Category: Articles

Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease is a genetic form of macular degeneration that typically affects children or young adults. Also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy, it causes progressive vision loss due to damage in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.

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Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

RP refers to a group of inherited diseases that gradually destroy the retina’s light-sensitive cells, leading to night blindness, tunnel vision, and eventual loss of sight. Although rare, RP is a major cause of inherited blindness and can be challenging to diagnose early.

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Macular Dystrophy

Similar to age-related macular degeneration, macular dystrophy damages the macula and leads to central vision loss—but it can affect younger individuals. It is often genetic and may progress at different rates depending on the specific type.

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) thins and bulges into a cone shape, leading to distorted and blurred vision. It typically appears in the teen years or early adulthood and may require specialty contact lenses or surgical treatment in advanced cases.

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis

CMV retinitis is a serious viral infection of the retina that can cause blindness if left untreated. It most often affects individuals with weakened immune systems, especially those with advanced HIV/AIDS. Early antiviral treatment is critical to preserving vision.

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Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy

This condition affects the innermost layer of the cornea, leading to swelling, blurred vision, and corneal clouding over time. Fuchs’ dystrophy can be hereditary and may eventually require corneal transplant surgery if symptoms become severe.

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Don’t Ignore Unusual Vision Changes

Eye diseases often progress gradually and without pain. Regular eye exams help detect issues early—when treatment is most effective. If you have a family history of eye disease or experience new symptoms, talk to your eye care provider about screening and prevention options.

Common Retinal Disorders

Macular degeneration. Also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), this condition affects the center part of the retina, the macula. This area is needed for the sharp, central vision that is used during everyday activities such as driving, reading or working with tools. This condition is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 years old. Treatment can slow the loss of vision, but it will not restore vision that has already been lost.

Diabetic eye disease. The high blood sugar (glucose) levels that occur with diabetes can also affect vision. One type of diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to blurry or double vision, blank spots in the vision and pain in one or both eyes. Diabetics may also be at higher risk of developing other eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Retinal detachment. This medical emergency happens when the retina pulls or lifts off of its normal position. It can cause symptoms such as floaters in the field of vision, light flashes and the feeling of a “curtain” in the way of your vision. If not treated right away, a retinal detachment can lead to permanent blindness in that eye.

Retinoblastoma. This cancer of the retina is generally uncommon; although, it is the most common type of eye cancer in children. The cancer starts in the cells of the retina, but can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

Macular pucker. Scar tissue on the macula can make the central vision become blurry and distorted. Although the symptoms are similar, macular pucker is not the same as age-related macular degeneration. The symptoms of a macular pucker are usually mild and do not require treatment. Sometimes, the scar tissue can fall off the retina on its own, and the vision will return to normal.

Macular hole. This condition is caused by a small break in the macula, which leads to blurriness and distortion in the central vision. Related to aging, this condition usually happens in people over the age of 60. Some macular holes close up on their own while others require surgery to help improve vision.

Floaters. These are specks, or “cobwebs,” that appear in the field of vision. Unlike scratches on the cornea, which follow your eye movements, floaters can drift even when the eyes are not moving. Most people have some floaters and have no problem with their vision. A sudden increase in the number of floaters, though, can indicate a more serious eye problem such as retinal detachment.

If you notice a change in your vision or simply have not undergone a routine eye ex

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When to See an Eye Doctor

If you notice changes in your vision—such as increased floaters, flashes of light, blurriness, or shadows—or if it’s time for a routine eye exam, consult your eye care provider for a thorough retinal evaluation.

Early detection and treatment can help protect your sight and maintain your quality of life.

What Is Visual Rehabilitation?

Visual rehabilitation is a personalized process designed to address the unique visual deficits of each patient. This approach typically involves a team of healthcare professionals, including optometrists, medical doctors, psychologists, neurologists, and occupational therapists, who collaborate to develop an individualized plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

Treatment may involve:

• Occupational therapy to adapt the environment for easier navigation and independence.
• Vision therapy to retrain and improve the functioning of the visual system.

