Ocular Disease

We provide diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases which affect the human eye and visual system. Some examples include:

Dry Eye Syndrome

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. In some cases, prescription drops may be necessary to improve comfort.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disorder that occurs when the cornea, which is typically rounded, becomes cone-shaped. The progression is usually slow and can stop at any stage from mild to severe. This distortion increases as the cornea bulges and thins. It can be hereditary. The apex of the cornea often scars, reducing the vision. Treatment of Keratoconus is most effective with gas permeable or hybrid contact lenses, designed specifically for the irregular corneal surface. If contact lens treatment is not successful, surgical corneal transplant may be necessary.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition when a diabetic person's blood sugar levels start a series of events which end in damaged blood vessel walls. The blood vessels then begin to leak fluid or bleed, causing the retina to swell and form deposits know 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.

Cataract

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. The one shown here is a cortical cataract. Here the opacity forms first is the periphery of the lens and develops inward, like spokes of a wheel. Cataracts can be followed for years, as they usually progress very slowly. Ultimately, the best treatment is to remove the cataract lens and replace it with an acrylic lens. This is referred to as cataract surgery.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is a condition in which the central part of the back of the eye loses blood circulation. It is considered an abnormal 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.

Genetic testing can be performed in our offices, which will help identify genetic markers for the most severe type of macular degeneration. There are two types of macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is responsible for 90% of vision loss in people who have the disease. It affects 10% of macular degeneration patients. Dry macular degeneration affects 90% of patients who have the disease, and is responsible for 10% of vision loss. Should you develop the wet form of macular degeneration, we will refer you to a retinal specialist for treatment.