Medical Eye exam

Glaucoma is a condition caused by excess intraocular pressure within the eye, leading to progressive optic nerve damage. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a decrease in peripheral vision and eventual blindness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma. However, there are medications and surgeries available to prevent the progression of glaucoma and thus preserving vision. Early detection and regular eye exams are important to slowing the progress of glaucoma.  

YOU ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF 

GLAUCOMA IF:

• You are age 60+, especially if you are Latino or Hispanic
• You are African-American and age 40+
• There is a family history of glaucoma
• You have diabetes or hypertension

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50. It causes gradual deterioration to the macula, which can result in loss of central vision. 

There are two types of AMD, Dry (most common) and Wet (less common and treated with eye injections). AMD can occur in one or both eyes and can make it difficult to recognize faces and can affect activities such as driving and reading. Reversing damage caused by AMD is not possible in most cases, however, nutritional supplements, UV protection from sunlight, a balanced diet and quitting smoking can reduce the risk and progression of AMD.

 YOU ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF AMD IF: 

• You are age 60+, especially if you are Caucasian
• There is a family history of AMD
• You smoke

A complication of having diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening condition caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, so it is important to have regular eye examinations. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment outcome. 

YOU ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IF:

• You have type 1 or type 2 diabetes

Dry eyes can be diagnosed with special eye tests done by your eye care provider at See Breeze Optometry.  Treatments for dry eyes range from simple artificial tear drops or ointments to special tear drainage plugs that keep the natural tears on the eye.  In some cases dry eye can be treated with oral supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids and in others it can be treated with a prescription eye drop that stimulates tear production.    

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane, like cellophane wrap, that covers the white of the eyes and the underside of the eyelids - it is transparent but contains many blood vessels, and it is in direct contact with the tear film where bacteria, viruses, and allergens can be found). The common appearance of conjunctivitis is a pink or red eye, associated with discharge that may be watery or mucousy. Often the eyelids also become swollen, and the patient may feel itching, irritation, or even eye pain. If you suspect conjunctivitis, visit your eye-care provider at See Breeze Optometry for an examination and treatment.