Eye Disease Management
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an eye disease, we understand how daunting that can feel. At South Coast Optometry, we're committed to providing comprehensive care and management for various eye diseases.
Understanding these conditions is the first step toward effective treatment and maintaining optimal eye health. Below is a brief overview of the main eye diseases we manage, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can progress without symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. It's often characterized by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve.
Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial, as treatment can prevent or stabilize vision loss. Managing glaucoma typically involves prescription eye drops or surgery to lower eye pressure.
Cataracts: Clouding of the Eye's Lens
Cataracts develop when the eye's lens becomes clouded, leading to a decrease in vision. It's a condition that mainly affects older adults but can occur at any age. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty with glare, and faded colors.
Cataract treatment involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens, restoring clear vision.
Macular Degeneration: Central Vision Loss
Macular degeneration, specifically age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects the macula and leads to loss of central vision. It's divided into dry and wet forms, with dry AMD being more common.
MPOD Testing at South Coast Optometry
MPOD testing measures the density of the macular pigment, crucial for protecting the eyes against harmful blue light and maintaining macula function. With the QuantifEye instrument, we provide a simple, non-invasive exam to measure your macular pigment optical density.
This test helps us identify individuals at higher risk for AMD and guide them toward lifestyle and dietary choices that can improve their MPOD and potentially reduce their risk of developing AMD.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Diabetic Eye Diseases
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina. It can lead to blindness if left untreated. Early stages may not present symptoms, but as the condition progresses, it can cause blurred vision, floaters, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors.
Managing blood sugar levels is critical in preventing diabetic retinopathy, and treatments may include laser therapy or surgical procedures to reduce the progression of the disease.
Get In Touch For Effective Eye Disease Management
At South Coast Optometry, we're dedicated to helping patients manage these conditions and more through early detection, education, and co-management options.
Whether it's routine eye exams, lifestyle recommendations, or advanced monitoring, our goal is to preserve and improve your vision.
Visit us in Costa Mesa to learn more about how we can effectively support your eye health and manage any existing conditions.
