Cataract

A cataract is when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This occurs in everybody with age. Although most people develop cataracts after age 50 they can occur at any time and even be present at birth.

Fact Sheet: View | Download


Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve of the eye is damaged from pressure that builds up in the eye. When the nerve is damaged it causes a loss of vision, usually starting on the side and finally progressing to the center of your vision. Glaucoma is painless and therefore you can have it and not have any symptoms.

Glaucoma is not reversible but is definitely treatable.

Fact Sheet: View | Download


Diabetes & The Eye

One of the most important reasons to visit an Ophthalmologist is to have the eyes examined for diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes is a long-term condition that can be treated with Insulin, pills or frequently both.

Diabetes affects many organ systems and the severity of the disease can depend on how long you have had it and how well your blood sugar is controlled. A simple blood test, the hemoglobin A1C can help your doctor determine how well your blood sugar is being controlled.

Fact Sheet: View | Download


Pterygium

A pterygium is a fleshy white growth that appears on the surface of your cornea. They are quite common in patients that have grown up in warm weather climates and the ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the strongest factor in their growth.

A pterygium can grow in size and with time can extend across your cornea to cover your pupil and decrease your vision.

Fact Sheet: View | Download


Macular Degeneration

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with the retina. The macular is the central part of the retina and is responsible for central vision. When this is damaged patients lose their central vision but can retain their full peripheral vision. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. There are 2 main types of macular degeneration.

Fact Sheet: View | Download


Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears to coat the surface of the eye. The tear film is composed of three layers and each layer has a definite purpose. Healthy tears keep the surface of the eye smooth, wash particles away and prevent evaporation of the tear layer when you go outside. Even if your eye seems to be making a lot of tears it is quite possible that the composition of those tears is not ideal and you can still have “dry eye”.

Fact Sheet: View | Download