Home » Services » Treatment and Management of Ocular Conditions

Treatment and Management of Ocular Conditions

The doctors at our clinic are certified to medically manage and treat any ocular conditions. We offer the most current and effective management and treatment options.
The following are a list of some ocular conditions that we manage and treat:

CATARACTS
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. The lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making the images look blurred or fuzzy. Other possible symptoms of cataracts include light sensitivity and glare at night. For most people cataracts are a natural result of aging.

In fact, they are the leading cause of visual loss among adults 55 and older. Eye injuries, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts.

MACULAR DEGENERATION
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in North America. It results from changes to the macula the area of the retina that is responsible for clear sharp vision. The retina/macula is located at the back of the eye. Macular degeneration is often related to aging, thus the name age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD). The two most common forms of AMD are dry and wet.

Dry AMD, the more common form, causes varying degrees of vision loss and is identified by the collection of yellow, fatty deposits called drusen in the macula. There are currently no treatment options for dry AMD.

Wet AMMD occurs less often but the change for severe vision loss is much greater. It is characterized by the development of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the macula. In advanced cases, scar tissue may form causing irreversible blind spots and in many cases lead to legal blindness. There are two clinically proven treatments for some case of wet AMD. Photo dynamic therapy (PDT) and laser photo coagulation, which are used to seal leaky blood vessels. Other treatments are currently in the developmental stages.

Some common symptoms of AMD are a gradual loss of vision, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and an empty or dark area appearing in the center of your vision.

The cause of AMD is unknown, and the only clinically proven risk factor is smoking. Other possible risk factors include genetics, cataracts, sun exposure, hypertension and a diet low in certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Early detection of any form of AMD is crucial, because vision lost due to the macular degeneration cannot be restored. Early diagnosis, through comprehensive eye exams allows eye care specialist to provide important counselling regarding options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services.

GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is when the fluid pressure within the eye rises and causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending information from your eyes to your brain.
The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown but for some reason there is an overproduction of fluid and/or decrease of fluid being drained from the eye. This results in build up of fluids and increasing pressure on the optic nerve. If the optic nerve is damage it can no longer send visual information from your eyes to your brain. The amount and quality of vision sent to the brain decreases and a loss of vision occurs.

DIABETES AND YOUR EYES
Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce or use up insulin. This results in the increased sugar levels in the bloodstream also known as high blood sugar.
Diabetes can affect the eyes by changing the vision, resulting in cataracts, glaucoma,paralysis of the nerves that control the eye muscles or pupil and decreased corneal sensitivity.
Diabetic Retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, this is the most serious eye problem associated with diabetes.