Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Eye Diseases

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.

• Dry AMD occurs when drusen (small lipid deposits) accumulate under the macula, slowly causing damage to its delicate, light-sensitive cells. Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD and is generally less severe than wet AMD, and though there is currently no cure for dry AMD a large scale nutritional study (AREDS2) found that a healthy diet and select nutritional supplements can slow its progression.
• Wet AMD causes new blood vessels to grow under the macula. These blood vessels are typically quite weak, and often leak blood and other fluids, permanently damaging the macula’s delicate, light-sensitive cells. Wet AMD is more debilitating than dry AMD, and though there is currently no cure for it, this form of AMD can be managed using intraocular injections. These injections can halt its progression, but any vision loss that has already occurred is permanent.

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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:

• Hazy or blurry vision
• Reduced color vision
• Increased glare, especially while driving at night

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.

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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.

• Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens, such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. This form of conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, and can generally be managed using antihistamines.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection, and depending on its severity, may require antibiotics. This form of conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, so it’s important for you to avoid crowds until it has completely cleared up.
• Viral conjunctivitis is, like the common cold, caused by a virus. This form of conjunctivitis rarely requires treatment, but it’s still highly contagious. You should stay home from work or school until your symptoms have completely subsided to avoid infecting others.

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.

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