Ocular Disease Education

Deterioration of the central part of the retina, called the macula, causing central vision loss. 

• Dry AMD: A form of AMD where the macula things with age, causing tiny clumps of protein called drusen to grow and block vision. Occurs in around 80% of people with AMD.
• Wet AMD: A less common, but more serious form of AMD where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood into the eye, blocking vision.

Cloudiness of the lens inside the eye that helps refract light onto the retina to help us see. Symptoms of cataracts are blurred vision, double vision, increased light sensitivity, poor night vision, and faded or yellowed vision.

A term for a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent vision loss. A common symptom of glaucoma is elevated eye pressure, which can be measured and monitored at every comprehensive eye exam.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type of glaucoma caused by the eye not draining fluid. Inadequate draining increases intraocular pressure which damages the optic nerve.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: An eye emergency that occurs when the iris blocks your drainage angle which causes intraocular pressure to rise very quickly and can cause blindness.

 Inflammation of the eyelids characterized by red, itchy, irritated eyes. This uncomfortable condition is not contagious and will generally not cause any permanent damage to your vision.

Demodex mites are parasites that live in our hair follicles and sebaceous glands. If not properly managed, they can infest the eyelash follicles, resulting in inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction and other symptoms commonly associated with dry eye. Treating Demodex infestations involve in-office treatment and lid.

Open sores on the cornea commonly due to an eye infection. Can also result from severe dry eye and other eye disorders. Ulcers can be avoided with knowledge and care including wearing protective eyewear to minimize risk of eye injury.

 When the whites of the eyes are inflamed and irritated causing redness, itchiness, discharge, or pus. Conjunctivitis can be a result of infection or allergies and in some cases can be extremely contagious.

A quick progressing disease in people with diabetes where uncontrolled blood glucose levels damage the retina's blood vessels. This damage causes the blood vessels to swell, leak, or close completely. This leads to new, abnormal blood vessels to grow on the retina which can burst and leak blood and other fluid into the eye.

High blood pressure can thicken the walls blood vessels, restricting blood from reaching the retina. This lack of blood flow can cause the retina to swell. While you won't notice any symptoms until the condition has progressed significantly, over time this stress on the optic nerve can create vision problems including reduces vision, double vision, and headaches.

High cholesterol can lead to narrowing of the veins and arteries and the development of blood clots. This reduction of blood flow can affect the retina, limiting vision.