Eye Conditions

Being proactive about your eye health can have a positive and lasting effect on your vision. Regular eye care maintenance, including regular eye exams with a qualified ophthalmologist or ophthalmic physician associate, can help stave off certain eye conditions and diseases. With years of collective experience, our knowledgeable staff has diagnosed and treated a range of eye conditions and diseases. We are the preferred choice for patients suffering from eye conditions and diseases including:

 

Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens (the transparent portion of the iris). When the natural lens becomes clouded, light cannot pass through and properly focus objects onto the retina, creating fuzzy vision. Early stages of cataracts can be managed with prescription eyeglasses. However, the only way to reverse the vision loss caused by a cataract is to have it surgically removed.

 

Glaucoma

Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma typically occurs without any warning signs. There are several types of glaucoma, all affecting the optic nerve. Open-angle glaucoma occurs when fluid buildup in the eye increases intraocular pressure (IOP), which in turn damages the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris — the colored portion of the eye — prevents normal fluid drainage, causing a rapid buildup of pressure. Several treatment options for glaucoma are available, all of which focus on lowering intraocular pressure.

 

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of permanent vision loss among Americans. Macular degeneration occurs when the retina (the portion of the eye responsible for clear central vision) weakens and breaks down. Common symptoms of the eye condition include gradual loss of central vision and dark spots. Proper management in its early stages can slow down the progression of macular degeneration. Later stages of macular degeneration can be treated with certain medications and laser therapy.
 

Contact TRI-COUNTY EYECARE

To learn more about the services available at Tri-County Eyecare, please call our Gloversville location at (518) 762-2020.

Dry Eye Syndrome

A chronic condition, dry eye syndrome is characterized by a lack of quantity or quality of tears needed to keep the eyes moist and lubricated. Treatment for the benign condition depends on the cause and severity. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, antibiotics, punctal plugs and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL).
 

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an uncommon condition characterized by an abnormally curved cornea. The condition occurs when the normally smooth and spherically shaped cornea weakens, bulging outward and distorting vision. Early stages of keratoconus can be managed with prescription eyeglasses or specially fitted contact lenses. But if the cornea’s shape worsens, other treatment options can be considered including corneal crosslinking and corneal transplant.
 

Pink Eye

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the tissue that goes over the white portion of eye and the inside of the eyelid). The condition may be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergies or debris entering the eye. Although usually not serious, pink eye can cause swollen eyelids, irritation and redness. Several medications and antibiotics are available to treat pink eye.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. The condition occurs when unstable blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina and cause optic nerve damage. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause severe vision loss.

Computer Vision Syndrome

A benign condition, computer vision syndrome refers to a group of eyestrain symptoms caused by continuous viewing of computer screens, smartphones and other digital devices. Upon assessing your symptoms, our knowledgeable team can recommend treatment options to ease your eyestrain.
 

Presbyopia

Presbyopia, or age-related vision loss, typically starts around age 40, affecting a person’s ability to read and see things up-close. The condition tends to worsen with age. Individuals with presbyopia typically require reading glasses, bifocals or progressive lenses to read or perform tasks that depend on near or intermediate vision.
 

Astigmastism

A refractive error, astigmatism causes vision to be blurred or distorted to some degree at all distances. The cornea, the clear covering of the colored (iris) part of the eye normally is shaped similar to a basketball. With astigmatism it is shaped more like a football. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism can usually be corrected with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK or limbal relaxation incisions).
 

Chalazion

A chalazion is the inflammation of one or more of the eyelid glands (meibomian) that produce the oily part of the tear film. It is commonly called a stye. It is red and irritated and may cause the eyelid to swell and or stick shut. Once diagnosed we can usually treat it with a combination antibiotic/steroid drop, warm compresses and massage. Sometimes it may need an injection or incision and drainage.