What Is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a doctor-supervised, non-surgical program that uses specialized exercises and tools to retrain the eye-brain connection. Unlike glasses or contact lenses that only correct refractive errors, vision therapy aims to teach the visual system to correct itself and improve overall function.

Some common vision therapy activities include:

• Viewing objects through prism lenses to improve eye coordination.
• Tracking moving objects to enhance focus and eye movement.
• Coordinating eye and body movements for better balance and spatial awareness.
• Using computerized tasks to improve visual processing.

Vision therapy is highly customized based on each patient’s specific challenges and may incorporate lenses, prisms, balance boards, and other tools.

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Visual Rehabilitation Conditions

Post-Concussive Vision Syndrome

Each year, over 300,000 sports-related concussions occur, with many more from accidents and falls. Concussions can cause cognitive difficulties and a cluster of vision problems known as post-concussive vision syndrome. Early intervention with vision therapy can improve recovery and visual function.

Special Needs

Individuals with special needs often face vision problems at higher rates than the general population. Visual rehabilitation and vision therapy can address these issues to support learning, communication, and daily functioning.

Traumatic Injury

Vision involves complex interactions between the eyes, brain, balance, and motor systems. Traumatic injuries can disrupt any part of this system. Visual rehabilitation helps retrain the brain and eyes to work together, improving vision and overall function.

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How Vision Therapy Works

Vision therapy—also called vision training or neuro-vision therapy—is a subspecialty of optometry. It focuses on developing, improving, and enhancing visual functions so the entire visual system works more efficiently.

By targeting eye movement control, focusing ability, eye teaming, and visual processing, vision therapy helps patients overcome problems that glasses or surgery alone cannot fix.

Benefits of Vision Therapy

• Improves eye coordination and tracking.
• Reduces eyestrain and headaches.
• Enhances reading ability and academic performance.
• Addresses conditions like lazy eye, convergence insufficiency, and visual processing disorders.
• Supports recovery from brain injury and neurological disorders.

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Signs and Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Vision Therapy

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing visually.
• Frequent headaches or eye strain.
• Trouble tracking moving objects or reading smoothly.
• Double vision or eye fatigue.
• Poor hand-eye coordination.
• Challenges with balance or spatial awareness.

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

Unfortunately, the cornea is vulnerable to a range of conditions known collectively as corneal disorders. These disorders can cause vision problems, discomfort, and in severe cases, vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserving eye health.

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Common Corneal Disorders We Treat

Keratoconus

Keratoconus typically develops in young people between ages 10 and 25. It causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape, leading to nearsightedness and distorted vision. Early detection can slow progression and improve outcomes.

Viruses Affecting the Cornea

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) can involve the eyes, leading to inflammation and scarring of the cornea. Symptoms might not appear until months after the initial shingles outbreak, making ongoing monitoring crucial.

Corneal Dystrophies

This group includes over 20 inherited disorders that cause clouding and deterioration of the cornea. Corneal dystrophies usually affect both eyes equally and progress over time, impacting vision clarity.

Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye)

A pink, fleshy growth on the white of the eye caused by chronic UV exposure. Although benign, pterygium can interfere with vision and cause discomfort, especially if it grows over the cornea.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

A severe skin disorder that can cause painful corneal blisters and lesions on the eyelids, sometimes leading to vision loss if untreated.

Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

A rare condition mostly affecting women aged 30 to 50, characterized by iris changes, corneal swelling, and the development of glaucoma.

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Why Timely Care for Corneal Disorders Matters

Corneal disorders can cause blurred vision, eye discomfort, light sensitivity, and other symptoms that impact your daily life. With advances in eye care, many corneal conditions are manageable through medications, specialized contact lenses, or surgery.

If you experience any unusual symptoms such as eye redness, pain, vision changes, or growths on your eye, don’t wait. Early diagnosis allows for effective treatment to protect your vision.

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Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Let us help you safeguard your vision and maintain healthy, clear corneas.

