CATARACTS
A cataract is a cloudiness that develops in the natural lens of the eye. Cataracts occur because of the aging process, may be inherited, may occur as the result of eye injuries, systemic diseases or medications. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurred.
The only treatment for cataracts is surgical removal. Surgery should be done when the blurring of your vision prevents you from seeing to do your normal activities such as reading or driving. The ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., will guide you as to when surgery should be done.
Further information on cataracts may be obtained by contacting our office, or at the following Internet sites:
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye usually associated with an elevated intraocular pressure. The elevated eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, with resulting vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma may be inherited, or may be caused as a result of the aging process, following eye injuries, or be secondary to medications and systemic diseases.
There are five main types of glaucoma:
Open angle glaucoma - This is the most common type. It occurs in about 2% of the population, and makes up 90% of all the glaucomas. It is associated with elevated intraocular pressure because of a deterioration in the channels which drain fluid from the eye. Unfortunately there are no symptoms, so that it has to be diagnosed by having an eye exam. Symptoms only occur in the advanced stage when an individual is losing vision. Routine eye exams are very important to detect this type of glaucoma. Treatment of this type of glaucoma usually involves eyedrop medications, but laser treatment or surgery may be needed.
Narrow angle glaucoma - This usually occurs in the older age group. In this type glaucoma the iris or colored part of the eye obstructs the drainage channels of the eye. This may occur very suddenly resulting in a rapid increase in ocular pressure and is usually very painful, with blurred vision and nausea. Laser or surgical treatment is usually needed.
Low tension or normal pressure glaucoma - This is a condition in which damage to the optic nerve occurs at normal eye pressures. Often there is evidence of vascular disease systemically or in the optic nerve. Treatment may require eye medications, laser treatment or surgery to bring the eye pressures to a very low level to prevent further damage.
Infantile glaucoma - This type occurs in babies or children. The eye may be enlarged or cloudy. Surgery is required to treat the condition.
Secondary glaucoma conditions which damage the drainage structures of the eye such as injury can cause elevated ocular pressures, and lead to eye damage. There are also systemic diseases associated with developmental eye abnormalities which can cause glaucoma
Further information on glaucoma may be obtained by contacting our office, or at the following Internet sites:
MACULAR DEGENERATION
The macula of the eye is the central part of the retina, the part which is used for detailed vision such as reading and recognizing people. Damage to or destruction of the macula is known as macular degeneration. When macular degeneration is fully developed the individual is unable to read, drive or recognize people. There are two primary types of macular degeneration, the dry type and the wet type.
Dry Type Macular Degeneration - In the dry type the deterioration in the macular area of the retina, and the deterioration in the vision, is slow and gradual and may occur over a period of years. There is often a family history of macular degeneration, and frequently changes in the retina called drusen are present before the actual degeneration occurs. There is no treatment of proven value for the dry type macular degeneration, although nutritional supplements are used often. Laser treatment and surgery are being evaluated experimentally, but currently are not proven to help.
Wet Type Macular Degeneration - The wet type of macular degeneration usually begins abruptly with a change in or loss of vision associated with a hemorrhage or an abnormal blood vessel membrane developing in the macular area of the retina. Vision loss is often severe immediately. Treatment may consist of laser, with or without dye injection, and occasionally surgery. Unfortunately, treatment usually only arrests the condition without improving the vision.
Further information on macular degeneration may be obtained by contacting our office, or at the following Internet sites:
REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Refractive surgery involves the use of surgery, lasers, heat, or artificial implants to reduce nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. The type of procedure done depends on the amount of correction needed. Currently the ophthalmologists in our office do not perform refractive surgery, and we are recommending that patients who want it see the Emory Vision Center in Atlanta. We can provide you information on the procedures and tell you if you are a candidate for the surgery.
Further information on refractive surgery may be obtained by contacting our office, or at the following Internet sites:
DRY EYES
The lack of lubrication in our eyes may cause them to feel dry, sore, scratchy, to burn and to feel tired. At times people with dry eyes will actually complain of their eyes watering, as the lacrimal gland produces tears to try to make up for the deficient daily lubrication. Dry eyes are more frequent in women; increase in frequency with age; may be brought on or aggravated by medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, beta blockers, antidepressants and alcohol; are aggravated by dust, wind, fans, dehumidifiers, and dry conditions; and can make wearing contact lenses difficult.
The diagnosis of dry eyes is based on patient symptoms, an eye exam and several simple tests of tear production. The treatment of dry eyes usually consists of artificial tear replacement drops, of which there are many on the market. In some cases longer term relief can be obtained by closure of the tear ducts (or puncta) which drain fluid from the eye. This allows the patient to use their own tears to treat the condition. Occlusion of the puncta can be done reversibly with silicone plugs or permanently with cautery.
Further information on dry eyes may be obtained by contacting our office, or at the following Internet sites:
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