Overview of Common Ocular Diseases

Optometrists treat and manage many common types of ocular disease. For the best outcome, it’s important to see an eye doctor regularly so any issues can be identified before they become serious problems.

Currently, more than 4.2 million people in the U.S. alone over the age of 40 are partially blind or have poor visual acuity. Although a lot of things cause these problems, the ocular diseases listed below are the most common.
 

Macular Degeneration

This is commonly referred to as “age-related macular degeneration” because it affects seniors. Not only does it cause blurriness and distortion, but can lead to loss of central vision. 

Two types of this ocular disease exist, dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the first manifestation and causes mild to moderate vision loss. Some people progress to wet macular degeneration which occurs when abnormal blood vessels that are located behind the retina grow under the macula. Along with leaking blood and fluid, this leads to scarring and moderate to severe vision loss. 

Cataracts

Roughly 20 million people in the U.S. over the age of 40 have cataracts in either one or both eyes. While they can develop in children, teens, and young adults, cataracts are most often associated with age. With this, the natural lens in your eye becomes more dense and opaque, increasing glare and blurry vision. Our doctors work closely with cataract surgeons who perform minimally invasive surgery to remove the damaged lens and implant an artificial one. 
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, then you’re at risk of developing this ocular disease. This particular disease causes progressive damage to the retina’s blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrients to the delicate tissue of the eye, and as a result, can lead to blindness. 

In conjunction with managing your diabetes, annual eye exams are essential to reduce your risk of retinal damage and vision loss. Our doctors are in communication with your diabetic provider to keep them abreast of your ocular health status to optimize your diabetic care.
 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, typically associated with increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness.  Glaucoma is often a painless and slow progressing disease, therefore, can often go undetected without an eye exam. Our doctors utilize the latest technology to screen for glaucoma at every visit and will establish a treatment plan if you are at risk. 
 
For these common types of ocular diseases, it’s important to have your vision checked. If an ocular disease is diagnosed, our optometrists will be able to determine the best treatment plan for optimal eye health and vision.