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Services:
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment- Glaucoma- involves damage to the optic nerve that goes from the eye to the brain allowing us to see. Glaucoma sometimes, but not always, is associated with a high eye pressure. As part of your eye exam, your eye pressure is measured, a confrontational visual field is performed to rule out side vision abnormalities and then your optic nerve will be examined to detect damage that is not associated with a high eye pressure. You may also have photographs of your optic nerve to document the signs detected during your exam, and to be used for comparison in later exams.
Diabetic Eye Care/Treatment- Diabetes affects the blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid, fats and blood into the retina. This causes the retina to swell and become edematous. If the disease is allowed to progress, new blood vessels can develop which hemorrhage and can pull off the retina causing a retinal detachment. A yearly eye exam and close control of blood sugar and blood pressure are the three steps to preventing complications, including blindness, from this disease.
Floaters and Flashes- This can sometimes be a sign of an impending retinal detachment and an examination is important to rule out problems that require surgical attention. As we age, the vitreous jelly in the eye becomes more liquid and takes up less space. In many people, there is a time when the jelly, along with its clear surrounding membrane comes off the retina, where it is loosely attached. There are particles that can be seen as floaters at that point and as the membrane pulls at the attachments to the retina, there are flashes seen (tiny arcs of light, seen especially at night to the side of our vision as we turn quickly). Floaters are usually tiny flecks of condensed protein or red blood cells in the vitreous jelly of the eye. These float back and forth as we look side to side. While they can be a totally normal finding, they also could be a sign of a retinal tear. If you are experiencing floaters, especially if you also have flashes, you need a dilated exam as soon as possible to rule out a tear.
Macular Degeneration- The most common form is dry, in which there is a buildup of debris from dying cells and other matter in the central part of the retina called the macula. There is also loss of an important retinal layer called the retinal pigment epithelial layer. These two progressive changes can decrease and blur our central vision, so that it becomes increasingly difficult to read, watch TV and drive. In wet macular degeneration, there is development of new blood vessels under the retina, which are fragile and bleed, causing sudden loss of central vision and a black spot in the center of our visual acuity. If the disease is caught in time, sometimes a laser can be effective in either improving the vision, or at least, slowing the progression of the visual loss. Some experts recommend a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, parsley, kale and mustard greens and red fruits like plums and grapes. Others recommend lowering blood pressure, eating a low fat diet, exercising and maintaining a good weight. The best advice if you have this disease is to see your Tolland Eye Care Optometrist yearly and discuss your eye health.
Cataracts- A cataract is a slowly progressive clouding or darkening of the lens within the eye, which gradually reduces vision over a period of months to several years. Usually the onset is in one's 60's or 70's, but people as young as 20 can develop adult onset cataracts. When vision begins to decline, which can manifest itself as blurring with reading or glare with night driving or driving in the rain, surgery my be advised.
Complete eye exams- The technicians and the doctor will record your vision to attain your absolute best vision with glasses. Your exam includes an intraocular pressure for glaucoma and a retinal exam (you will need to have your pupils temporarily dilated with eye drops for a thorough exam or have a picture taken of the retina). Any abnormal findings will be discussed with you and all your questions will be addressed. If needed, you will leave with a prescription for new eyeglasses and medication if indicated. You will also be given an appointment for additional testing if any findings warrant it or for an annual eye exam.
Contact Lens Fitting/Evaluation- If you have not worn contacts before, you will go through a complete eye exam and an educational session, during which you will be taught how to insert and remove the lenses. You will also be shown how to clean and care for your contacts. Once the fitting and evaluation process is complete, the prescription is then finalized and you may order your contacts. It is necessary for all contact lens wearers to have a yearly contact lens evaluation. This exam allows us to update expired contact lens prescriptions, detect and manage any problems with contact lenses or eye health, offer recommendations on the latest technology in contact lenses and eyewear, and properly monitor our patients.
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