Eye Diseases

Vision loss caused by eye diseases is on the rise as a result of America’s aging population. According to estimates by the National Eye Institute(NEI) and the Center for Disease Control(CDC), there are over 4 million Americans over the age of 40 who are blind or suffer from reduced vision. By the year 2020, Americans with reduced or no vision could rise to as much as 6 million people.

According to the NEI, the most common eye diseases in Americans over 40 years old are age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic related eye disease, and glaucoma.

In order to prevent vision loss and maintain your vision health, it is recommended you get a comprehensive eye exam on an annual basis. Scheduling an annual eye exam should be a priority if you are found to be at risk for developing an eye disease. Many eye conditions and diseases can be treated if caught early, so be sure to have your eyes checked by one of our doctors on a regular basis. Early detection is very important.

Common Ocular Diseases

Some of the most common ocular diseases we can diagnose and treat here at First Eye Care Downtown Dallas include:

• Blepharitis – This ocular disease is characterized by an inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes. It is one of the most common eye conditions and usually occurs as a result of poor eyelid hygiene, a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or abnormalities in oil gland function.
• Cataracts – This is a common eye disease that typically affects older adults. Cataracts occur when there is a clouding or opacity of the natural internal lens of the eye. In some cases, this opacity is a small spot, whereas in others it will cover the entire lens. When this occurs, the light that enters the eye becomes scattered, causing images to appear blurred and hazy. The best treatment for those with cataracts is surgery, at which points we will replace the cataract lens with a plastic, man-made lens.
• CMV Retinitis – AIDS or other diseases that affect your immune system can increase your risk of serious eye problems from cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
• Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy – The back of the cornea is called the endothelium, and diseases of the corneal endothelium are called corneal endotheliopathies. Also called Fuchs’ Dystrophy.
• Corneal Neovascularization – This condition is characterized by new blood vessels growing into the cornea.
• Diabetic Retinopathy – A condition that occurs in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye.
• Glaucoma – Glaucoma is characterized by an increase in the intraocular pressure in the eyes, which results in damage to the optic nerve. In most cases, there are no signs or early symptoms of the disease, which is why it is often referred to as “the silent thief of sight”. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, but there are medications and surgical options that can stop further vision loss from setting in.
• Keratoconus – This eye disease causes the cornea to grow thinner and bulge forward in an irregular cone-shape. Treatment options range from gas permeable contact lenses to a cornea transplant.
• Macular Degeneration – This chronic, progressive disease ruins sharp, clear vision as the macula – a spot in the center of the retina – deteriorates. There are two different types of macular degeneration: wet (less common) and dry (more common).
• Ocular Hypertension – You’ve heard of high blood pressure, but did you know your eyes can have high eye pressure?
• Retinal Detachment – A detached retina is a medical emergency. Learn the warning signs of a retinal detachment and what you can do to avoid permanent vision loss.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa – These inherited disorders, commonly abbreviated as RP, cause progressive peripheral vision loss, night blindness and central vision loss.
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage – This condition is characterized by the sudden appearance of blood on the white part of the eye.
• Uveitis – This inflammatory eye disease can cause permanent vision loss if not promptly treated.
• Vitreous Detachment – As we get older, the fluid inside the eye may condense, contract and separate from the back of the eye.

To learn more about ocular diseases and how we diagnose and treat them at First Eye Care, please visit one of our two convenient locations in Downtown Dallas and Irving, Texas today.

To schedule an appointment with our doctor, please call (972) 313-9505.