Eye Conditions

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia is the medical term that is used for decreased eyesight due to abnormal visual development. When you notice someone referring to their eye(s) as “lazy eye” this is the technical diagnosis that they are speaking of. This is a common disorder that occurs to anyone of any age. In the United States alone there are more than 200,000 cases reported every single year.

While many vision problems require the diagnosis from a doctor/eye doctor, amblyopia can be self-diagnosed by an individual. There are no lab tests that are technically needed, however, it is important to note that you can request a test to ensure that there are no other pre-existing health problems that you are unaware of.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis (blef-uh-RYE-tis) is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and affects both eyelids.

Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged. This leads to irritated and red eyes. Several diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis.

Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Blepharitis can be uncomfortable and may be unsightly. But it usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyesight, and it’s not contagious.

Symptoms

Blepharitis symptoms and signs include:

• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• A gritty, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Eyelids that appear greasy
• Itchy eyelids
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes
• Crusted eyelashes upon awakening
• Eyelid sticking
• More frequent blinking
• Sensitivity to light
• Eyelashes that grow abnormally (misdirected eyelashes)
• Loss of eyelashes

Blepharitis can contribute to dry eyes and is treatable. New treatment options have been very effective and can offer significant improvement or abatement of the condition. A dry eye work-up can determine the cause and a course of treatment will be determined to manage the condition. If you have issues like the ones described above schedule an appointment so we can take care of this problem for you.

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Cataracts

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision issues for people over 40 and are one of the main causes of blindness.

A cataract is described as a cloudiness in your eye. This cloudiness is in the eye’s lens behind the pupil and is caused by proteins clumping together.

Cataracts can start small and develop slowly. They may not even be noticeable at first, though you may notice a slight blur in your vision. Sometimes, you can see symptoms only when you are looking at bright lights. Cataracts can continue to worsen, and you may feel the effects only once the cataracts are more developed. For most patients as the cataracts progress, they will often cause prescription changes. As long as a change in your prescription allows you to see clearly enough cataract surgery is not necessary. When cataracts progress to where the patient is not comfortable seeing the things they want to see, then the discussion about cataract surgery takes place.

Dr. Lucas works with several excellent cataract surgeons and can provide both your pre- and post-op care. The most common comments from his patients after cataract surgery are that they couldn’t believe how easy the procedure was and they are amazed at how much better the vision is after cataract surgery.

Introcular lenses (IOLs) replace the cloudy lens in the eye to provide clear vision. There are several options available. Single vision implants can provide good distance vision with reading glasses necessary for computer and near tasks. Single vision implants can be used to provide monovision where one eye is corrected for distance viewing and the other eye receives a lens for near tasks. There are also premium IOLs which can correct astigmatism or both distance and reading in the form of bifocal or accommodative IOL. Dr. Lucas will be happy to discuss the differences to help you decide the right choice for you.

There are different kinds of cataracts, and they can have different causes. Aging and other medical conditions can contribute to the development of cataracts in your eyes.
Since there are many conditions that can lead to cataracts, it is really important to visit your eye doctor regularly. It is best to catch cataracts early, and we can do that with routine examinations.

Computer Vision

Computer Vision is a relatively new term within the optometry field and refers to eye problems associated with the prolonged use of computers and electronics that use a digital screen. Although it can be temporary, there are times when computer vision can strain the eyes to a degree that permanently affects your vision as well. An existing eye condition can worsen as the eyes try to focus and adjust to a computer screen and precautions should be taken if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen. Some people with an astigmatism will feel completely normal until they get in front of a computer and the condition seems to come back into play. Just as some people use glasses for driving at night there are glasses specifically designed for use with a computer.

Simple factors, such as proper lighting and posture, can make a big difference. Most people don’t realize how hard their eyes are working in front of a computer screen and preventive measures may sound obvious but are frequently overlooked or ignored. Adjusting the screen resolution or checking the brightness and contrast can instantly ease the tension on your eyes. Double check the screen settings for your computer and take breaks if you spend long hours in front of the computer as well. If you have been experiencing blurry vision, dry eyes, eye strain, headaches, neck or back pain, try adjusting the lighting, posture, and the distance in front of your computer screen. If computer vision symptoms persist, call us to set up a consultation and we can do a full diagnosis. We will evaluate the best method in treating your digital eye strain so computer vision does not become an ongoing issue and lead to a bigger eye problem. This eye condition is quite common so don’t hesitate to take the proper steps to improve your vision today.

About 75% of people deal with digital eye strain. The cause is usually twofold. The first problem is a focusing (accommodative) issue. When viewing a digital device whether it is a desktop monitor, laptop, iPad, notebook, or smartphone those patients focus well behind the screen. Overcoming that focusing lag throughout the screen time creates a myriad of symptoms associated with digital eye strain. The second issue is the harmful blue light that is emitted by all of these devices. Computer glasses to eliminate the accommodative lag along with special anti-reflective coatings that absorb the harmful blue rays usually make the computer user significantly more comfortable. If these issues are part of your life whether at school, work, or leisure time we can help.

Strabismus

Strabismus, more commonly known as cross-eyed or wall-eyed, is a vision condition in which a person can not align both eyes simultaneously under normal conditions. One or both of the eyes may turn in, out, up or down. An eye turn may be constant (when the eye turns all of the time) or intermittent (turning only some of the time). Strabismus in children does not go away on its own and strabismus in adults is treatable, so strabismus treatment is necessary.

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Dry Eye

To keep your eyes healthy, you need to have tears to provide moisture and lubrication. This is not only for your comfort, but it helps with your vision. Tears are secreted by glands around your eyes. When you do not make enough tears, you have a condition called dry eyes.

There is no cure for dry eye. Instead, we have ways to make you more comfortable. There is a product called artificial tears. This comes in drops and ointments. Depending on your needs, one may work better for you.

If you are using artificial tears multiple times daily it would be wise to schedule a dry workup at our office. There are 3 layers to our tear film and dry eyes involves 1 or more of these layers. It is important to ascertain which layer(s) are causing the problem so we can provide an effective treatment to minimize or eliminate this annoying problem. There are a number of new treatment options and products that make our patients significantly more comfortable when diagnosed and treated properly.

One of the options we use are temporary and non-dissolving punctal plugs. These are used to close the ducts that help with the overflow of tears. If you stop the tears from draining out of your eye, you will have more tears in your eyes. We start with a temporary one to see if it is going to help before trying a more permanent arrangement.

If necessary, we may also prescribe a medication for chronic dry eyes. We may also talk to you about other medications and your nutrition. Many supplements have been helpful for patients with dry eye.

It is important that we determine the most effective treatment for the cause of each dry condition. Dr. Lucas will discuss the cause of your dry eye and the different treatment options available for you.