Ocular diseases (diseases of the eye) can vary greatly in their symptoms and effects — from temporary irritation to profound, permanent loss of vision. Some of the most serious eye diseases are also the least noticeable, at least at first, doing extensive damage before you even realize you have a problem. Fortunately, our San Antonio TX optometrist here at The Vision Place, Dr. Sandra Palomino, can diagnose and treat such diseases. Some of the most common conditions we help our optometry patients with include:
- Cataracts – A cataract is a clumping of proteins in the lens of the eye that cause the lens to become opaque instead of transparent. Symptoms include blurred vision, poor color and/or night vision, extreme glare sensitivity, and strange sparkly “halos” around bright lights (which can make driving hazardous). Cataracts usually progress quite slowly, allowing glasses, glare filters and other corrective devices to compensate for early-stage vision changes. If you need cataract removal surgery, we’ll refer you to that specialist and co-manage your recuperation.
- Glaucoma – Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerves most commonly caused by high intraocular pressure. When your eye’s drainage system cannot remove excess fluid from inside the eye efficiently, the ever-growing pressure can do permanent damage to the nerve fibers, eventually robbing you of your eyesight. We can control glaucoma through medicated eye drops and oral drugs; if your glaucoma resists medication, we can refer you to an eye surgeon for a painless procedure to improve eye drainage.
- Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration generally occurs during the senior years. This progressive disease does irreversible damage to the macula, the retinal tissue that controls your central vision. Our eye doctor will monitor this condition closely, recommending lifestyle changes, UV protection and other techniques to minimize its progression. Advanced cases can be treated with injectable medications.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy is the result of high blood sugars’ effects on the eye’s delicate blood vessels, which may weaken and bleed into the eye, causing vision loss. The eye often responds by quickly creating new, abnormal blood vessels which are even more trouble-prone. Our optometrist will urge you to make the necessary medical and lifestyle changes to control your blood sugar while (if necessary) using injectable medications to stop the creation of new, leaky blood vessels.
- Dry Eye – Dry eye is more serious than it sounds. Unbalanced or insufficient tear film can cause redness, itchiness, foreign-body sensations and vision problems; it can also expose your corneas to serious damage. Our eye doctor can find out exactly why your eyes are dry, treating the problem with everything from eye drops and lifestyle recommendations to suggestions for changing certain medications or getting help for a contributing medical condition.
- Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis (irritation of the membrane between the eyelid and the white of the eye) may be caused by infections, allergies, or even poor contact lens hygiene. We can prescribe the right mix of treatments and remedies to soothe your eye, speed healing, and help you avoid future irritation.
- Keratoconus – Keratoconus is a cone-shaped bulging of the corneas caused by thin or weakened corneal tissue. Most cases cause progressively-worsening visual distortion. Scleral contacts (which cover the entire cornea and rest on the white of the eye) and glasses may be sufficient to correct your vision.
Contact The Vision Place in San Antonio, TX!
Contact our optometrist at The Vision Place in San Antonio to make an appointment for an assessment of your eyes. Call our office today at 210-764-1113 to find out more information.