Eye Conditions

• 
  normal vision v. macular degeneration vision
• 
  normal vision v. diabetic retinopathy vision
• 
  normal vision v. glaucoma vision
• 
  conjunctivitis
• 
  recurrent corneal erosion
• 
  corneal foreign body

Read about various eye conditions below:

• Dry Eye: If you have dry eye, your eyes may feel gritty, itchy, burning, and painful. These sensations often worsten as the day goes on. Stringy mucus may appear in or around the eyes. Patients with the most severe disease are at increased risk of developing...click here to read more about symptoms and treatments of dry eye.
• Conditions of the Retina:
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration: A leading cause of blindness in older people is a condition called age-related macular degeneration. The macula is located in the center of the retina (back of the eye) and is responsible for the sharp, central vision needed to see straight ahead. Aging can cause the macula to slowly degenerate and reduce central vision in people over 50 years of age. It is estimated that 8.5% of individuals between 43-54 years and 36.8% of those over 75 years have some degree of macular degeneration.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Approximately 5.7 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is a leading cause of blindness, yet only half of these individuals know they have the disease. Bleeding inside the eye may be the first sign of its presence. The major cause of blindness in people with diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy, a term used for all the abnormalities of the small blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes.
  • Retinal Detachment: The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position. If not promptly treated, a retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. Anyone can get a retinal detachment; however, they are far more common in nearsighted people, those over 50, those who have had significant eye injuries, and those with a family history of retinal detachments.
  • Glaucoma: An estimated 1.6 million individuals over 40 years of age in the United States have glaucoma, and the risk increases significantly with age. Sadly, approximately half of these people don't know they have the disease. Almost every case of glaucoma develops without symptoms. Long-standing glaucoma without treatment can lead to severe vision loss. Early detection and treatment can reduce the severity of vision loss.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis refers to any inflammatory condition of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye. It is the most common cause of "pink eye." Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by bacteria and viruses. Our office utilizes the RPS adenoviral test in order to determine the type of conjunctivitis you have. We then take the appropriate steps to treat the particular type of "pink eye." Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, can be caused by exposure to certain irritants and is often seasonal. This condition can be treated long term with drugs such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.
• Recurrent Corneal Erosion: Also known as basement membrane disease. Patients with this condition awaken with pain in one or both eyes. Our office treats this condition with bandage contact lenses. Patients experience relief from long term discomfort with this type of treatment.
• Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion can occur from a mechanical insult to the eye. Occassionally a contact lens wearer will experience a corneal abrasion. These can be quite painful. A foreign object can also fly into the eye and lodge under the upper lid creating continuous pain. A thorough examination of both the cornea and eyelids is necessary to remove the foreign body. Symptoms include:
  • Sharp pain in your eye followed by burning, irritation, tearing, and redness
  • Feeling that something is in your eye when moving your eye around while it is closed
  • Scratching sensation over your eye when blinking
  • Blurred vision or vision loss in the affected eye
  • These symptoms warrant an immediate consultation. Our office will always work you in for a visit if you have any of these symptoms.
• Trichasis: Eyelashes are misdirected in a posterior direction, then they may rub against the globe, particularly the cornea, causing ocular surface damage. There are several possible causes:
  • Trichiasis is the common form of eyelash misdirection. It can arise from scarring of the lid margin causing misdirection of the lashes. Chronic blepharitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, trachoma, and basal cell carcinoma can cause this painful condition. However, trichiasis can also be idiopathic (meaning no obvious cause).
  • Pseudotrichiasis refers to eyelash misdirection due to entropion. The eyelash follicles are normal but the eyelid as a whole is misdirected causing the lashes to rub the cornea. Our office treats this condition by removing the offending lashes.