DIABETES
Diabetes is a disease that affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you visit an Ophthalmologist every year to check for diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the result of diabetes weakening the blood vessels in your eyes. These weakened vesses then leak fluid into the retina. This can lead to blurry, distorted vision and, in some cases, blindness. Annual visits with your eye doctor can help your Ophthalmologist detect vision changes before your vision is permanently damaged and help him/her prescribe the best treatment plan for you.
Cataracts
If you are over 45 years of age, it is important to start regularly visiting your local eye doctor to preserve your sight. Cataracts are more likely to develop during the later stages of your life. A cataract is the clouding of your eyes natural lens, which is normally clear. If you’re over 45 and have poor eyesight, difficulty reading, watching TV, or driving, you may have age-related cataracts. Cataract removal surgery with lens implantation is safe and effective, sometimes restoring patients’ sight to 20/20 vision. If you suspect that you may have cataracts, it is important to contact your Ophthalmologist.
Age related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that causes the deterioration of the macula, resulting in the loss of central vision. AMD often progresses slowly and is painless, causing many people with the disease to wait too long before seeking treatment. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in Americans over the age of 65. Your Ophthalmologist can detect AMD and determine the best course of treatment, whether that be dietary changes, laser treatments, and/or injections.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is commonly called the “silent thief of eyesight” as it can cause blindness, often with no symptoms. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. This pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve.
There are two primary types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle is the most common kind. As people age the drainage area in the eye may clog, causing a build up of pressure. This can cause gradual loss of side vision. Closed-angle is less common and happens when the drainage area in the eye suddenly becomes completely blocked. Closed- angle glaucoma can cause rapid blindness.
The best way to prevent glaucoma is to have regular eye exams by your doctor. An eye doctor, like Dr. Sampson, can check your eye pressure, examine the drainage areas for blockage, and check your side vision.
There are two primary types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle is the most common kind. As people age the drainage area in the eye may clog, causing a build up of pressure. This can cause gradual loss of side vision. Closed-angle is less common and happens when the drainage area in the eye suddenly becomes completely blocked. Closed- angle glaucoma can cause rapid blindness.
The best way to prevent glaucoma is to have regular eye exams by your doctor. An eye doctor, like Dr. Sampson, can check your eye pressure, examine the drainage areas for blockage, and check your side vision.
Floaters
Floaters are small clumps of cells inside the vitreous, a clear fluid that fills the eye. Floaters often look like small specks in your field of vision. The specks that you see are shadows that the clumps cast on the retina, which senses light and sends images to the brain. Floaters are usually harmless, but if you experience a sudden increase in floaters or floaters that are accompanied by flashes of light, it is important to IMMEDIATELY contact your eye doctor, as this could be a signal of eye trauma or damage.
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