Learn More About Eye Conditions
Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a disease of the central part of the retina called the macula. Damage to this area of the retina can cause blurred or missing areas of central vision. Macular degeneration can be dry or wet. Wet ARMD means there is a new presence of blood vessels in the macula, and further treatment may be necessary.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. Though there are many causes, most common is high intraocular pressure. This causes damage to the optic nerve fibers and in turn causes slow, steady, peripheral vision loss.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy over time, usually due to age and UV exposure. Almost everyone will develop cataracts eventually. Once this cloudiness affects your vision, cataract surgery may be necessary for their removal.
Dry Eye
Dry Eye occurs when there is a deficiency in one of the 3 layers of tears on the front of the eye. Dry Eye symptoms can include a burning or gritty feeling, eye tearing, or increased blinking. Artificial tears can help manage dry eye symptoms, but other therapies may also be needed.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease of the retina caused from the systemic disease, diabetes mellitus. Diabetes can cause damage to small blood vessels inside the body, including the eye. This results in bleeding or leaking from these vessels into the retina, potentially damaging your vision.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal Detachments occur when there is a break in the retinal tissue inside the eye. This is an emergency and could quickly affect your vision permanently. Signs of a retinal detachment include flashes of light, a black curtain over your vision, or new floaters in your vision.
Strabismus
Strabismus is the term used when a person has an eye muscle misalignment that causes one or both eyes to turn away from center, often crossed or turned out. Strabismus typically occurs in infancy or childhood and can lead to amblyopia. Early detection is key!
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is the term used for reduced vision in one or both eyes due to underdevelopment of the eye-brain connection. There are multiple causes including strabismus, a high uncorrected prescription, or a large difference in prescription between both eyes. Amblyopia often develops before a child starts school, so early detection is very important!
Vision Therapy
Vision Therapy, or visual rehabilitation, is an outlined course of exercises and therapy for a child or person with a binocular vision impairment. Often times children with strabismus or amblyopia can benefit from vision therapy.