Common Eye Diseases
Some eye diseases occur more frequently than others, and if left untreated, can rob you of your sight.
Eye diseases can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness if they aren’t diagnosed and treated in their early stages. Fortunately, most eye diseases can be diagnosed using a comprehensive eye exam, even if you don’t have any symptoms, which is why annual eye exams are so important.
Eye exams allow your optometrist to detect eye disease sooner, which means you can begin treatment right away and better safeguard your vision.
Your vision is your most precious possession; don’t put it at risk. Book your annual eye exam today.
Some eye diseases occur more frequently than others, and if left untreated, can rob you of your sight.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition that damages the macula (the small, central portion of your retina), causing you to slowly lose your central vision. AMD is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans and is currently found in approximately 6.5% of Americans over the age of 40.
As AMD progresses, your central vision slowly deteriorates until it’s completely lost.
There are two main forms of AMD: dry and wet.
Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process and form when the proteins in your natural lenses become cloudy and opaque. Though they are completely painless, cataracts can obscure your vision and make it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Cataract symptoms include:
Though many of us will develop cataracts as we get older, several factors can increase your chances of developing cataracts, and developing them at an earlier age. These factors include smoking, UV exposure, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption.
If your cataracts are causing only minimal impairment, your optometrist may suggest workarounds such as anti-glare glasses for nighttime driving or a magnifying aid for reading and other close up activities. However, if your vision becomes impaired enough that workarounds are no longer effective, you may require cataract surgery.
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, occurs when the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of your eye) becomes irritated and inflamed. This inflammation causes the blood vessels in your eyes to dilate, turning the white of your eye a pinkish color and giving pink eye its name.
Conjunctivitis has three main forms: allergic, bacterial, and viral.
For the most part, a few stray floaters are nothing to worry about. Floaters are caused by tiny pieces of protein (called collagen) floating around in the fluid inside of your eye. As we get older, this fluid (known as vitreous fluid) gradually becomes less viscous. This allows the floaters to move around more freely, making them more noticeable.
However, while the odd floater may be no cause for concern, a sudden shower of floaters accompanied by flashes of light may indicate that your retina has become torn or detached. Retinal tears and detachments are very serious and require immediate medical attention. Untreated retinal tears and detachments can lead to permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma is a condition with many root causes and occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged. Typically, this damage is caused by high pressure inside your eye, but glaucoma can occur even when your eye’s internal pressure is within normal range (a rare condition called normal-tension glaucoma).
Your optic nerve is responsible for sending visual information from your eyes to your brain, so when it becomes damaged, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.
Glaucoma is treatable, but the efficacy of the treatment relies on early detection. To help safeguard your vision from glaucoma, all comprehensive eye exams performed at Ashburn Eyecare Associates include glaucoma testing. All eye exams performed at our office are MOA approved, and incorporate advanced diagnostic techniques such as Goldmann Applanation Tonometry, Non-Contact Tonometry (more commonly known as the air puff test), and visual field testing.
For more information about eye disease, and what treatment and management options are available, please speak to our optometrists during your next appointment.
I have been trusting this practice with my eye care for nearly 20 years. Dr. Joedicke is the best.
Dr. Slavin is the best. Very thorough. Everyone is very efficient and conscientious of time.
My wife, son and I all have our eyes examined by Dr. Allen and couldn’t be happier. We have used other doctors in the past and since switching several years ago have been very pleased with the entire staff. Friendly and caring. Great selection of frames.
Our Chantilly location is conveniently located on Centreville Road, next to Chantilly Chiropractic.
To help you get the care you need when you need it, this location is open until 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
Our Chantilly location is conveniently located on Centreville Road, next to Chantilly Chiropractic.
To help you get the care you need when you need it, this location is open until 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
Our Ashburn office is conveniently located on Ashburn Village Boulevard in the Ashburn Village Shopping Center next to the UPS Store.
To help you get the care you need when you need it, this location is open late on Tuesdays (until 7:30 pm) and offers Saturday appointments.
Our Ashburn office is conveniently located on Ashburn Village Boulevard in the Ashburn Village Shopping Center next to the UPS Store.
To help you get the care you need when you need it, this location is open late on Tuesdays (until 7:30 pm) and offers Saturday appointments.