Ocular Conditions Center

The cause of many ocular conditions, such as what causes cataracts, are well-documented, however, some are unknown, like the cause of macular degeneration.

This list of conditions that we treat at our facility here in Phoenix, AZ includes the following.

Astigmatism

• Astigmatism is a vision condition that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or sometimes the curvature of the lens inside the eye. An irregular shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance.

Cataracts

• Most causes of cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens of the eye normally characterized by cloudy vision.
• It can also be caused by diabetes mellitus, drugs (corticosteroids and chlorpromazine have been associated with cataracts), ultraviolet radiation, smoking, alcohol, or nutritional deficiency.

Conjunctivitis

• Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
• Symptoms: A gritty feeling in one or both eyes, Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes, Excessive tearing, Discharge coming from one or both eyes, swollen eyelids, pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes, increased sensitivity to light

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetic retinopathy is a condition occurring in persons with diabetes, which causes progressive damage to the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye. It is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes.
• Symptoms: Seeing spots or floaters in your field of vision, blurred vision, having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision, difficulty seeing well at night

Dry Eye

• Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision.
• Causes: Inadequate amount of tears, poor quality of tears

Keratoconus

• Keratoconus is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and irregular (cone) shaped. This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina and causes distortion of vision.
• Early Stages: slight blurring, distortion of vision, sensitivity to glare and light

Macular Degeneration

• An ocular disease where the tissue of the macula gradually becomes thin and stops functioning properly.
• While nobody knows the exact cause of macular degeneration, there are several symptoms associated with the disease.
• The symptoms include gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, objects appear distorted in shape, straight lines look wavy or crooked, loss of clear color vision, a dark or empty area appears in the center of vision.

Ocular Hypertension

• Ocular hypertension is an increase in the pressure in your eyes that is above the range considered normal with no detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure of your eyes.
• Signs and Symptoms: None. Doctor can check pressure with tonometer. One reason why regular screenings are so important.

Presbyopia

• Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects.
• Symptoms: tendency to hold reading materials at arm’s length, vision at normal reading distance, eye fatigue along with headaches when doing close work

Some of these conditions require surgery and others can be treated with vision therapy at our office. To determine whether or not you need surgery for cataracts, macular degeneration or any other condition, consult with us at our Phoenix, AZ office when you can. For more information on ocular disease or conditions, please visit AllAboutVision.com