Eye Exams
Our Comprehensive Eye Exam includes dilation and a complete check up of the health of the eye. Included in the exam are checks for:
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Cataracts
A Cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural, clear lens. As we age, some of the protein which make up the lens changes and start to cloud in a small area-this is known as a Cataract. Over time, a cataract may grow larger and cloudier. A patient with cataracts may experience blurred vision, poor night vision, halos, sensitivity to glare and bright lights.
If changing the eyeglass prescription no longer helps to improve the patient's visual symptoms, referral to a cataract surgeon may be necessary. |
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is where all the nerve fibers of the retina connect and transmit information to the brain. Loss of nerve fibers in the eye will cause blind spots or visual field defects. Progressive visual field loss from glaucoma may lead to permanent blindness unless treated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist trained in glaucoma management. Glaucoma does not usually have any symptoms, so annual eye exams are important to detect this preventable and treatable cause of blindness.
Macular Degeneration
The macula is an area of the retinal tissue in back of the eye which is responsible for color vision and detailed visual acuity. A healthy macula is needed for reading, viewing small objects, seeing distant objects clearly, and seeing colors accurately. Age-related macular degeneration is due to damage or breakdown of the macula in the eye. The majority of people with Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration experience minimal vision loss. However, some may develop a more serious type of macula degeneration called Wet Macular Degeneration. Blurred vision, darkness, distorted or wavy lines when reading are may be early signs of macula degeneration. If Wet Macular Degeneration is left untreated, vision will slowly dim until only a ring of peripheral sight remains and total blindness may occur.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye results in the eye's inability to produce tears with the proper chemical composition. Dry eye can be caused by many factors:
Aging Problems with normal blinking reflex
Medications: Antihistamines, decongestant, etc. Environmental Factors: Dry climate, excessive wind
Chemical or thermal burns to the eyes
Other health problems: arthritis, Sjogren's Syndrome
Dry Eyes can be treated with prescription drops, artificial tears, punctal plugs or a combination of different treatments. A certified optometrist is trained to be able to diagnose the cause of dry eyes and how to treat the symptoms.
Dry Eyes can be treated with prescription drops, artificial tears, punctal plugs or a combination of different treatments. A certified optometrist is trained to be able to diagnose the cause of dry eyes and how to treat the symptoms.
