Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Chandler

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear covering of the eye and inner eyelids. The thin layer protects the eye from infection and debris. Tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva expand when the tissue is irritated, making the eye appear pink or red.

Conjunctivitis can be infectious or noninfectious:

• Allergic and chemical conjunctivitis are noninfectious.
• Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious. 

Treatment depends on the type and the eye’s reaction. For example, a person may have a mild reaction to allergies, easily treated with allergy medication. Or they may have a severe allergic reaction, increasing the risk of severe symptoms.

Optometrists can prescribe or recommend appropriate treatment after evaluating your eye health. Receiving treatment for pink eye can improve eye comfort and reduce the risk of complications.

Dry eye or dry eye disease is a common, chronic eye problem caused by poor tear production. Tears (the tear film) help moisten and nourish the eye’s surface. The tear film has 3 layers:

• The oily outer layer prevents tears from drying too quickly & makes the eye’s surface smooth
• The watery middle layer moistens the eye & delivers nutrients to the eye’s surface
• The inner mucus layer helps tears stick to the eye’s surface & spread evenly

When one of the layers is lacking, tears are of poor quality. For example, meibomian gland dysfunction causes evaporative dry eye (tears dry up too quickly). The meibomian glands produce the oily layer of tears.

People with dry eye can experience various uncomfortable symptoms. It can also increase the risk of repeat infections, leading to corneal scarring and impaired vision.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision
• Burning or stinging 
• A gritty or scratchy sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Redness
• Watery eyes

We can create a customized treatment plan to help alleviate symptoms and support tear production. When you have dry eyes, book an appointment for dry eye therapy.

Glaucoma causes progressive optic nerve damage. The optic nerve is a bundle of over one million nerve fibers at the back of the eye. The nerve fibers send visual information (as electric signals) from the retina to the brain. When nerve fibers are lost, vision is lost. Over time, glaucoma leads to significant optic nerve damage, resulting in blindness.

There are many forms of glaucoma, but the most common in the US is open-angle glaucoma. Excess fluid in the eye increases pressure on the optic damage, slowly causing the nerve fibers to deteriorate. 

As open-angle glaucoma develops slowly, many people notice no symptoms until significant damage occurs. In time, people with glaucoma may see peripheral vision loss. Unfortunately, optic nerve damage cannot be reversed. However, early detection can help prevent further vision loss.

At Urban Optique & Eyecare, glaucoma screening is a routine part of our comprehensive eye exams.

Keratoconus is a vision disorder occurring when the normally dome-shaped cornea (clear front of the eye) thins and bulges. The irregular shape prevents light from entering the eye effectively, resulting in distorted vision.

Keratoconus is generally uncommon, with prevalence estimates ranging from approximately 1 in 2,000 individuals or as high as 1 in 400 individuals. People are more likely to develop the condition if a close relative suffers from the disorder. Another risk factor is frequent, aggressive eye rubbing.

In the early stages, glasses or contact lenses can help improve vision. However, patients may need customized specialty lenses, as standard lenses may be incompatible with the irregular cornea. When the disease progresses, corneal cross-linking surgery can help strengthen the cornea to slow progression.

Macular degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula (the oval-shaped center of the retina). The macula helps us see central vision, fine details, and color. Macula deterioration causes distorted lines or details, dim color vision, and a blank or dark spot in central vision.

There are 2 forms of the disease:

• Dry (atrophic) is the most common form. Macula tissue thins, preventing the macula from working effectively. There is no cure, but diet and nutrition can help prevent progression.
• Wet (exudative) is rarer but can develop rapidly with severe symptoms. Fluids leak from abnormal or weakened retinal blood vessels, blurring central vision. When detected early, treatment can seal or remove leaky blood vessels to help improve vision or prevent worsening symptoms.

The disease is commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration because it’s more common in adults over 55. However, other risk factors can contribute to the disease’s development, including:

• Poor nutrition
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• UV light exposure

People experiencing the early stages of dry macular degeneration may have no symptoms. But wet macular degeneration can show sudden symptoms, causing an eye care emergency. Early detection is crucial to preventing the disease’s progression and vision impairment.

Retinal detachment is when the retina tears or detaches from the back of the eye. The retina is thin, light-detecting tissue essential for capturing images. Unfortunately, the retina is delicate and can weaken or dislodge because of disease or injury.

For example, high myopia (nearsightedness) is caused by eye growth. As the eye elongates, it stretches eye tissue, including the retina. Over time, the weakened retina can deteriorate or detach. Managing myopia can help slow eye growth in children to reduce the risk of retinal detachment. 

When the retina pulls from the back of the eye, some patients see a dark shadow or curtain fall over their eyes. Other symptoms can include:

• Increased floaters & spots
• Seeing flashes of light
• Vision loss

Retinal reattachment surgery is successful for 90% of patients. Seeing an optometrist for an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible can help save your sight.