As we age, an optometrist may identify conditions in your eye health that may require eye disease management. To help you have a better understanding of your overall eye health, an eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam checking for visual acuity and any conditions. Patients older than 40 may experience vision changes and have an increased risk of experiencing many of the common eye diseases. Our doctor of optometry at the Atlantic EyeCare in Virginia Beach, VA, can help guide you.
Eye Disease Management
As we age, we begin to develop certain eye conditions and diseases. Speaking with our eye doctor can help with disease management and can help provide you with clear vision and relief from the various symptoms associated with eye diseases. For example, whether you are dealing with glaucoma cataracts or diabetic retinopathy, our doctor of optometry can help provide an extensive treatment plan.
Seeing an Optometrist for Diabetic Retinopathy
People with diabetes experience various complications, including diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of significant vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood cells in the eyes, which may become swollen and leak fluid into the eyes. There are typically no symptoms or warning signs in the early stages of this disease. A routine eye exam may help with the early diagnosis of this condition. As the disease progresses, patients may experience pain or blurred vision.
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Patients who suffer from prolonged high blood pressure may start to develop various problems within the eye. Abnormal blood pressure can place uneven pressure on the optic nerve, leading to vision problems caused by hypertensive retinopathy. The early stages of hypertensive retinopathy have no significant symptoms, and once the condition advances, it can lead to bursting blood vessels, headaches, and reduced vision.
Glaucoma
The eyeball requires specific internal fluid pressure to provide clear vision. When there is an imbalance in the fluid production in the eyes, there can be issues with vision clarity, resulting in glaucoma. This condition is typically only diagnosed when the optic nerve is damaged, causing sudden symptoms, such as intense pain, nausea, halos around lights, and blurred vision. Glaucoma must be treated quickly to help prevent vision loss.
Visit Us for More Information
If you are suffering from any symptoms associated with eye conditions or diseases, it is time to schedule an appointment with an optometrist. We at Atlantic EyeCare in Virginia Beach, VA can help diagnose your eye disease or condition and provide a thorough treatment and management plan. Call our office at (757) 340-7070 to schedule an appointment.