Eye Disease Education in Houston

Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye condition when the central part of the retina, called the macula, begins to deteriorate. AMD causes central vision loss, while peripheral (side) vision remains unaffected.

There are 2 types of AMD:

• Dry AMD: The more common of the 2, dry AMD affects around 80% of people with AMD. This form of AMD occurs when the macula thins with age, causing tiny clumps of a protein called drusen to grow and block vision.
• Wet AMD: Wet AMD is less common but much more serious. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood into the eye, blocking vision.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition that causes blurred vision. Inside the eye, there is a clear natural lens that refracts light onto the retina to help us see. With age, the lens begins to become cloudy or hazy. Some symptoms of cataracts are:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Poor night vision
• Faded or yellowed vision

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60, called the “silent thief of sight.” However, with prompt treatment in the early stages, glaucoma can be prevented.

There are 2 main types of glaucoma:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, occurring when the eye does not drain fluid properly. The inadequate draining causes the eye pressure, called intraocular pressure, to rise, damaging the optic nerve.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is considered an eye emergency as it can happen suddenly and threaten your vision. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris is very close to your drainage angle in the eye and suddenly blocks it. This causes intraocular pressure to rise very rapidly and can cause blindness.

A common symptom of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure, which can be tested with a diagnostic tool called tonometry. At Vision Optique, we use the Goldmann Applanation Tonometer to diagnose glaucoma.

Applanation tonometry involves a flat-tipped cone that comes into contact briefly with your eye, measuring the force needed to flatten a part of the cornea.

We want to help take care of your eye health and vision.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids categorized by red, itchy, irritated eyes. Dandruff-like scales can form on the eyelashes resulting from bacterial or skin conditions, such as rosacea.

Blepharitis is an uncomfortable condition, but it isn’t contagious and generally will not cause any permanent damage to your vision.

There are 2 main types of blepharitis:

• Anterior blepharitis, which occurs at the outside edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow. Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows.
• Posterior blepharitis, which affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball. Posterior blepharitis occurs when the meibomian glands irregularly produce oil, creating a favorable environment for bacteria. Posterior blepharitis can also develop as a result of skin conditions, such as rosacea or dandruff.

We can diagnose blepharitis through a comprehensive eye examination. If diagnosed, we will develop a tailored treatment plan that suits your needs and lifestyle best.

Demodex mites are 8-legged ectoparasites that live in our hair follicles and sebaceous glands. They are contracted and spread by direct contact or dust containing eggs. Typically, Demodex are found in and around the eyelashes and often cause:

• Itchy, irritated eyelids (especially near the base of the eyelashes)
• Irritated eyes
• Debris on the base of your eyelashes
• Loss of eyelashes

If Demodex mites are not properly managed, they can infest the eyelash follicles, resulting in inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, and other symptoms commonly associated with dry eye.

Treating Demodex infestations involve in-office treatments and lid-scrubs. We will develop a treatment plan that involves proper lid and lash hygiene to prevent future overpopulation of Demodex mites.

If your meibomian glands are affected, once active inflammation has subsided, you can undergo intense pulsed light and LipiFlow treatments to improve gland function.

Corneal ulcers, or keratitis, is an open sore on the cornea that commonly occurs due to an eye infection. However, in some cases, corneal ulcers can result from severe dry eye or other eye disorders.

Corneal ulcers can be avoided with proper knowledge and care. Ensuring you have suitable protective eyewear when playing sports or working can minimize the risk of eye injury. Additionally, following proper contact lens care can help prevent infections that may lead to further damage.

The following types of infections typically cause corneal ulcers:

• Bacterial infections, caused by a growth of harmful bacteria in the eye. Bacterial infections typically affect people that use extended-wear contact lenses.
• Viral infections, which occur from an impaired immune system and may be triggered by stress. Viral infections from the herpes simplex virus may cause recurring attacks that can lead to ulcers.
• Fungal infections, which happen from improper contact lens use or certain types of eye drops. Injuries that resulted in plant material getting into the eye can also lead to fungal infections.
• Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) infections, Acanthamoeba are tiny single-celled amoebas that typically live in freshwater and soil. When they get into the eye, they can cause severe infections, particularly for contact lens wearers.

Symptoms to watch for are:

• Redness in the eye
• Severe pain or soreness
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Excessive tearing
• Discharge or pus
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Swelling
• A white spot on your cornea

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” occurs when the whites of the eyes become inflamed and irritated. Your eyes will seem red, itchy, and may produce excessive amounts of discharge or pus.

Conjunctivitis typically occurs as a result of infection or allergies, and some types are extremely contagious. The main types of conjunctivitis are:

• Viral conjunctivitis, caused by a viral infection. This type is very contagious and can spread very quickly through schools and workplaces.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis, caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, which has led to infection. This type is also very contagious and is categorized by an excessive amount of sticky discharge.
• Allergic conjunctivitis, which happens as a result of an allergic reaction to something. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and will make your eyes very itchy, watery, and puffy.

Symptoms of pink eye include:

• Gritty feeling in the eye
• Pink or red eyes
• Burning, itchy eyes
• Pain or soreness
• Watery eyes
• Puffy, swollen eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Excessive amounts of pus or discharge

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that can progress very quickly in people with diabetes. When blood glucose levels are uncontrolled, high amounts can damage the retina’s blood vessels.

High blood sugar levels can cause the blood vessels to swell and leak, or close completely. When this happens, new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, which can burst and leak blood and other fluid into the eye.

There are 2 types of diabetic retinopathy:

• • Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), which is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. This stage can cause the retina to swell, or prevent blood from reaching it. You may begin to notice significant vision loss with NPDR.
  • Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), which is the more advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. PDR is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels, which rupture and burst, leaking fluid into the eye. PDR can also lead to a retinal detachment due to scar tissue and should be treated promptly.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• An increased number of floaters
• Blurred vision
• Vision changes
• Blank or dark areas in your vision
• Poor night vision
• Colors appear faded or washed out

Similar to diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy also affects the blood vessels in your eye. Caused by high blood pressure, the retina’s blood vessel walls can thicken, restricting blood from reaching the retina.

Lack of blood flow can cause the retina to swell, limiting its function. Over time, high blood pressure puts stress on the optic nerve, creating vision problems.

Likely, you won’t notice any symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy until the condition has progressed significantly. Symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy include:

• Reduced vision
• Swelling
• Burst blood vessels
• Double vision
• Headaches

High cholesterol can cause significant damage to your eye health, so being aware of the ramifications is important. Cholesterol is a naturally-produced waxy substance that is important in maintaining different functions in the body.

High cholesterol can lead to narrowing of the veins and arteries and developments of blood clots, resulting in reduced blood flow. When the veins or arteries are blocked, blockages in the retina can occur, limiting vision.