Fortunately, many patients with refractive errors are candidates for refractive surgery, a group of procedures designed to reshape the cornea and improve how your eye focuses light. These surgeries can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

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Common Refractive Errors Treated with Surgery

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly while close objects remain in focus.
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty seeing objects up close while distant vision remains clearer.
• Astigmatism: Irregular curvature of the cornea or lens causing distorted or blurred vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: An age-related condition typically starting around age 40, causing difficulty focusing on close objects or reading material.

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Types of Refractive Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

The most popular refractive surgery, LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea’s surface, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. The procedure is quick, outpatient, and usually results in rapid visual recovery.

Custom or Bladeless LASIK

An advanced form of LASIK that uses a femtosecond laser instead of a blade for creating the corneal flap, offering enhanced precision and safety.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This laser surgery reshapes the cornea without creating a flap and is ideal for patients with thinner corneas or other corneal issues.

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) & Epi-LASIK

Variations of surface laser surgeries that differ in how the outer corneal cells are managed during the procedure.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

A non-laser procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea, primarily used for mild farsightedness or presbyopia.

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Am I a Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

Your eye care provider will conduct a thorough exam to determine if refractive surgery is right for you. Factors considered include:

• Stability of your vision prescription
• Corneal thickness and shape
• Overall eye health
• Your lifestyle and visual needs

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If you want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts, schedule a consultation with our eye care team to explore the best refractive surgery option for your unique vision needs.

Treatment of Pediatric Vision Issues

Many vision problems in children go beyond what glasses alone can fix. Vision therapy—a personalized program to retrain the eyes and brain to work together—is often recommended. This may involve in-office sessions using specialized equipment and customized at-home exercises to improve skills like eye coordination, tracking, and focusing. The goal is to enhance how the eyes function, not just clarity of sight.

Common Pediatric Vision Conditions

• Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)
  Amblyopia occurs when one eye develops weaker vision, often due to unequal refractive errors or alignment problems. Early detection is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Wandering Eye (Strabismus)
  Also called “tropia,” this condition causes one eye to drift. It may result from muscle or nerve issues and can lead to double vision or vision suppression.
• Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)
  A form of misalignment where eyes turn inward or outward, affecting binocular vision and depth perception.
• Ocular Motor Dysfunction
  Problems with eye muscle control affecting eye movement, which can impact reading and attention.
• Convergence Insufficiency
  Difficulty keeping eyes aligned when focusing on close tasks, causing strain and headaches.
• Accommodative Dysfunction
  Trouble focusing on near objects or switching focus between distances, often overlooked in screenings but impactful on learning.

Vision and Learning Challenges

• Learning-Related Vision Problems
  Visual processing difficulties can compound learning disabilities, and vision therapy may help improve academic performance.
• Dyslexia
  While primarily a language disorder, some children with dyslexia benefit from vision therapy addressing visual processing.
• Reading and Writing Difficulties
  Linked to focusing, tracking, or visual perception problems.
• ADD/ADHD
  Vision therapy can improve visual efficiency, aiding attention and classroom performance.
• Autism and Vision
  Children with autism may have unique visual needs, such as challenges with eye contact or light sensitivity, which vision therapy can address.

Specialized Care

Pediatric ophthalmologists diagnose and treat more complex cases, including those requiring surgery, often collaborating with optometrists for comprehensive care.

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Don’t Wait to Support Your Child’s Vision

Your child’s vision is key to their learning, development, and confidence. If your child struggles with reading, attention, or coordination—or was flagged in a vision screening—schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam today. Early detection and personalized treatment can make a lasting difference.

Types of Contact Lenses

Decorative (Plano) or Colored Contact Lenses

Colored contacts let you change your eye color for cosmetic reasons—even if you don’t need vision correction. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bold, dramatic look for a special occasion, decorative lenses must still be prescribed and properly fitted by an eye care provider to ensure safety.

Important: Even non-corrective colored lenses can harm your eyes if used without a proper exam and fitting. Always get decorative contacts from a trusted optical source.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

Bifocal contacts combine two prescriptions in one lens, typically for people with presbyopia—age-related near vision loss. They allow you to see both near and far clearly without needing reading glasses. Options include soft, rigid gas permeable, and multifocal designs.

