Eye Disease Information for Our Northern and Southern Arizona Patients
In addition to offering LASIK, PRK, and other vision correction options, Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center provides comprehensive eye disease examinations at all Northern and Southern Arizona locations. In almost every situation, early detection and treatment of eye disease can mean the difference between successful treatment and permanent damage or even blindness.
Cataracts
When the eye's natural lens becomes permanently clouded due to protein clumping, the resulting condition is called a cataract. Though cataracts can occur after injury to the eye or certain health ailments, most cataracts are caused by aging and usually occur in people over the age of 60. Read more about the different types of cataracts and their symptoms.
The most effective treatment for cataracts is surgery that replaces the eye's natural lens with an artificial one. This type of surgery has been perfected over the last few decades and is extremely safe. Read more about cataract surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is another of the most common types of eye disease affecting our Northern and Southern Arizona patients. Caused either by a sudden or long-term increase in ocular pressure, glaucoma can easily cause blindness if it goes untreated. It is essential for patients to be regularly examined for glaucoma, as some types of the disease present no visible symptoms until severe damage has already occurred. Read more about the types of glaucoma and glaucoma treatment.
Retina Conditions
The retina, located on the back surface of the eyeball, is responsible for receiving light signals and transmitting them to the brain via the optic nerve. Eye disease affecting the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), often have permanently damaging effects on visual acuity.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when chronic high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels that feed the retina. Depending on the severity of the eye disease, laser surgery may help to slow or even halt the progress of diabetic retinopathy. Read more about the types of diabetic retinopathy and its treatments.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when certain cells stop working in the macula, which is a small area of the retina responsible for seeing fine detail. Loss of this central vision can drastically reduce a person's ability to drive, read, or participate in hobbies. Read more about treatments available to patients with macular degeneration.
Examination Schedule
Since most serious types of eye disease are age-related, our Northern and Southern Arizona patients are encouraged to schedule comprehensive eye exams more frequently as they get older. Patients under the age of 40 should make an appointment with one of our doctors if they experience any unusual symptoms such as blurry vision, pain, or flashes of light. Patients from age 40 to 65 should come in every two to four years, and people over the age of 65 should visit us every year or two.
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for eye disease and are advised to schedule their exams accordingly. These groups include adults with diabetes, African Americans over the age of 40, and anyone who has a family history of eye disease or injury.
To meet with an eye disease specialist at a Northern or Southern Arizona location near you, contact Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center today.
To be examined for the symptoms of eye disease, contact one of our offices located throughout Northern or Southern Arizona.
