Common Eye Diseases
Yearly comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting eye diseases in their earliest stages, even before you notice any vision changes. These exams allow your eye doctor to check for subtle signs.
Check out this video that shows retinal diseases
Diabetes
Diabetes impacts the integrity of blood vessels throughout the body. The retina, which lines the back of the eye, contains a dense network of blood vessels and is particularly vulnerable to a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss among people aged 18 to 64. The good news is that an annual eye exam can help prevent up to 95% of this vision loss. Detecting problems before any vision symptoms appear is key to protecting your sight.
At 20/20 Vision Center, we use advanced technology for early detection of diabetic eye changes which includes our Optomap and Optical Coherence Tomography. Each of these technologies allows us to see even the most subtle retinal changes, which is good for our patients. Early detection and treatment prevent vision loss.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is another serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss if not detected and managed early. Comprehensive eye exams play a vital role in identifying glaucoma before symptoms develop, allowing for timely intervention and protection of your vision.
See video on what glaucoma is:
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina, leading to changes or loss of central vision. Early detection through routine eye exams is crucial for monitoring and managing this disease to help preserve your sight.
Monitoring requires at home Amsler Grid testing. Check the video below.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, which leads to a progressive blurring or dimming of vision. It is the world’s leading cause of treatable blindness and among the most common conditions related to aging – by age 65, you have a 50 percent chance of developing a cataract, and, by age 75, it jumps to 70 percent.
A cataract starts out small and initially has little or no effect on vision. As the cataract progresses, it becomes harder to read and perform other normal tasks. In the early stages, your doctor may recommend stronger eyeglasses and adjust your lighting to reduce glare. When cataracts disrupt your daily life, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery, which is one of the most frequent and successful procedures done in the U.S.
Conjunctivitis
There are several causes of conjunctivitis including viral infections (pink eye), bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and more. It is important to see your doctor to appropriately diagnosis and treat the cause of your condition.
Corneal Ulcer
Corneal ulcers are painful infections of the cornea that cause redness, sensitivity to light, and sometime discharge. They can be due to improper wear of contact lenses or other causes. It is important that the ulcer is treated promptly because they can cause scarring and vision loss.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome refers to a breakdown in the quantity or quality of tears to moisten, cleanse and protect the eyes. This is significant because, with each blink, tears protect the surface of the eye, washing away dust and microorganisms. When this protective coating dries up, the eyes may feel “gritty” or burn and can be more sensitive to light. In severe cases, vision may blur.
If you suspect that you have dry eyes, see your eye doctor. Proper care will not only increase your comfort – it will protect your eyes. Your eye care provider can perform a series of tests to determine if you have dry eyes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a general term for inflammation of the eyelid and eyelashes. It is among the most common and stubborn eye conditions usually resulting from poor eyelid hygiene, a low-grade bacterial infection (usually staphylococcal), an allergic reaction, and/or abnormalities in oil gland function.
Like some other skin conditions, blepharitis can be mitigated but not cured. The main goals in treating it are to reduce the number of bacteria along the lid margin and open plugged glands. Contact Virginia Eyecare Center to assess the severity of your problem and the best treatment method.
Iritis/ Anterior Uveitis
Iritis is an inflammation of the iris and the adjacent tissue known as the ciliary body. It can be related to trauma, underlying inflammatory or autoimmune disease, or can be idiopathic. Symptoms include a red painful eye and sensitivity to light. It is treated with anti-inflammatory and mydriatic (dilation) eye drops. When not treated, it can lead to more extensive and even permanent damage.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition where the normally round cornea 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. The apex of the cornea often scars, reducing the vision. Treatment of Keratoconus is most effective with gas permeable contact lenses, designed specifically for the irregular corneal surface. If contact lens treatment is not successful, surgical corneal transplant may be necessary.