Conditions
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common condition that is characterized by instability or insufficiency of the tear film, inflammation/damage, and neurosensory abnormalities of the ocular surface. The surface of the eye is covered by the tear film, which is a thin layer of tears meant to protect and lubricate the eye along with other important functions. Blinking can help to maintain a healthy tear film and replenish necessary tears and oils that promote comfort and vision. Several systems are responsible for producing tears and if any of these systems were to break down, it can result in a reduction of the quantity and quality of tears: thus, resulting in dry eye disease.
Treatment Options:
Artificial tears: It is recommended to treat with artificial tears at least 2-4 times daily for long term dry eye management. If treating with tears more than 4x daily, we recommend using preservative-free tears. At night, gel drops or ointment before bed can provide extra protection overnight and improve comfort in the morning.
Omega 3 supplements: Meibomian glands are responsible for production and maintenance of the tear film. Omega 3s can help to improve the quality of the oil in the glands and aid in maintaining a healthy tear film. It is important to find a good quality Omega for the best and most effective results/benefit.
Lid scrubs and warm compresses: Blepharitis is a common condition that is characterized by a build-up of bacteria and debris in the lashes. Cleaning the lids and lashes with lid scrubs daily can promote good lid hygiene and prevent any bacteria from getting into and clogging oil glands. Meibomian glands help to produce and maintain the integrity of the tear film. The consistency of the oil in these glands should be smooth like olive oil. When the glands get clogged, they become viscous like toothpaste resulting in instability and insufficiency of the tear film. Warm compresses paired with lid massages help to heat the glands and aid in gland expression to remove any bacteria.
Punctal plugs: A low-quality tear film means that the tears are evaporating quickly and not staying on the surface of the eye for long enough. A healthy tear breakup time is ~ 10 seconds. When the tears drain off on the surface of the eye, they drain through the tear duct or puncta. Inserting a small silicon plug into the puncta will prevent the tears from draining and help them stay on the surface of the eye longer. It is a quick, painless in-office procedure that takes less than 5 minutes. Will typically start with 1-week temporary dissolvable plugs, as a trial, before graduating to 4 month temporary plugs or permanent plugs.Prescription eye drops: These drops are meant to be used twice daily for long term management. Restasis works to regulate the inflammatory processes in the eyes which affect the production of tears. Xiidra helps to improve tear production and decrease inflammation by blocking certain protein interactions. It can take ~ 3 months to experience relief from dry eye symptoms for both medications.
IPL Therapy: Traditionally used in derma-spas, IPL therapy was used to treat fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles and was found to play a significant role in long-term improvement of dry eye symptoms. Treating underneath the lower eyelids, the light energy transforms into heat. Thus, heating up the oil glands and promoting an improvement in tear film production and overall function. Recommended therapy for the best effect is 4 treatments over the course of 6-8 weeks.
Glacoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. Over time, increased eye pressure can cause thinning of the optic nerve head, leading to gradual vision loss, and if left untreated, it can result in blindness. Glaucoma typically progresses slowly and without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Treatment Options:
Medications: Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
Laser Therapy: Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty that help fluid drain out of the eye more effectively.
Surgery: Surgical options such as trabeculectomy, where a new drainage pathway is created for the fluid, or the implantation of drainage devices to lower eye pressure.
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of glaucoma to prevent significant vision loss.
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is an eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. This can lead to difficulty reading, recognizing faces, and performing tasks that require sharp vision. There are two types of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD):]
Dry AMD: The more common form, where the macula thins over time. It progresses slowly and causes gradual vision loss.
Treatment Options: Currently, there is no cure for dry AMD, but taking vitamins and supplements specifically designed for eye health (AREDS2 formula) can help slow its progression. Regular monitoring is essential.
2. Wet AMD: A less common but more severe form where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid vision loss.
Treatment Options: Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections to reduce blood vessel growth, laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, or photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses light-activated drugs.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot properly use and store glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss. Yearly eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, which can prevent severe vision loss.
Treatment Options:
Control of Blood Sugar Levels: Managing diabetes effectively through diet, exercise, and medication.
Laser Treatment: Photocoagulation to seal leaking blood vessels.
Injections: Anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling and blood vessel growth.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to a gradual decline in vision quality. The lens is normally clear and focuses light onto the retina, which allows for sharp, detailed vision. When a cataract forms, it interferes with this process, causing the vision to appear blurry, dim, or distorted.
Causes of Cataracts:
Aging: The most common cause, as proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together over time.
Trauma: An eye injury can lead to cataract formation.
Medications: Long-term use of steroids and other medications can contribute to cataract development.Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and certain metabolic disorders can accelerate cataract formation.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
Blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights, colors appearing faded or yellowed, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Treatment:
The only effective treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which is a safe and common procedure. Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. This procedure not only restores clear vision but can also correct refractive errors, potentially reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. During cataract surgery the cloudy lens is removed and is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
IDK
Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to a gradual decline in vision quality. The lens is normally clear and focuses light onto the retina, which allows for sharp, detailed vision. When a cataract forms, it interferes with this process, causing the vision to appear blurry, dim, or distorted.
Causes of Cataracts:
Aging: The most common cause, as proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together over time.
Trauma: An eye injury can lead to cataract formation.
Medications: Long-term use of steroids and other medications can contribute to cataract development.Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and certain metabolic disorders can accelerate cataract formation.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
Blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights, colors appearing faded or yellowed, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Treatment:
The only effective treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which is a safe and common procedure. Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. This procedure not only restores clear vision but can also correct refractive errors, potentially reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. During cataract surgery the cloudy lens is removed and is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
