Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Dallas & Area

Glaucoma, sometimes referred to as “the silent thief of sight,” is one of the most common eye diseases in the world. Glaucoma earned its nickname because of its ability to develop without its sufferers showing any obvious symptoms. However, an optometrist can detect this disease with a comprehensive eye exam.

Glaucoma can harm your vision by gradually damaging your optic nerve. This damage is often, but not always, caused by increased intraocular eye pressure (IOP). The most common types of glaucoma are:

• Open-angle glaucoma – The most common form of glaucoma, it occurs when the trabecular meshwork (the drainage canal for your eye’s intraocular fluid), becomes blocked or restricted, inhibiting drainage. The fluids then build up, causing your IOP to rise and putting pressure on your optic nerve, eventually causing vision loss.
• Closed-angle glaucoma – Also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, this type of glaucoma is less common than its open-angle counterpart, but progresses more rapidly and can quickly compromise your vision. When the drainage angle between the iris and cornea closes or becomes blocked, IOP levels can rise rapidly, causing sudden damage to the optic nerve. Eye pain, headaches, and nausea are all common symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma is considered to be a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
• Normal-tension glaucoma – Normal-tension glaucoma is a form of glaucoma that occurs even if your IOP levels are within normal range. Your optometrist can diagnose normal-tension glaucoma by looking for signs of optic nerve damage during a comprehensive eye exam.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. There are two common forms of AMD:

• Dry AMD occurs when small deposits of lipids, known as drusen, form underneath the macula, which is responsible for your central vision. These deposits cause the macula to thin, eventually leading to vision loss.
• Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, but it accounts for over 90% of severe AMD related vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when new, fragile blood vessels form underneath the macula. These vessels can leak and bulge, causing damage to your macula. Wet AMD is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This condition develops when the crystalline lens of your eye becomes rigid and less transparent, resulting in a milky film that covers your lens. Glasses or contact lenses are common workarounds, but cataracts can only be treated with cataract removal surgery.

Your chances of developing cataracts increases if you smoke, have diabetes, or if your family has a history of developing early cataracts.

Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes referred to as pink eye, symptoms typically include redness, soreness, crusty or stringy discharge, and irritation. There are 3 common forms of conjunctivitis:

• Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious, but doesn’t necessarily require treatment. Visit your optometrist to find the right solution for you and to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection and requires antibiotics for proper treatment. It’s highly contagious, so make sure you visit your optometrist as soon as you can for effective relief.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, typically to pet hair, dander, dust, or pollen. It doesn’t require treatment, but you can manage your symptoms with allergy medication or eye drops.