blurred vision, often occurs with diabetic retinopathy.
Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy. Diabetic retinopathy can be detected through a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam or tonometry.
Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected, patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.
Go to National Eye Institute to Learn more about diabetic retinopathy
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp
Corneal Diseases
The cornea is a thin, clear, spherical layer of tissue on the surface of the eye that provides a window for light to pass through. In a healthy eye, the cornea bends or refracts light rays so they focus precisely on the retina in the back of the eye.
There are many diseases that can affect the cornea, causing pain or loss of vision. Disease, infection or injury can cause the cornea to swell (called "edema") or degrade (become cloudy and reduce vision). Common diseases and disorders that affect the cornea include:
- Allergies
- Conjunctivitis ("Pink Eye")
- Dry Eye
- Corneal Dystrophies including Fuchs' Dystrophy and Lattice Dystrophy
- Glaucoma (High Eye Pressure)
- Infections
- Keratitis (Viral Inflammation)
- Keratoconus
- Ocular Herpes
- Pterygium
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Treatment for corneal disease can take many forms, depending on the underlying problem as well as the patient's preferences. Some conditions resolve on their own but many must be treated with medication. If the cornea is severely damaged or if there is a risk of blindness, a corneal transplant may be recommended to preserve vision.
Go to National Eye Institute to Learn more about cornea and corneal disease
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease/
Dry Eye/Tearing
Dry eye can damage the eye's tissues and impair vision. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, however the condition can also result from certain medications, conditions or injuries. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts do not produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance.
Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes. Non-surgical treatments include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small punctal plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed. Furthermore, topical medications such as Restasis can increase the production of tears.
Go to National Eye Institute to Learn more about dry eye
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease/#d
Refractive Errors
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a vision condition affecting nearly a third of people in the United States. A myopic eye focuses properly on nearby objects, but distant objects appear blurry. This imbalance typically occurs because the cornea either has an oblong shape or is excessively curved, allowing only some of the light entering the eye to focus on the retina. The most common symptom is difficulty seeing objects in the distance; for example a chalkboard or television screen. Usually myopia develops before the age of 20.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs when the cornea is too flat or irregularly shaped, causing nearby objects to appear blurry while objects in the distance are clear. Common signs of hyperopia include difficulty maintaining a clear focus on nearby objects, and eyestrain or headache after close work.
Presbyopia is a natural change in our eyes' ability to focus. It occurs when the soft crystalline lens of the eye starts to harden. This loss of flexibility affects the lens' ability to focus light in the eye, causing nearby objects to look blurry. Presbyopia occurs to individuals during their 40s or 50s -- even in patients who have had laser vision correction. The effects of presbyopia can be corrected either with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. The surgical options would include multifocal lens implantation (including Crystalens® and monovision LASIK). Laser surgeries such as conventional LASIK and PRK cannot correct presbyopia because these types of refractive surgery only reshape the cornea rather than treat the lens.
Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea is oblong rather than spherical in shape. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. As a result, objects that are close or at a distance may appear blurry or doubled. Astigmatism can cause headaches, eyestrain and fatigue, to blurred or distorted vision. Most people have some degree of astigmatism, which often occurs in combination with myopia or hyperopia. Regular astigmatism is found in 30-40% of people who wear glasses.
You can decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses with refractive surgery. Contact us to setup a consultation. We will review your visual goals and discuss whether LASIK is right for you. (877) 470-EYES
