Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of a small part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for your central vision, helping you see fine details of objects in front of you, near or far. Ask our doctors about ways to slow down or stop the progression of AMD.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common type of refractive error where near objects appear clearly, but far objects appear blurry. This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

The medical term for farsightedness is hyperopia. Farsightedness is a common refractive error in the eye that affects the ability to see close-up objects. In farsighted individuals, light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. This can result from an eyeball that is too short or a cornea that has too little curvature.

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision condition that affects a person’s ability to focus on near objects or read small print. It is often referred to as “aging eyes” or “age-related farsightedness.” Presbyopia typically becomes noticeable in the late 30s or early 40s and continues to progress with age.

People with early presbyopia often notice they need more light to read, and have to hold reading material at arm’s length to focus. Eventually, presbyopia results in the need for reading glasses or bifocals/progressive lenses for all near vision.

Astigmatism causes your vision to be blurred at both near and far distances. It occurs when your cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball.

Key features of astigmatism include:

1. Blurred or Distorted Vision: Individuals with astigmatism often experience blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances.
2. Eye Strain and Discomfort: Astigmatism can lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort, especially after prolonged periods of reading or computer use.
3. Difficulty with Night Vision: Some people with astigmatism may notice challenges with night vision, including glare and halos around lights.
4. Combination with Other Refractive Errors: Astigmatism can occur on its own or in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

A Pterygium (surfer’s eye) is a growth that starts on the clear tissue of the eye (conjunctiva) and spreads over the cornea, the crystal clear window of the eye that covers the colored part of the eye (iris). It is more common in people who spend a lot of time in the sun. It may cause irritation and possibly affect vision. Pterygiums can be surgically removed.

Keratoconus is a condition where the clear tissue on the front of the eye (cornea) is weakened or thinning causing it to progressively bulge outward. Symptoms typically occur during a person’s teen years and include blurred vision. It is typically not correctable with glasses, requiring specialty contact lenses, or in severe cases if left untreated, a corneal transplant. Collagen Cross Linking is a procedure that should be performed ASAP to stop or slow down the progression of Keratoconus.

With all types of glaucoma, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, usually due to high pressure in the eye. The most common type of glaucoma often has no symptoms other than slow vision loss. Angle-closure glaucoma, although rare is a medical emergency with symptoms including eye pain with nausea and sudden visual loss.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can result in permanent damage to your optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total blindness. Treatments for glaucoma include eye drops, medications, and surgery.

Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. While Diabetic retinopathy may present no symptoms, certain signs should be concerning. These may include blurry vision and fluctuating vision. The Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy are paramount to preserving your vision. Everyone with diabetes should have an annual eye exam to determine if diabetic retinal findings are detected and if treatment is necessary.

We offer a full range of ophthalmic services across our family of practices to help with the diagnosis and treatment of many eye diseases and conditions. Please reach out to us to learn more.