Your eye doctor will help determine which type best suits your visual needs and daily routine.

Contact Lens FAQs

• Can I wear contact lenses?
  Most people can wear contact lenses safely and comfortably. There are options for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even dry eyes.
• Are contact lenses safe?
  Yes, when prescribed by an eye care provider and used properly. Following hygiene and wear-time guidelines is essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
• Do contact lenses hurt?
  Today’s lenses are designed for comfort. With proper instruction and care, inserting and wearing contacts becomes second nature for most patients.
• How do I know which type is right for me?
  An eye exam and contact lens fitting are required to determine the best lens type for your eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.

Ready to Try Contacts?

If you’re considering contact lenses for the first time—or thinking about upgrading your current pair—schedule an eye exam and fitting today. Your optometrist will help you choose the safest, most comfortable option to fit your vision needs and lifestyle.

Key Components of Vision Therapy Programs

Vision therapy programs are carefully designed to address a variety of eye problems that affect focus, movement, coordination, and visual perception, including:

• Astigmatism
• Lazy eye (Amblyopia)
• Wandering eyes / Crossed eyes (Strabismus)

These programs combine specialized vision exercises with equipment to train and strengthen the visual system so it can repair or improve itself, helping patients see and function better.

How Vision Therapy is Administered

• Therapy is supervised by an optometrist.
• Sessions typically occur 1 to 2 times per week, lasting up to an hour.
• Exercises and tools are personalized based on the patient’s condition and symptom severity.
• The number of sessions varies depending on the individual’s needs.
• Patients are often guided to perform specific exercises at home to reinforce progress.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved visual skills and coordination.
• Significant reduction of symptoms associated with eye conditions.
• Enhanced efficiency in processing and understanding visual information.
• Better overall visual function and quality of life.

Common Tools and Techniques Used in Vision Therapy

Syntonics (Optometric Phototherapy): Use of specific light frequencies to improve vision.

Saccadic Fixators: Wall-mounted boards with lighted buttons to train eye movement and peripheral vision.

Patches: To strengthen the weaker eye by covering the stronger eye.

Rotation Trainers: Devices that improve eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness.

Computer Software: Programs that enhance eye tracking, visual processing, and binocular vision.

Prisms: Correct vision abnormalities and double vision.

Balance Boards: Improve eye-brain coordination and spatial orientation.

Corrective and Therapeutic Lenses: Aid in focusing and protection.

Training Devices: Sensory integration tools, especially useful for children with special needs.

Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises: Home exercises involving head and eye movements.

Marsden Balls: Visual attention and coordination exercises using suspended balls.

Electronic Targets and Directional Sequencers: Devices to train eye movements and coordination.

Why Early Detection is Crucial

Glaucoma typically develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Vision changes often only appear once the disease has progressed significantly. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams starting at age 40 (or earlier for higher-risk groups) are vital to detect glaucoma before vision is affected.

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Treatment Options for Glaucoma

While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis enables effective treatment to slow disease progression and protect your vision. Treatment may include:

Medicated Eye Drops

Eye drops help lower intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. It’s important to use these medications exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor for maximum effectiveness.

Laser Surgery (Laser Trabeculoplasty)

This outpatient procedure opens clogged drainage canals in the eye to improve fluid outflow and reduce pressure.

Filtering Surgery (Trabeculectomy)

A small piece of eye tissue is removed to create a new drainage pathway, allowing excess fluid to exit the eye more efficiently.

Drainage Implants (e.g., iStent)

A tiny tube is implanted in the eye to facilitate fluid drainage and relieve pressure.

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When to Seek Immediate Care

If you experience sudden blurry vision accompanied by severe eye pain, nausea, headaches, eye redness, or halos around lights, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is vision-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

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Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

If you notice any changes in your vision or have risk factors for glaucoma, contact us to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to protect your eyesight from glaucoma-related damage.