Eye Diseases
Here at Lifetime Eye Care our providers are not just interested in getting you the right glasses prescription, we also examine the entire eye for problems or diseases. We treat and monitor conditions like pink eye, diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration and many others! For more in-depth information, please speak with your eye care provider at Lifetime Eye Care.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is a fancy term for what many people refer to commonly as “pink eye”. It happens when the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva, becomes red and irritated. There are actually many causes of conjunctivitis though and the proper treatment depends on the cause. It is our job to figure out what is making your eye irritated and treat the problem! Common causes are bacterial infections, viral infection, allergies or even getting something in your eye!
While many minor cases improve within two weeks, some can develop into serious corneal inflammation and threaten sight. If you suspect conjunctivitis, visit your eye care provider at Lifetime Eye Care for an examination and treatment.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease is a general term for a group of eye problems that can result from having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic eye disease, so it is important that you don’t wait for symptoms to appear before having a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease will dramatically reduce your chances of sustaining permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma
Often called “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is an increase in the intraocular pressure of the eyes, which causes damage to the optic nerve with no signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a decrease in peripheral vision and eventually blindness.
While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are medications and surgery available that can help halt further vision loss. Early detection and regular eye exams are vital to slowing the progress of the disease.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a chronic, progressive disease that gradually destroys sharp central vision due to a deterioration of the macula, a tiny spot in the central portion of your retina comprised of millions of light-sensing cells. Because it is so commonly associated with aging, it is also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are two forms of AMD called “dry,” most common and with no known treatment, and “wet,” less common and treated with laser procedures. Genetic testing is now available to help identify those most likely to develop “wet” macular degeneration.
In most cases, reversing damage caused by AMD is not possible, but supplements, protection from sunlight, eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking can reduce the risk and progression of macular degeneration.
Lifetime Eye Care has the experience and equipment necessary to diagnose and often treat the eye diseases detailed above, as well as many other eye diseases, at our offices in Charleston and Mattoon. For more information please schedule an appointment with your optometrist, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.