Eye Doctor In Reno for Ocular Disease Diagnosis & Treatment

Regular Eye Exams Can Help Protect Your Ocular Health

Regular eye exams can identify the first indicators of eye disease. With early detection, many eye diseases can be controlled or slowed with the proper lifestyle and nutritional changes. We perform a number of tests to look for common eye diseases, like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Our team of experienced eye doctors in Reno, Nevada are known for accurately diagnosing and treating a variety of eye disorders with precision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. There are many different types of glaucoma, but optic nerve damage is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). However, not everyone with elevated IOP will develop glaucoma, and not every form of glaucoma leads to elevated IOP.

Because glaucoma can advance with minimal early symptoms, and because it is the leading cause of blindness in those over 60, a test for glaucoma is included in every comprehensive eye exam.

Types of Glaucoma

Each type of glaucoma comes with its own causes and symptoms.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It progresses slowly and painlessly, so many people with this type of glaucoma may not realize they have it until they start noticing problems with their vision. Primary open-angle glaucoma is generally believed to be caused by problems with the eye’s drainage system, leading to an increase in fluid and eventual buildup of IOP.
Angle-closure glaucoma is less common and is considered a medical emergency and may cause vision loss within a day of its development. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage angle (between the cornea and the iris) is very narrow, which becomes more narrow as the individual ages. This narrowing blocks the drainage system, causing fluid to build up and increase IOP.
Secondary glaucoma can result from an injury, eye disease, medical conditions, medications, or eye abnormalities. Very rarely, eye surgery can lead to secondary glaucoma.
Normal-tension or low-tension glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that occurs even when the IOP remains within the normal range. The optic nerve is still damaged, although the exact cause is unknown. Those who develop normal-tension glaucoma may have a reduced blood supply to the optic nerve or have an unusually sensitive optic nerve.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. The signs and symptoms of AMD are usually very gradual but can eventually make recognizing faces, driving, or watching TV difficult or impossible.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 50 but does not affect the peripheral vision, so usually does not lead to complete blindness.

Detect AMD With Regular Eye Exams

The first signs of AMD can be identified with regular eye exams. With early detection, AMD may be slowed with the proper lifestyle and nutritional changes. As this disease progresses, treatments like intravitreal injection (injections into the vitreous), laser treatment, or photodynamic therapy can help to manage AMD development.

Types of AMD

There are two kinds of age-related macular degeneration. Both are characterized by damage to the macula, causing central vision loss.

Dry (Atrophic) AMD: As we age, drusen deposits develop under the retina. Over time, the amount and size of drusen deposits grow, obscuring vision. Eventually, they may interfere with central vision.
Wet (Exudative) AMD: This type of AMD is far more severe than dry AMD. It occurs when weak blood vessels break, leak, and leave scar tissue, damaging the retina. If left untreated, this type of AMD can cause blindness.

What are Flashes?

You are able to see the world around because of your retina, and its association with other parts of your eye. The retina translates light into an electrical impulse that travels up your optic nerve to your brain. The brain then takes that electrical signal and converts it into an image.

Flashes are the lightning streaks you see when you bump your head or rub your eye too forcefully. They can also occur when the vitreous starts to shrink and pull away from the retina as a natural part of aging. This is a perfectly normal response from your retina, misinterpreting that physical reaction as an electrical impulse and sending it down your optic nerve to your brain. The flashes you see are your brain attempting to translate a physical signal instead of an electrical one.

However, flashes can be a sign of other eye issues. They can occur if the retinal tissue becomes damaged, or as a symptom of retinal detachment. If you suddenly experience new flashes of light in your vision, call Dr. Jennifer L. Shane & Associates immediately.

What are Floaters?

The majority of your eye is made of a substance called the vitreous humor. As we age, the vitreous shrinks and becomes stringy, which casts shadows on the retina leading to those specks called floaters. Most learn to ignore them, and floaters will usually settle below the line of sight.

Most of the time, floaters are perfectly normal. In some cases, however, floaters can be a sign of more serious issues, like infection, hemorrhaging, retinal tears, or eye injury. If floaters appear accompanied by vision impairment like cloudy or fading vision, call Dr. Jennifer L. Shane & Associates immediately.

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