EYE DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Whether your eye condition was diagnosed during a comprehensive vision exam, as the result of our advanced screening tests, or by your medical doctor, we can develop and manage an effective treatment plan.
The Hills Eyecare and Optical treats a variety of conditions including dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more.
LOW VISION REHABILITATION
Low vision refers to vision loss that cannot be corrected with traditional eyeglasses. Examples of conditions that can cause reduced vision include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism, and congenital optic atrophy.
Optical aids and tools can be very effective in improving the quality of life after vision loss. Some options include high power reading glasses, high quality Eschenbach magnifiers, telescopes such as Designs for Vision, Ocutech or Eschenbach, and Irisvision wearable units to allow for TV viewing and distance vision in a classroom.
-
The Hills Eyecare and Optical Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic: Consultation at our low vision clinic is available to our patients by appointment. First, a patient will complete a questionnaire to identify their daily activities and hobbies. Next, after suitable levels of magnification requirements have been established, appropriate devices will be prescribed for the patient. Training on these devices will be provided as required. For the goal of driving safely with vision loss while meeting state requirements, we also offer an intensive bioptic telescope program.
EMERGENCY EYECARE
Because some eye conditions can cause permanent damage as well as pain, we offer same day emergency appointments or a referral to a trusted facility to care for acute, urgent eye emergencies. Conditions involving infections of the eye, pink eye, eye injuries, styes, a foreign body in the eye, or the sudden onset of flashers or floaters with possible retinal detachment will be addressed as urgent eyecare situations for proper diagnosis and treatment.
DRY EYE DISEASE
Dry eye disease occurs due to inadequate or low-quality tear production and can cause uncomfortable chronic symptoms like redness, burning, light sensitivity, difficulty driving at night, blurred vision, and watery eyes.
During your office visit we perform a series of tests designed to identify the underlying reason for your dry eye symptoms. Based on the results, a comprehensive treatment plan is created. Progress is re-evaluated over a series of visits to ensure the symptoms are improving. While dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, we can provide you with the tools to manage this disease.
Products for dry eye syndrome can include prescription eyedrops like Restasis, Xildra, or Cequa, Blephadex wipes, punctal plug occlusion, meibomian gland treatment, and fish oil supplementation.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
A common cause of vision loss and blindness in American adults is a complication of diabetes, termed diabetic retinopathy. A diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy means that the vessels that carry oxygen to the retina have been weakened, causing blurred vision and eventually blind spots and vision loss.
Because this vision loss may not be initially detectable and yet, once it occurs, cannot be reversed, it is highly recommended that diabetics have an annual diabetic eye exam with dilation. With early diagnosis, laser treatment and surgery can be used to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy and prevent further vision loss.
GLAUCOMA
The health of the optic nerve, located in the back of the eye, is critical for good vision. Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, primarily due to excessive pressure in the eye. These conditions are most common in adults over the age of 40, individuals of African American decent, or patients with a family history, but can occur at any age without other risk factors.
Glaucoma is known as the silent eye disease and the early stages of glaucoma do not often present with obvious symptoms. It is important to have regular eye exams that include the measurement of eye pressure. The Hills Eyecare and Optical uses the latest technology to test eye pressure, which is gentle and accurate compared to previous used air puff methods. Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent but the assessments are simple and painless. Depending on the stage at diagnosis, medication may be prescribed to alleviate the pressure on the eye. If the condition has already progressed or the medications are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to drain excess fluid.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
One of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults is macular degeneration. The macula provides the capability to see clearly in the center of the vision field. It is important to diagnose macular degeneration early for the best outcome. The Hills Eyecare and Optical can refer care to local retinal specialists if needed, or can coordinate care with local experts. If a permanent loss of sight has been detected, our team will work with you through our Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic.
There are two types of macular degeneration:
-
Dry macular degeneration includes the gradual loss of clear vision and the ability to see colors which can eventually result in general loss of central vision. Once diagnosed, sunglasses and nutritional support might prevent dry macular degeneration from progressing.
-
One in ten cases of dry macular degeneration will progress to wet macular degeneration which can result in total loss of central vision. Wet macular degeneration is treated with drugs such as Elyea and Visudyne used with photodynamic therapy.
CATARACTS
A cataract is the clouding of the lens that sits behind the iris, the colored part of your eye. The cloudiness causes the light coming through the lens to disperse, blurring the vision.
Caused by age, infection or trauma, the initial effects of cataracts, including difficulty reading and night driving, can often be offset with stronger lighting and glasses. Eventually, as the clouding progresses, surgery may be recommended.
Symptoms of cataracts include:
-
The illusion of halos around lights
-
Faded color vision
-
Heightened sensitivity to light
-
Dim, blurry vision
-
Difficulty reading and driving at night
-
Double vision
​
