Eye Disease Diagnosis
& Management

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often related to changes in eye pressure. It typically develops slowly and often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Because vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, early detection and ongoing monitoring are very important. During your eye exam, we assess eye pressure, optic nerve health, and other risk factors to help identify glaucoma as early as possible.

The common types of glaucoma are:

• Open-angle glaucoma
  The most common form. Eye pressure builds slowly over time because fluid does not drain as efficiently as it should.
• Closed-angle glaucoma
  A less common but more urgent form where the drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. This is considered a medical emergency.
• Normal-tension glaucoma
  Optic nerve damage occurs even though eye pressure remains within the normal range. We monitor this closely through imaging and functional testing.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. This is the vision you rely on for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

AMD becomes more common with age, and risk can be influenced by family history, smoking, UV exposure, and overall health. Regular eye exams allow us to monitor for changes and guide you through the next steps if needed.

There are two main types of AMD:

• Dry AMD
  The most common form. It develops gradually as the macula becomes thinner over time, leading to slowly changing central vision.
• Wet AMD
  Less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, which can cause more rapid changes in vision.

Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema. These changes often develop before any symptoms are noticeable.

Routine diabetic eye exams help us detect early signs, monitor progression, and coordinate care when needed to help protect your vision long term.

Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy over time. They are very common and can cause blurry vision, glare, difficulty with night driving, or frequent prescription changes.

Early cataracts can often be managed with updated glasses or lighting changes. When they begin to impact your daily life, we can guide you through the referral process for surgery and support you along the way.

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the front surface of the eye. It can be caused by infections, allergies, dryness, or irritation.

Symptoms may include:

• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Watery / teary discharge
• Mucus discharge or crustiness
• Discomfort or pain

Because the cause can vary, an eye exam helps determine the right treatment and whether it may be contagious.