Glaucoma

Glaucoma describes eye disorders that involve damage to the optic nerve, which sends visual signals from your eye to your brain. This loss of nerve tissue can result in loss of vision.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the most common disorders. It results from an increased pressure inside the eye, which can cause damage to the optic nerve. A damaged nerve can lead to vision loss or even blindness. This pressure can build slowly and be difficult to detect in everyday life. It may start by affecting only your peripheral vision.

Pressure is not the only indicator of glaucoma, as high pressure does not always lead to glaucoma and glaucoma can develop in spite of normal eye pressure. Anyone can develop glaucoma, although it is most common in people over 40.

Acute angle closure glaucoma is not as common, but can develop much more quickly. If you are experiencing intense eye pain, redness in your eye, blurred vision, or nausea, you may need immediate medical attention. This form of glaucoma is an emergency and needs to be treated right away.

There is no way to completely prevent glaucoma, but early diagnosis and treatment can help control the condition and limit its effects. Often times medication or surgery can help reduce the damage, but glaucoma cannot be reversed. For this reason, at Eye Associates of Elkins Park we regularly test for glaucoma and recommend frequent eye exams. Factors such as age, race, family history, and previous medical conditions can all contribute to developing glaucoma.

Diabetes

Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar. It can also do some damage to your eyes if you are not careful.

Diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss if you are not careful. It can cause you to have trouble with everyday tasks even if you have regular glasses or contacts. It can even cause blindness.

If you have diabetes, you really need to monitor your vision. If you have blurry vision; see spots, flashing lights, or dark spots; or have trouble seeing out of the corner of your eye, you need to get help as soon as possible. You also need to be seen if you have any kind of pain or pressure in your eyes.

People with diabetes often have more eye problems than those who are not affected by the disease. They can also get some diseases at a much younger age. Many diabetics have cataracts or cloudy eyes. They can also be affected by glaucoma, which is increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve and cause you to go blind. They may also have nerve damage in the eyes.

We are dedicated to caring for your eyes when you have diabetes. If you are having any problems with your vision or pain in your eyes, we will be glad to see you as soon as possible so that we can prevent blindness.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision issues for people over 40 and are one of the main causes of blindness.

A cataract is described as cloudiness in your eye. This cloudiness is in the eye’s lens behind the pupil and is caused by proteins clumping together.

Cataracts can start small and develop slowly. They may not even be noticeable at first, though you may notice a slight blur in your vision. Sometimes, you can see symptoms only when you are looking at bright lights. Cataracts can continue to worsen, and you may feel the effects only once the cataracts are more developed.

There are different kinds of cataracts, and they can have different causes. Aging and other medical conditions can contribute to the development of cataracts in your eyes.

Since there are many conditions that can lead to cataracts, it is really important to visit your eye doctor regularly. It is best to catch cataracts early, and we can do that with routine examinations.

Dry Eye Disease

To keep your eyes healthy, you need to have tears to provide moisture and lubrication. This is not only for your comfort but also for your vision. Tears are secreted by glands around your eyes. When you do not make enough tears, you have a condition called dry eye.

There is no cure for dry eye. Instead, we have ways to make you more comfortable. There is a product called artificial tears. This comes in the form of drops or ointments. Depending on your needs, one may work better for you.

We also perform temporary and non-dissolving punctal plugs. These are used to close the ducts that help drain the overflow of tears. If you stop the tears from draining out of your eye, you will have more tears in your eyes. We start treatment with a temporary plug to see if it is going to help before trying a more permanent arrangement.

If necessary, we may also prescribe a medication for chronic dry eye. We may also talk to you about other medications and your nutrition. Many supplements have been helpful for patients with dry eye.

Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory disorder that affects the cornea. The cornea becomes thinned and steepened, resulting in distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision. Symptoms typically manifest in a person’s younger years, usually the late teens or 20’s.

Keratoconus can affect a person’s ability to read or drive, which can be a major obstacle for people.

Luckily, this is a condition that can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam, which underscores the importance of scheduling regular eye exams for you and your children.

To learn more about Keratoconus, please contact us today at (215) 376-0306. We can speak to you about diagnosis, treatment, and answer any questions you may have.

Ocular injuries

Every year over 2 million people sustain an eye injury of some sort. Ocular injuries or trauma are the second most common cause of visual impairments and refer to any wounds, contusions, burns, or foreign bodies causing harm to your eye.

Unfortunately, over 90% of ocular injuries can be prevented and occur in and around the home. You can avoid injury by using the appropriate protective eyewear while doing activities that put your eyes at risk and by following proper protocols for safety. Home repairs, gardening, house cleaning, cooking, and playing sports are all common situations that can put you at risk for major eye injuries.

Symptoms of ocular injuries will vary depending on the type of injury but may include eye pain, redness, or discomfort during eye movement.

Treatment for eye trauma also varies based on the severity and type of injury. It is best to see an optometrist for an evaluation following any form of eye trauma. All chemical injuries or severe trauma due to impact require immediate medical attention. Minor injuries such as black eye may be treated at home with cold compress and rest but should still be examined by a professional.

Our staff at Eye Associates of Elkins Park are dedicated to treating various ocular injuries using the latest treatments and technology to ensure high-quality patient care.

For more information on ocular injuries and your treatment options, contact our office today at (215) 376-0306.