Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes painless, progressive visual loss. Glaucoma most commonly occurs after age 40, however, all ages can be affected. The peak incidence is in the 6th and 7th decade of life. The disease can run in families. The first sign can be decreased vision at night, for example, driving at night can be difficult.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Most commonly found in the age group of working age Americans, 21-64 years. There are about 20 million diabetics in America. An additional 10-20 million are undiagnosed. Thus, it is important to see an ophthalmologist for a dilated exam of the retina.
While Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) affects the eye and can lead to severe vision loss, Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) has associated loss or distortion of central vision. Amsler Grid testing is useful here.
After 5-15 years of diabetes, some changes in the eye can be found. After 15-25 years of diabetes, more significant changes can be seen in the retina, which is the inside lining of the eye, like the film inside the camera.
There is an epidemic of obese teens, which means that more of these young people will develop diabetic eye disease.
In pregnant diabetics, see an ophthalmologist for a dilated exam of the retina at the first trimester, and every trimester if necessary. Gestational diabetic patients should be seen early after conception and followed during pregnancy, if necessary. The follow-up care depends on the baseline examination.
In hypertensive pregnant patients, see an ophthalmologist for a dilated exam of the retina.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
This is the leading cause of blindness among Americans over age 55. Now, we have new treatments. Laser and innovative drug therapies are currently available for bleeding that can occur in the retina of these patients. Longstanding UV light exposure can lead to early changes called drusen which may cause blurriness in reading vision. A good way to monitor this at home is the use of the Amsler Grid.
UV damage
Spending long hours in the sun without eyeoprotection can damage your eyes and contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. Based on scientific studies, we, as ophthalmologists, recommend that patients wear 95% and above UV-absorbent sunlagsses and brimmed hat whenever they are outside long enough toget a suntan or a sunburn. UVB light radiation is considered more dangerous to the eyes and skin than UVA radiation. Buy sunglasses with the label that says "Blocks 99% of ultraviolet rays."
Blue Blocking - Lenses that block all blue light are usually amber-colored and make the surroundings look yellow or orange Amber sunglasses are popular among skiers, hunters, boaters and pilots.
Fluorescein Angiography Technology
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Retinal Detachment
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Arterial Occlusions
This is found in patients with heart disease and hypertension. Patients usually complain of loss of vision lasting only of a few minutes. |
Macular Degeneration
This is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 55 years. |
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National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine is the largest collection of medical journals and books in the world. You can also check out Dr. Wu's two textbooks in this library.