Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye begins to cloud and dull as a result of the aging process. Cataracts block light from passing through the eye, causing blurry vision and can be fixed with surgery.
No-Stitch / Small Incision Surgery Techniques for Cataracts
Vision loss due to cataracts can be fixed with a safe no-stitch, small incision surgery, which involves phacoemulsification (ultrasound technology) to gently break up the cloudy lens and remove the cataract through a small probe. A clear plastic lens implant (Intraocular lens or IOL) is then inserted to restore vision. No-stitch / small incision surgery is less invasive than traditional cataract surgery, and has the advantages of a faster recovery time and a reduced chance of astigmatism or ruptured sutures that sometimes result from surgery. We offer these superior eye surgeries at the San Diego Eye Institute. Click here to learn more.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, is a group of eye diseases, which damage the optic nerve causing blind spots and potential permanent blindness. Usually, symptoms of early glaucoma go unnoticed until a significant amount of nerve fibers are damaged resulting in irreversible vision loss.
Glaucoma is commonly caused by increased fluid pressure in the eye and decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. While it is incurable, glaucoma can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Regular eye exams are important to identify the symptoms of glaucoma. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include a combination of eye drops, medication, laser treatment, and surgery. Please contact us to learn more.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is caused by the breakdown of the macula, a small area of the retina that is responsible for central and color vision. Macular degeneration is usually caused by the aging process, and results in distorted, blurry, and/or dark vision. However, in some cases, macular degeneration may be caused by injury, infection, or inflammation.
The most common symptoms of macular degeneration are blurry and distorted central vision, trouble with reading and driving, and seeing dark spots. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, prevention and treatment are very important. Regular eye exams can help detect symptoms, and laser treatment or Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) can slow the development of the disease. Please contact us to learn more about macular degeneration.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina resulting in vision problems or even blindness. Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to complications with diabetes and affects about 90 percent of diabetics in their lifetime.
There are two forms of diabetic retinopathy: background and proliferative. Background retinopathy rarely affects vision and is usually just a warning sign of the more serious stage of the disease. Proliferative retinopathy, if left untreated, can lead to cloudy vision or blindness. Eye exams are essential for the early detection of symptoms and laser treatments can limit the growth of abnormal blood vessels. To learn more about diabetic retinopathy, please contact us.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a very common problem caused by a decrease in tear production, which can result from environmental factors such as the weather, pollution, heating, air-conditioning, or smoke. Contact lens wearers, women, and patients with arthritis are more prone to get dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eyes include redness, burning, itching, stinging, irritability, and sensitivity to light. Some people have difficulty opening their eyes in the morning. Dry eyes can be treated with eye drops that produce artificial tears to replace the lost moisture. In addition, avoiding irritating weather conditions and using a humidifier can treat symptoms of dry eyes. If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to infection and corneal scarring. Please contact us to learn more about treatment for dry eyes.
Floaters and Flashes
Floaters and flashes are annoying spots or light flashes that interfere with the field of vision and develop as a result of the aging process. Floaters and flashes occur when the vitreous gel, or clear jelly-like substance, which fills the cavity in the eye, begins to shrink and pull away from the retina causing little fragments or streaks of flashing light to appear. Although floaters and flashes are usually of no concern, there are serious cases where the retina is detached from the eye leading to partial or total vision impairment.
In most cases, floaters and flashes do not need to be treated and will go away on their own. However, in the event that there is a retinal tear, laser treatments can be used to prevent vision loss. It is important to have a complete eye exam to ensure your floaters and flashes are not the beginning of a more serious problem. Please contact us to learn more about floaters and flashers.