General Ophthalmology
Glaucoma is the second leading causing of blindness in adults. The condition refers to a group of eye diseases that leads to increased pressure within the eye, resulting in optic nerve damage. The underlying cause of glaucoma is unknown, but regular eye exams can lead to early detection and treatment, which often prevents loss of sight. Glaucoma symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma a patient is experiencing, but some common symptoms include:
- Painless loss of side vision or blind spots
- Severe eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and nausea
- Blurry vision and discomfort accompanied by intermittent angle closure
- Most patients have no symptoms.
Glaucoma treatments will vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Eye drops are often used to lower intraocular pressure, but medication usage is often a problem due to the high cost of medications.
Another option for the treatment of glaucoma is laser surgery. A laser can be used to improve fluid drainage by creating a new drainage path. At Blue Laser Group, our physician uses an advanced laser that was developed especially for the treatment of glaucoma, called SLT. With SLT laser, the procedure takes less than a minute and is typically described as painless, requiring only a drop for anesthesia.
Following treatment with the SLT laser, patients experience significant improvement in eye pressure. Their dependence on glaucoma medications can be lessened, or in some cases eliminated. Patients can return to normal activity immediately following treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy can cause permanent loss of eyesight or blindness in individuals with diabetes. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy, both of which are defined by abnormal blood vessels of the retina. Once damage is done it is often very difficult to restore your eyesight. Yearly eye exams will allow early detection and prompt treatment. Proper treatment has made it possible for the vast majority of our patients with diabetes to maintain their vision.
The leading cause of blindness
Laser surgery has become a beneficial tool in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the type and severity, lasers can be used to either seal the leaking blood vessels or destroy the diseased portion of the retina. There is no cure for diabetes. The retina could receive continued damage, but laser surgery can prevent further visual loss.
Treatment with the diabetic laser takes less than five minutes, requires only an eye drop for anesthesia, and is typically described as painless. Patients can immediately return to regular activities following treatment.
Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible loss of central vision for senior citizens.
The macula is located in the center of the retina. It is a micro-thin membrane that lines three-fourths of the back inside of the eye. The retina is embedded with millions of light-sensitive nerve cells that capture images focused on the retina by the cornea and the inner lens of the eye. The captured images are transmitted to the brain by the optic nerve, and thus the miracle of sight is created.
There are some rare forms of macular degeneration that occur early in life, most cases begin to develop in later life, generally around the age of 50. The disease is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration or ARMD. There is a simple home test for early detection of ARMD called an Amsler Grid. It is especially useful if macular degeneration has already been detected in one eye. The odds are sooner or later the other eye will also become affected. Early detection increases chances for treatment that will help preserve central vision capabilities.
Constant moisture is necessary for clear vision and comfortable eyes. However, as we age our tear production often becomes inadequate. The result is the second most common problem an eye doctor treats – dry eye syndrome.
When dry eyes occur, patients experience symptoms such as redness, sandy or gritty sensation, burning, pain, soreness, itching, stickiness, blurry vision, and tearing. Artificial tears can provide temporary relief, but frequent artificial tear use can be impractical.
At Blue Laser Group, Dr. Blue uses an advanced technique for the treatment of dry eyes. Since dry eyes are caused by the slowing of the tear production system, slowing or stopping tear drainage can help the condition. This allows your natural tears to provide an adequate tear film again.
To accomplish this, special microscopic dissolving plugs are placed in the tear drains. These plugs dissolve in a short period of time, allowing the patient to judge the benefits before placing a permanent plug. If this improves the symptoms, permanent plugs are then inserted.
A very high percentage of patients who undergo this procedure experience a significant improvement in their dry eye symptoms. Many find such a high level of relief they no longer need artificial tears and attain clear vision and healthier eyes.
The procedure is performed in the exam room and takes less than five minutes. It requires only an eye drop for anesthesia and is typically described as painless. Patients can return to normal activity immediately following the procedure
