Eye Problems & Disease
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| Normal vision | Cataracts | Glaucoma | Diabetic Retinopathy | Macular Degeneration |
DRY EYE SYNDROME
Dry eye disease occurs when the normal flow of tears over the eyes is interrupted or the tear film is abnormal. Those with dry eyes may experience early symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurry vision. This chronic and progressive condition may result in permanent damage to the ocular surface and impair vision. This can lead to significant suffering if left untreated. Major risk factors include women over 40, daily computer use, harsh environmental conditions, long term use of certain medications, and inflammatory medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hormone imbalance, lupus, Sjogren�s syndrome, and thyroid problems.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
Our doctor and staff will begin with a comprehensive examination, incorporating dyes to evaluate the amount and quality of your tear patterns. Numerous patients suffering from simple and complicated forms of dry eye syndrome have been treated successfully by our doctor. Proven methods are used including in-office procedures, medical therapy, dietary supplements, supportive and home therapies.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
High blood sugar levels start a series of events which end in damaged blood vessels in the retina, which is in the back of your eye. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include time since diagnosis, control of blood sugar, and family history.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
Our doctor and staff will begin with a comprehensive examination, incorporating state-of-the-art technology. These instruments are helpful in diagnosing and treating diabetic retinopathy: the Matrix Visual Field, Digital Fundus Camera, and the Optical Coherence Tomographer. Our doctor also works closely with a team of retinal specialists when necessary.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
Macular degeneration occurs when part of the inner layer of the eye called the retina deteriorates. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50. Studies have found a genetic link to this disease and women tend to develop AMD at an earlier age than men. The major risk factors of this eye disease are age, genetics, obesity, smoking, and exposure to Ultra-Violet sunlight.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
Our doctor and staff will begin with a comprehensive examination, incorporating state-of-the-art technology. These instruments are helpful in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration: the Matrix Visual Field Analyzer, Digital Fundus Camera, and the Optical Coherence Tomographer.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is a group of eye disorders that is characterized by progressive loss of optic nerve tissue. In most cases there are no symptoms or vision loss until irreversible damage has already occurred; however, a yearly eye examination will allow the doctor to determine if you are developing glaucoma. Risk factors for glaucoma include age, diabetes, family history, race, corticosteroid use, and increased eye pressure.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
Our doctor and staff will begin with a comprehensive examination, incorporating state-of-the-art technology. These instruments are helpful in diagnosing and treating glaucoma: the Matrix Visual Field Analyzer, Digital Fundus Camera, and the Optical Coherence Tomographer. If glaucoma is diagnosed, topical or oral medication is prescribed by the doctor.
CATARACT
When a cataract forms in the eye, the normally clear lens becomes cloudy. This opacity may be a small spot or cover the entire lens interfering with normal vision. When images become distorted, the best treatment is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an acrylic man made lens. This is called cataract surgery. Major risk factors for cataracts include age, smoking, and exposure to Ultra-violet sunlight.
A few of the common types of cataract are:
- Nuclear - The most common type. This is a general clouding of the central part of your lens.
- Cortical - This usually forms at the edge of the lens and grows inward like spokes on a tire.
- Posterior Sub-capsular - This usually forms at the back of the lens and grows quickly.
- Diabetic - Due to sugar fluctuations inside the eye, diabetics are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
Our doctor and staff will begin with a comprehensive examination, several lens options exist to maximize vision even if the patient has a cataract. By incorporating state-of-the-art technology the doctor can determine the degree to which the cataract is causing blurred vision. When surgery is necessary, our doctor works closely with a team of cataract surgeons.
FLOATERS AND FLASHES
Flashing lights, floating spots, gnats, cobwebs, strings - all describe annoying objects that may suddenly appear in our vision. Though they appear in front of our sight, they usually come from the thick fluid inside the eye called the vitreous.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
A dilated eye examination is urgently important since some flashes and floaters can be caused by retinal tears or detachments. A retinal detachment is an eye emergency requiring immediate treatment or permanent vision loss may result. Any sudden increase in flashes or floaters should prompt you to call Dr. Tarr immediately.
FOREIGN BODY
Debris, metal or other material which has blown into the eye and remains lodged is called a foreign body.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
Embedded foreign bodies on the surface of the eye are removed in the office with a minor surgical procedure.
STRABISMUS
Strabismus is a misalignment of the eye muscles causing a lack of coordination between both eyes. It may cause one of the eyes to turn in, out, up or down. Major risk factors for strabismus include Family history, eye trauma or disease, and a high or uneven vision prescriptions.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
The treatment begins with a comprehensive eye examination and depends on the cause and the symptoms of the patient. In patients born with Strabismus, the biggest risk is that the turned eye may become "lazy." The technical term for lazy eye is Amblyopia. Surgery or vision therapy may need to be performed to align the eyes and prevent amblyopia. In some cases, the eyes function well but patients may desire surgery to improve the cosmetic appearance.
UVEITIS
Uveitis is swelling or inflammation of the inner layers of the eye. The swelling can be located in the front, middle, back or all segments of the eye. The symptoms each patient experiences may vary depending on the location affected.
Who does it affect?
There is a long list of causes for Uveitis. Eye disorders, infections or abnormal conditions affecting other parts of the body can all lead to signs of swelling in the eye. In systemic conditions, blood disorders or arthritis-like syndromes are often related.
TREATMENT AT TARR EYE & VISION CENTER
The treatment depends on the site of swelling, underlying cause and severity of the disease. Most however, require oral medication or eyedrops.
HOW TO INSTILL EYE DROPS
Eye doctors prescribe eyedrops for a variety of ocular conditions. While they are beneficial, they are only effective if they are used regularly and instilled properly.
Helpful tips for instilling eye drops:
- Sit in a chair
- Shake eye dropper bottle
- Tilt head as far back as possible
- Position eye drop bottle one inch (1") and directly above the eye
- Pull down the lower lid with other hand
- Stare at the bottle
- Prior to squeezing bottle, immediately look up and away from bottle
- Squeeze eye drop bottle
- Goal is for drop to land between the lower eyelid and eye
- Close eyes and apply pressure with finger to lower, inner corner between eye and nose
- Keep finger there and close your eye for one minute
- Repeat process for other eye
- If using more than one eye medicine, wait three minutes before instilling the second eye drop
Additional tips:
Some people that have difficulty with eye drops have better success with the following:
- Lay down on bed to ensure head is back
- Pinch lower lid with thumb and pointing finger to make cup to receive drop
- Rest bottle on eyebrow over the eye to help with the aim
Remember:
- Never use expired drops
- Only use your prescribed eyedrop for the condition that it was prescribed
- All eye drops sting a little. This is not an indication of whether it is working however.
- Understand clearly from your doctor what the drops are for and what side effects you may notice. Many drops have no affect on vision and patients cannot tell if they are working
Eye Diseases: Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetes, Macular Degeneration
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