 A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.
People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensation of "film" over the eye(s)
- Trouble with headlights or nighttime driving
- Trouble with bright sunlight
- Trouble reading
- Eventually everyone will develop a cataract
Vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract replacement, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.
As wonderful as cataract surgery has become, an even more exciting breakthrough technology has recently been introduced - the ReSTOR IntraOcular lens. With the use of this revolutionary multifocal IOL, not only are certain patients rehabilitated for distance vision, but in more than 8 out of 10, they no longer depend on glasses for reading vision as well! Ask our doctors if you would be a good candidate for the ReSTOR lens.
Click here for more information on cataracts at 3-D Eye Web Library.
Click here for additional information on Cataracts
 For patients who need glasses or contact lenses but are strongly motivated by functional or cosmetic reasons to seek an alternative, a wide range of refractive surgical procedures are now available. Techniques such as laser vision correction, LASIK, PRK, LASEK, CK, AK and clear lens extraction are just some of the options.
Refractive surgeries improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. A thorough eye examination and consultation are necessary before a treatment decision can be made. If you are thinking about a refractive surgical procedure, ask one of our doctors what is right for you.
Click here for more information on refractive surgery at 3-D Eye Web Library.
Click here for additional information on Refractive Surgery
Click here to visit siepser.com
 Glaucoma is the term for when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. For these reasons, regular eye exams and early detection are critical.
The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by blockages in the eye's fluid drains. No one knows yet why the blockages form, but the underlying cause is probably genetic, and worsens with age.
Most commonly there are no symptoms at all. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma. Usually the diagnosis of glaucoma is made at the time of a routine eye exam.
Fortunately, once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.
Click here for more information on glaucoma at 3-D Eye Web Library.
Click here for additional information on Glaucoma
 Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. Diabetic eye diseases is the leading cause of blindness in Americans between the ages of 20-74; most of this blindness can be prevented. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined once a year. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain controlled blood-sugar levels, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.
Click here for more information on Diabetic Eye Care
 Macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in the United States over the age of 74. It occurs when the macula - the critical central portion of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our vision is clear and sharp - degrades or "degenerates," causing a progressive loss of vision.
The "dry" form of macular degeneration has no treatment, but the "wet form may be helped by laser procedures if it is detected early. Because of this, and because vision lost to the disease is irrecoverable, regular eye exams are highly recommended. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss. Nutritional support reduces the risk that macular degeneration will develop or progress.
Symptoms often associated with macular degeneration include:
- A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- A gradual loss of color vision
- Distorted vision
- A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision
Click here for more information on macular degeneration at
3-D Eye Web Library.
Click here for additional information on Macular Degeneration
|
