Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that causes irreversible vision loss without warning. It is estimated that 3 million Americans may have it and more than half of those affected by glaucoma may not know it.

Vision loss from glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve is like a cable wire with over a million fibers. It is responsible for carrying information from the eye to the brain.

There is no cure for glaucoma, however, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is important to slowing the progress of the disease. more info... back to top

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans. It represents a group of eye problems that people with diabetes face. The most common form is diabetic retinopathy. This condition is a result of leaking blood vessels and poor circulation to the retina inside the eye.

Diabetic retinopathy has different stages, and not all patients with this disease will have symptoms. The progression of this condition is related to the control of the diabetes as well as blood pressure and cholesterol. It is important that diabetics receive a dilated eye exam at least once a year. back to top

Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It typically affects those over 65 and is rare in younger than 50. As its name implies, it is a degenerative condition of the macula of the eye.

The macula is an area of the retina in the back of the eye that is responsible for central vision. Patients with the disease may experience loss of vision in this area. Distortion of objects and "missing" areas are common.

There are two forms of this condition, dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular) ARMD. Dry ARMD is the most common, and represents a slow degeneration or atrophy of the retina that, in most cases, results in mild to moderate vision loss. The wet form is the least common but most detrimental to vision. It is characterized by new blood vessels forming behind the retina, that can leak and/or rupture and scar, causing severe vision loss.

There is currently no treatment available for dry macular degeneration, however recent studies have suggested that certain dietary changes and supplementation may help slow the progress or prevent the onset of the disease. For those with the wet form, there are some treatments available that can help slow the progress of the condition and in some cases, improve visual function. Only your eye doctor will know which treatment is best for you, and you should always consult your doctor before starting any supplements or diet changes. more info... back to top

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. It is a common condition that can cause blurring of vision, glare or starbursts around lights. Treatment for cataracts involves the surgical removal of the lens and the implantation of an artificial one in its place. more info... back to top

Dry Eye

Dry eyes are a common condition that results from an inadequate or dysfunctional tear layer. The front surface of the eye is coated with a tear layer that is responsible for keeping the eye lubricated. It also contains enzymes and antibodies that help protect the eye from irritants and microorganisms.

Tear deficiency or dysfunction can result in a miriad of symptoms like blurred vision, dryness, scratchiness, redness, foreign body sensation, itching and/or pain.

The exact cause of dry eyes is unknown, however it is more common with age, peri-menopausal women and those taking certain medications. It can also be significantly influenced by your environment.

The treatment of dry eye varies with each patient's condition and is best determined by your doctor. It may include tear supplementation, tear-duct occlusion, medications, dietary changes and/or lifestyle changes. more info... back to top

Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Blepharitis literally means “inflammation of the eyelids”. This is a common and persistent inflammation of the eyelids which can cause irritation, itching, red lids, lash loss, contact lens intolerance, dry eye and red eye. It is often caused by Staph bacteria that thrive on eyelid secretions at the base of the eyelashes and along the eyelid margin.

The meibomium glands are tube-like glands that open at the edge of the eyelid just inside the lashes. These glands produce an outer oil layer that coats our tears to prevent them from evaporating. Meibomium Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a form of blepharitis where the oil glands produce a thicker more wax-like secretion. As a result the glands become clogged and inflamed. With an insufficient oil layer, the tear layer evaporates more rapidly and the eyes can become dry. There is often times no specific cure for these conditions but they can be controlled through a regimen of careful lid cleansing to remove the bacteria and hot compresses to help melt the waxy secretions and return a normal flow to the oil glands. On occasion, the addition of an oral or topical medication is required. Your doctor will know what treatment is best for you.

Daily treatment should include:

1. Apply a warm-to-hot washcloth or compress to the base of the eyelashes for about 5 minutes to soften the lid tissue, lid crusting, loosen oily debris and open the glands along the lid/lash margin.
2. Gently wash the lid/lash margin with a 50:50 dilution of baby shampoo and warm water. Other options include Neutrogena fragrance free soap or mild, non-fragranced, non-creamy soap. Do this with your eyes gently closed using your fingertip. Make sure to reach the lower lid/lash margin. It tucks under the upper lid and is easy to miss. You may substitute a lid cleanser such as Ocusoft lid cleanser or Sterilid eyelid cleanser.
3. Thoroughly rinse with tap water and dry gently with a clean towel.
4. Instill 1-2 drops of artificial tears like Refresh Tears, Optive, Systane, Genteal or TheraTears. You may need to use artificial tears 4-6x/day.
5. If you wear makeup, make sure it is all removed thoroughly every night and that you refrain from the use of waterproof makeup.

Flashes, Floaters and Vitreous Detachment

Most of your eye's interior is made of a gel-like substance call the vitreous. This gel is composed of millions of microscopic fibers that provide the framework for the vitreous. Over time, the fibers begin to break-down and the vitreous collapses and pulls away from the retina. It usually releases from the retinal surface without disrupting the integrity of the retina itself. But, because the retina is very sensitive, you may perceive little sparks or flashes of light as the vitreous detaches. You may also see the shadows of these fibers as "floaters", which can be annoying at times but usually get better with time.

Most people will have a vitreous detachment at some point in their life; however the degree of symptoms can vary. It is important to notify your doctor if you experience "flashes" or "floaters", because sometimes these are signs of a retinal tear or detachment which can be a potentially sight-threatening condition. Only a careful dilated examination of your eyes by your eye doctor can determine whether you've had a vitreous or retinal detachment. more info... back to top