- ArthritisMost often, dry eyes are a natural result of the aging process, especial after age 65. Women are also prone to developing a dry eye condition during pregnancy or menopause or as a result of contraceptive use. Medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, may also influence a reduction in tear production, along with medical conditions ranging from diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term prescription contact lens use, as well as refractive eye surgeries such as LASIK, may also decrease tear production. When it comes to the environment we live in, factors affecting our eyes include pollution, smoke, wind, and dry climates. Even staring at a computer screen for a prolonged amount of time and not blinking enough may affect tear production.
- Smoking Cessation
- GlaucomaGlaucoma is nearly always painless and slowly robs you of vision- without you being aware of it. Only regular visits to a qualified eye doctor will reveal the signs that you are at risk for glaucoma or already have the disease.
- Macular DegenerationThis condition is a leading cause of legal blindness in people over 60. A person with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can gradually or suddenly lose vision in the central part of the retina, called the macula. AMD doesn’t hurt, so it’s important to have regularly scheduled eye exams to determine if you are experiencing vision loss. You should be particularly concerned if you are over age 60, have high blood pressure (hypertension), smoke, or have a family history of AMD.
- Laser Eye SurgeryLASIK surgery is a proven procedure for improving vision to the point of eliminating the need for glasses or contacts in many patients, and it’s usually done in under an hour.
- CataractsThe lens is a tissue located behind the pupil that is responsible for focusing light into the retina (the back of the eye). A cataract usually forms as you get older. As a cataract grows and clouds more of the lens, you may find that performing normal tasks, such as reading and driving, become more difficult.
- Cataract SurgeryCataracts are removed during surgery. Cataract surgery is the most common operation performed in the U.S. and is considered one of the safest. Nearly 98% of all cataract surgeries are completed each year without serious complications. During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a plastic lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).
- Eye ExamThere is no treatment for PVD. Usually, people find that the symptoms calm down after about six months, and you will likely adjust to the floaters. You should come to our office for a comprehensive eye exam at the time you notice floaters or flashes, and your eye doctor will assess whether you are at risk for a retinal tear or detachment.
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyTreatment for diabetic retinopathy focuses on prevention. You can help avoid damage to the retina by keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure levels near normal. This can slow the process of retinopathy and prevent vision loss. In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment (photocoagulation) and/or surgical removal of the fluid in the eye (vitrectomy) can reduce the chance of severe vision loss and blindness. This surgery does not cure diabetic retinopathy or restore vision that has already been lost. Future vision loss can only be prevented if diabetes or blood pressure is well controlled.
- General Surgery
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryNo-stitch cataract surgery is a minimally invasive surgery and one of the most common outpatient procedures. It not only solves your cataract problem but may help you see better than ever, even without glasses.