Medical Eye Management
Innovative Techniques and Exceptional Care
Eye diseases are more common than you might think, and they have the potential to cause permanent damage to your vision.
Many diseases can advance silently without showing obvious symptoms. Annual eye exams to detect and manage a disease are the best preventative measure we give our patients. We can often slow the disease's progression or halt it altogether, preventing further vision loss.
Cataracts
Cataracts are not contagious but simply a change in the transparent lens behind your iris (colored part of the eye).
What are the risk factors for cataracts?
Cataracts usually occur as a result of aging, but other factors may also put you at risk:
Diabetes
Smoking or excessive alcohol use
Steroid use
Cumulative UV light exposure
Eye injuries
Nutrient deficiencies
Family history
What are some symptoms of cataracts?
Reduced intensity of color hues
Poor night vision
Increased glare around objects, especially at night
Light sensitivity
Hazy vision
Blurry vision even when wearing glasses
How are cataracts treated?
In the early stages, changing your prescription and adding anti-glare treatments help alleviate some of the symptoms
As your cataracts progress and your daily activities and overall quality of vision are impaired, our doctors will refer you to a cataract surgeon so you may get a consultation on the next steps for surgery to help improve your vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is the leading contributor to the onset of new cases of blindness in the United States. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, affects approximately one-third of Americans aged 40 and above grappling with diabetes.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing complications and complications on their retina. These changes pose a substantial threat to eyesight. Elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes, can impair blood vessels across the body. When the blood vessels within the retina incur damage, they may undergo swelling and rupture. Such ruptures in retinal blood vessels result in the swelling of the retina itself, leading to the onset of blurred vision.
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Yes, diabetic retinopathy can be treated. Patients have even better treatment options if caught early, so it’s critical to be seen annually for dilated eye examinations. Our doctors have an extensive referral network of retinal specialists that treat patients with moderate to advanced stages.
Glaucoma
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, you’re probably already familiar with the typical options in glaucoma treatment – eye drops, laser treatment or traditional surgery.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. This usually happens when fluid slowly builds up in the front part of your eye. This is why you always have your eye pressure tested (“puff of air test”), as this is one of the earliest indicators of a problem. The slow, often symptom-free progression of glaucoma has earned it the nickname “the silent thief of sight.”
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
During your annual eye examination, our doctors will:
Measure your eye pressure
Examine your optic nerve
Test your peripheral vision
Use digital imaging to create a baseline to monitor for changes
Measure the thickness of your cornea
How can glaucoma be treated?
Glaucoma is usually well controlled with the daily use of eye drops to help lower eye pressure. Our doctors will monitor your eye pressure throughout the year to ensure it stays at acceptable levels determined by your individual anatomy and test findings. Along with your eye pressure, our doctors will order visual field, OCT, and other testing to have multiple pieces of your glaucoma condition to ensure the best treatment options and detect any changes.
If your eye pressures can no longer be controlled by medication, or you’re at a very high risk, you will be referred to glaucoma specialists for further treatment options.
Who is at risk of glaucoma?
Family history of glaucoma
African American, Hispanic, & Asian heritage
History of elevated eye pressure
40+ yrs of age
Long-term steroid medications
History of diabetes, migraines, and high blood pressure
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the single largest cause of sight loss in the developed world and affects more than 10 million Americans.
What is macular degeneration?
Age-Related Macular degeneration(AMD) is a common eye condition affecting the retina's central part, called the macula. It causes an irreversible loss of vision in the center of the visual field, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or perform other daily activities.
Who is at risk for macular degeneration?
Patients more likely to develop macular degeneration:
Smoker (past or current)
50+ years old
Family history of macular degeneration
Diet high in saturated fat (meats, butter, cheese)
Have high blood pressure
What are the first signs of macular degeneration?
Blurry or fuzzy vision.
Difficulty recognizing familiar faces.
Straight lines appear wavy.
A dark, empty area or blind spot appears in the center of vision.
Loss of central vision
What are treatments for macular degeneration?
Dry AMD:
Home monitor with Amsler grid
Eye exams every 6 months year
Daily use of AREDS vitamin
A large study (AREDS and the later AREDS 2 study) found people with certain drusen may slow their dry AMD by taking these vitamins and minerals daily:
Vitamin C (500 mg)
Vitamin E (400 IU)
Lutein (10 mg)
Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
Zinc (80 mg)
Copper (2 mg)
Wet AMD
This is the advanced form of AMD and requires a retinal specialist. Anti-VEGF injections and laser surgery are some treatment options your specialist might recommend to preserve your vision.
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