Understanding Common Eye Diseases
At Eyedea Optometry, we prioritize your vision health. Our expert team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating serious eye conditions with the latest technology. We believe in empowering patients through education and personalized care.
What is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over 50. This condition affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
AMD occurs when the macula deteriorates over time, causing blurred or distorted central vision while your peripheral vision typically remains intact. There are two types: dry AMD, which progresses slowly as cells break down, and wet AMD, which develops more rapidly when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid under the retina.
Your risk increases with age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and prolonged sun exposure. Early AMD often has no symptoms, but as it progresses, you may notice straight lines appearing wavy, dark spots in your central vision, or difficulty seeing in low light.
While there's no cure for AMD, early detection and treatment can significantly slow its progression. Treatment options include nutritional supplements, anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and protecting your eyes from UV light. Regular eye exams are crucial because catching AMD early gives you the best chance of preserving your vision.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it gradually steals your vision without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This serious eye condition is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but it's highly treatable when detected early.
Glaucoma happens when fluid builds up in your eye, creating pressure that damages the optic nerve. This nerve sends visual information from your eye to your brain, so damage causes you to lose peripheral vision first, then central vision over time.
Your risk increases with age over 60, family history, certain ethnicities, high eye pressure, and conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Because glaucoma typically has no early warning signs, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for detection.
The good news is that early-detected glaucoma can be effectively managed through prescription eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery to lower eye pressure and prevent further vision loss. While lost vision cannot be restored, proper treatment can preserve your remaining sight for years to come.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. This serious eye condition develops when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in your retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
When these blood vessels become damaged, they can leak blood into your eye, cause swelling in the retina, and trigger abnormal new blood vessel growth. Two key factors increase your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy: how long you've had diabetes and how well your blood sugar is controlled. The longer you've had diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the higher your risk.
The good news is that with proper diabetes management and regular eye exams, diabetic retinopathy can often be prevented or treated effectively when caught early.
Take Charge of Your Vision
Schedule your comprehensive exam today and empower yourself with knowledge about eye disease prevention.
