Eye Disease and Diagnosis

Eye disease is a broad term covering everything from simple to serious. Most of us have heard of common eye conditions such as styes (hordeolum) or pink eye (conjunctivitis). But there are other common eye diseases and conditions that can be detected in a regular comprehensive eye examination. It is particularly important to get your eyes evaluated yearly if you struggle with illnesses that can affect your vision, like diabetes. Many eye conditions can be managed or treated if detected early.

Below are just a few. Please call our office to schedule your regular comprehensive eye examination as this is the most effective way to prevent vision problems.

Cataracts

A cataract refers to the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. When a cataract becomes advanced, it can have a severe impact on your vision. It can happen at any age, but generally it occurs when we get older. A surgeon will remove the cataract with a small, bladeless incision at the top/white part of the eye. Once the cataract is removed, every patient requires an intraocular lens to replace the natural lens.

We work very closely with ophthalmologists here in Arlington and can guide you in choosing with your surgeon the most optimal implant for you. Dr. Martin and Dr. Allen are trained and experienced in post operative care and if it is more convenient for you, we are here for your additional follow up care.

Glaucoma

There are many types of glaucoma. The result is damage to the optic nerve located in the back of the eye. The optic nerve is responsible for the brain and eye to connect thus allowing us to interpret what we see. Though Angle Closure Glaucoma is painful, most types of glaucoma are not. As the disease progresses, permanent peripheral vision loss occurs. As the changes typically occur very slowly, it is difficult for patients to detect on their own.

Age-related macular degeneration

This is a common condition that affects the central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry is more common and typically progresses more slowly. Wet progresses more rapidly and occurs when the growth of abnormal blood vessels damage the macula. We work very closely with retinal specialists here in Arlington. We will refer when needed.

Flashes and floaters

Flashes are streaks or flashes of light that occur in your field of vision. Floaters are unusual shapes that appear in your vision. These can look like specks, dots, strings or lines. Sometimes we have a visual migraine that can mimic these flashes and floaters. This can be with or without a headache.

Most flashes and floaters on their own can be harmless, but if you experience something new or more frequent, you should call our office for an emergency appointment.