Please see the below list of some of the most common eye diseases. Most of these can be detected early with yearly comprehensive eye exams. Evaluation of the eye is completed using dilation drops, photos, scans of the optic nerve and ocular pressure measurements.
Macular Degeneration
Often referred to as age related macular degeneration (AMD) and affects more than 19.8 million Americans, usually affecting people over 40. It is a painless condition that usually affects both eyes and can be associated with loss of central vision.
Varieties of macular degeneration
- Dry macular degeneration: This is the most common form of AMD and is the gradual deterioration of the retina as the cells die off over time and do not regenerate. Up to 15% of people who have Dry AMD go on to develop Wet AMD.
- Wet macular degeneration: This form of AMD is a serious fast progressing disease in which abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula, leaking blood or fluid which then causes scarring and loss of central vision.
Treatment of macular degeneration
There is no cure for AMD however most providers suggest regular monitoring and macular protective vitamins. Some forms of AMD require intravitreal eye injections, administered by a retinal specialist.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. This can lead to irreversible, permanent peripheral vision loss. Glaucoma has no symptoms or early warning signs.
Treatment of Glaucoma
There is no cure for glaucoma, however there are treatments that can lower /stabilize pressure and slow down the progression of peripheral vision loss. This includes medicated eye drops, laser procedures or surgery.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition where the eye cannot maintain a healthy tear film. This condition is usually caused by low tear production or excessive evaporation. Symptoms of dry eye can be persistent stinging, burning, itchy, gritty eyes, eye fatigue or blurry vision. It can also cause excessive tearing. This happens because receptors notice a tear imbalance and send a signal which causes the eyes to tear. The problem with this is that the reflex triggers tears that are thin, mostly water and are lacking the necessary oils to keep the eye lubricated. This is why the eyes continue to feel dry.
Treatment of Dry Eye
Treatment can include artificial tears/lubricating drops, medicated drops, high quality omega 3, heat mask/light therapy and amniotic membranes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition that causes the eyelid to become red, flaky and inflamed usually where the eyelashes grow This can be caused by bacteria, clogged oil glands or skin conditions. Symptoms can include gritty, itchy lids and a foreign body sensation in the eye.
Treatment
Eyelid cleaning with warm water or specialized wipes, warm compresses help loosen eyelid flakes and unclog oil glands. Prescribed medicated drops (such as Xdemvy) can be given. There are also treatments such as Nulids that can be done in the office.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts lead to blurry vision, light sensitivity, increased glare and faded colors. Cataracts mature over time, and can take months to years to reach the point that they can be surgically removed.
Cataracts are mostly due to age related changes however they can be caused by eye injuries, diabetes and long term steroid use. Excessive sun exposure can also cause cataracts to mature.
Treatment
The only treatment for mature cataracts is a surgery that involves the removal of the clouded lens and placement of an artificial lens. This is an outpatient procedure and your surgeon will provide you with pre and post operative drops and instructions.
