Glaucoma Information
Glaucoma remains a leading cause of preventable blindness. It affects more than 2.3 million Americans age 40 and older. Another 2 million do not know they have the disease. Glaucoma can quietly damage the eye and optic nerve even before a person notices vision problems. Such damage cannot be reversed once it occurs. However, when we catch glaucoma early and closely monitor and treat people, we can significantly slow its progression and minimize vision loss. Dr. Paul McManus and Dr. Shalin Shah are board certified and specialize in the treatment of glaucoma. Dr. McManus, Dr.Shah and our entire team of doctors and staff are dedicated to providing the latest in treatment and care for our glaucoma patients. Treatment can involve medication, lasers such as SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) and glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy). Eye drops with medication aimed at lowering intra ocular pressure (IOP) are usually tried first to control glaucoma.For more information, click here
Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org
Retina & Vitreous Disease
Dr. John Thomas is board certified and specializes in treating diseases of the retina & vitreous. Common problems associated with the retina are:Diabetic Eye Disease - Diabetic Retinopathy
Flashes & Floaters
Detached & Torn Retina
Macular Degeneration
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin in amounts sufficient to control blood sugar levels. People with any type of diabetes can develop hyperglycemia, which is an excess of blood sugar, or serum glucose. Although glucose is a vital source of energy for the bodys cells, a chronic elevation of serum glucose causes damage throughout the body, including the small blood vessels in the eyes. As a result, if you have diabetes your run the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, in which damage occurs to the delicate blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. You are also at increased risk for developing cataracts or glaucoma. If you have diabetes, it is important to have an annual exam by an ophthalmologist.
To see a video about Diabetic Retinopathy click here
Flashes & Floaters & Detached Retina
To learn more about Floaters, Flashes & Detached Retina, click here
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a leading cause of severe vision loss in people ages 65 and over. Knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history and keeping regular appointments with your ophthalmologist can help reduce your risks for vision loss from macular degeneration. In its most severe form, known as wet AMD, the disease can lead to permanent loss of central vision, which is essential for driving, reading and recognizing faces.
Top Five Risk Factors for AMD
- Being over the age of 60
- Having a family history of AMD
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Hypertension
If you have any two of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist for a complete evaluation. Earlier detection of wet AMD gives a better chance of successful treatment.
Click here for a video about "Age-Related Macular Degeneration"
Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org
Cornea Information
Many conditions can affect the cornea. Trauma or injury to the cornea can cause scarring, as can infections (especially herpes keratitis), allergies, and dry eyes. Keratoconus causes a steep curving of the cornea.The cornea is the normally clear, front window of the eye that covers the colored iris and round, dark pupil. Light is focused while passing through the cornea allowing us to see. In a healthy eye, the cornea bends or refracts light rays so they focus precisely on the retina in the back of the eye.
All the doctors at Eye Physicians & Surgeons provide excellent care and treatment for common corneal conditions. Dr. Laura Bealer, our board certified cornea specialist, specializes in treating corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, pterygium, dry eye syndrome and other corneal conditions. When vision cannot be corrected satisfactorily, or painful swelling cannot be relieved by medication or special contact lenses, a corneal transplant may be recommended. Dr. Bealer has the experience and training in the latest transplant technique, Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty known as DSEK as well as traditional transplant techniques such as penetrating keratoplasty (PK).
To learn more about Dry Eyes click here
Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org