Eye Disease Diagnosis and Management in La Quinta

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over 50. Aging, UV exposure, poor nutrition, and heredity are common risk factors. The disease occurs when the macula (central part of the retina) is damaged. The macula is responsible for your central vision; the vision you use to read, drive, and recognize faces.

There are 2 types of AMD:

• Dry AMD is the most common form. The macula slowly thins over time, eventually affecting vision. The formation of drusen (small, yellow deposits) under the retina can signify dry AMD.

Wet AMD is the rarer form. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. The blood vessels bleed or leak fluid, causing macula thickening and swelling. Wet AMD is responsible for 90% of AMD-related blindness and should be treated as an eye emergency.

A cataract is a cloudy spot that develops on the eye’s normally clear lens. The cataract prevents light from easily entering the eye, causing hazy or blurry vision. Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness and low vision in the US.

Although cataracts can develop naturally due to aging, your risk can be increased by health conditions (diabetes), certain medications, and UV exposure. Early-stage vision changes can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Patients with later-stage development may benefit from cataract surgery.

Learn more about cataracts.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (transparent tissue covering the white of the eye). The condition can be allergic, chemical, or infectious. Allergic and chemical conjunctivitis is not contagious. However, infectious conjunctivitis is very contagious and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis. Eye drops or medications can provide relief from symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis (a type of infectious pink eye) must run its course, much like the common cold. Your optometrist can prescribe solutions to make you more comfortable and preserve your eye health.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that can lead to vision loss. With diabetic eye disease, high blood sugar levels can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and tissue damage. Over time, damaged blood vessels in the retina lead to vision problems, including:

• Blurry vision
• Central vision loss
• Floaters & spots
• Poor night vision

The most common form of diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, diabetes increases your risk of developing cataracts, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma.

Learn more about how diabetes affects eye health.

When flashes of light appear in your field of vision, it can indicate an eye problem. Flashes can occur in one or both eyes and have different shapes, sizes, or duration.

Several types of eye-related issues may cause flashes, ranging from harmless to eye emergencies. For example, retinal detachment may cause flashes and requires immediate treatment to save sight.

Floaters can appear as specks, threads, or various shapes floating inside your vision. However, the semi-transparent particles are trapped within the vitreous humor—the clear, jelly-like substance that maintains eye shape. The trapped protein deposits can form before birth or result from natural aging.

Most floaters are not harmful and rarely affect vision. However, certain eye diseases or injuries can increase floaters. Talk to your optometrist if you see sudden floaters—an eye exam can determine if there’s cause for concern.

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that result in optic nerve damage. The progressive deterioration of the optic nerve often develops slowly, beginning with few symptoms and potentially leading to blindness. However, in the early stages, it can cause peripheral (side) vision loss.

The most common cause of glaucoma is increased eye pressure, usually related to fluid buildup. However, glaucoma can also develop in people with normal eye pressure. 

Learn more about glaucoma.