As with most other kinds of diseases, many eye diseases and conditions are more easily and successfully treated when diagnosed early. The tricky part is that there are a few eye conditions that don’t always come with early warning signs, making them harder to detect. But early detection is no less important! It all starts with an annual comprehensive eye exam at your trusted eye doctor Eye Medical Clinic.
Let’s take a look at the most common eye conditions along with the treatments available at Eye Medical Clinic:
Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. According to Prevent Blindness America, cataracts currently affect more than 22 million senior Americans. Cataracts cannot be treated with medication or changes to lifestyle and diet. They must be surgically removed in order for vision to be restored. When cataracts begin to negatively affect your lifestyle and activities, it’s time to talk to an expert.
Any time is the ideal time to schedule a cataract evaluation. Take control of your health (including your eyes!). We’d love to partner with you.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness. With all types of glaucoma, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, usually due to high eye pressure. It has been called the silent thief of sight, because, in most cases, glaucoma doesn’t have any symptoms other than slow vision loss. For this reason, a comprehensive dilated eye exam that includes glaucoma detection is recommended.
In fact, we recommend the dilated eye exam every year for people who are at higher risk for glaucoma, including African Americans age 40 and older, everyone over age 60, and people with a family history of glaucoma. A comprehensive eye exam is critical to detect changes that occur early in the optic nerve.
While there is no cure for glaucoma at this time, it can be controlled and stabilized by using eye drop medication to monitor eye pressure in a safe range. This safe range is determined individually, which depends on the severity of glaucoma damage, age and corneal thickness as well as other factors determined by your ophthalmologists at Eye Medical Clinic. Some eye drop prescriptions lower eye pressure by reducing the amount of aqueous fluid OR by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle.
Again, because of its complexity, each patient’s glaucoma treatment plan will vary based on need. For the love of your eyes and peace of mind, if you haven’t been to the eye doctor in a while and have any concerns, schedule an appointment today with Eye Medical Clinic.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65 in America, making it an eye condition worth taking a closer look at. It is a genetically determined, age-related eye disease that causes people who have it to lose their central vision (what you see when you look straight ahead), usually in both eyes. It occurs when the small, central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates.
This condition can negatively impact activities like reading, working on a computer, doing household chores, enjoying hobbies and even driving. Early detection of AMD can help slow progression, and it’s important to note, early stages of this disease usually do not exhibit noticeable symptoms. This is why annual comprehensive eye exams are so important!
There are two types of AMD; dry (the most common type) and wet. For dry AMD, treatment typically starts with prescribing a mix of zinc and antioxidants that can slow progression. For wet AMD, treatment can include a number of options including medication injected into the eye that inhibits the growth of abnormal blood vessels that cause the wet form on the disease.
If you suspect AMD or have a family history of this condition, schedule an appointment today with Eye Medical Clinic today.
Partnering With You to Protect Your Sight
With a legacy of more than 70 years serving the San Jose area, Eye Medical Clinic has built a reputation for quality eye care that generations of families have come to trust. We invite you to experience the VIP treatment every patient can expect to receive at Eye Medical Clinic. Our team of experienced doctors, as well as a highly trained staff, is dedicated to helping you enjoy your life to the fullest…with the clear vision you deserve.
