Conditions and Diseases
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
A condition in which close objects are seen more clearly than those at distance. Light focuses in front of the retina, causing blurriness, because the eye is too long. The retina is located on the back of the eye and works like film in a camera. Approximately 25% of the general population is nearsighted. Myopia can be corrected with contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
A condition where far objects are seen more clearly than near ones. Light focuses behind the retina, causing blurriness, because the eye is too short. Approximately 25% of the general population is farsighted. Hyperopia can also be corrected with contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Astigmatism
A condition in which the eye is shaped more oval than round, causing the horizontal and vertical portions of the eye to focus differently. Astigmatism causes blurriness at all distances. Approximately 60% of the general population has some amount of astigmatism. Astigmatism can ge corrected with contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Presyopia
The natural age-related loss of eye-focusing ability. Presbyopia usually begins between the ages of 38 and 45 and the prevalence is virtually 100% by ages 50-52.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
A condition in which vision cannot be corrected to 20/20 even with eyeglasses or contacts. Approximately 2% of the population has this condition. If diagnosed and treated as a young child, permanent vision loss can usually be avoided.
Strabismus (Crossed-Eyes)
This occurs when the eyes turns in, up or out. The estimated prevalence of strabismus in the general population is 2-6%. If untreated, strabismus can cause blurriness, double vision or amblyopia.
Cataracts
A cataract is any opacity of the person's natural lens, whether it is small local opacity or a diffuse general loss of transparency. Cataracts may occur as a result of aging, hereditary factors, trauma, inflammation, nutrionial disorders, or radiatino. An estimated 42% of persons ages 45-64 have detectable cataracts. By age 75-85, nearly everyone has developed some cataracts. The hallmark symptoms of cataracts are decreased vision and increased problems with glare. The presence of cataracts does not necessarily warrant having cataract surgery. When vision loss affects the ability to perform activities of daily life, consideration should be give to cataract surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not a single clinical disease, but rather a group of ocular diseases with various causes. The glaucomas are associated with the progressive optic nerve disease leading to loss of vision. Glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness in the United States. Patients most often associate the "air puff" or "blue light" test with measuring the pressure inside the eye for glaucoma. Glaucoma cannot be diagnosed by these test alone. The doctors of InSight EyeCare are trained to diagnose and treat glaucoma using the latest techniques and technology. Glaucoma is not typically a disease you can "feel". A thorough eye health evaluation at InSight EyeCare includes a glaucoma evaluation.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is an acquired retinal disorder that is the leading cause of legal blindness (visual acuity of 20/200 or worse) for persons over age 65 in the United States. Age-Related Macular Degeneration or ARMD results froma gradual breakdown of the retina that is responsible for straight-ahead vision. This loss of vision is more noticeable during near tasks, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is impossible to predict who will be effected by ARMD, but some patients are at greater risk for ARMD: over age 60, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, cigarette smokers and a family history of ARMD. Although ARMD is not curable, in some cases severe vision loss can be prevented with early diagnosis and prompt intervention.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by lack of insulin secretion and/or increased cellular resistance to insulin. Diabetic complications typically involve the eyes, kidneys, and nervous and vascular systems. It is the leading cause of death, disability, and blindness in the United States for persons of ages 20-74. Diabetic Retinopathy is characterized by "leaking" blood vessels, new blood vessel growth, tissue areas that receive poor blood flow and swelling of the retina. A person with diabetes cannot feel these changes and therefore may not know they have diabetes. Early diagnosis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is essential. Early treatment of diabetic retinopathy reduces the incidence of severe vision loss by 50-60%.
The doctors of InSight EyeCare routinely examine all patients for the conditions and diseases mentioned above as well as a multitude of other vision and general health disorders. A comprehensive eye health examination is just a portion of your overall health care. The doctors of InSight EyeCare highly recommend regular physicals from the physician of your choice.
Emergency Service
One of the staff doctors of InSight EyeCare is on call 24 hours 7 days a week. In the event of an emergency, you can contact the doctor on call by dialing 660-747-8196 and following the instructions provided. In the rare event that a staff doctor cannot be reached, please report directly to the local emergency room.
|
