Four Common Eye Diseases

The most common eye diseases are named with words that we hear everyday. But their meaning to the average person is often not clearly understood. If you are concerned that you may have any eye disease, contact us to schedule an eye exam.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by complications of diabetes. New blood vessel formation inside the eye can hemorrhage, causing blurred vision. Typically hemorrhaging is minor in the beginning and worsens with time. People with diabetes typically receive a dilated eye exam in order to more easily diagnose this common eye disease.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a medical condition usually affecting older persons with damaged retinas resulting in a loss of vision in the center of the field of vision. Regular annual exams can detect this eye disease in the early stages.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is acute inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the outermost layer of the eye as well as the inner surface of the eyelids. Common causes include infections, allergic reactions, or irritants. The common eye disease known as"pink eye" is a conjunctivitis and is typically treated by an optometrist with anti-viral or anti-bacterial topicals.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye where a damaged optic nerves leads to worsening and irreversible loss of vision. It is often found with high eye pressures. During your eye exam, Dr. Klaus will check for common pre-cursors to glaucoma. Additional testing may be ordered to diagnose this eye disease if certain criteria are met.