Eye conditions and why you need ophthalmology
Ophthalmology refers to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions of the eye and visual systems. Many Americans may be nearsighted when it comes to eye conditions and miss the mark on eye conditions and diseases that may result in vision loss. Russell Micah Levine, MD, Hell’s Kitchen comprehensive ophthalmologist, provides a personalized approach to diagnose, treat, and help patients prevent future eye conditions and get their eye health trackback.
Causes of eye problems
The following are common causes of eye problems;
- Eyestrain. It occurs due to eye overuse during reading, watching, and driving long-distance.
- Amblyopia. It develops when vision in the eye is weak due to that eye not generating correctly.
- Glaucoma. It is caused by high blood pressure and excessive fluid pressure in the eye caused by inadequate fluid drainage by eye ducts.
- Cataracts. Caused by thickening and discoloration of eye lens leading to poor perception of color, night blindness, and blurred visions.
- Macular degeneration. It occurs in elderly persons due to progressive deterioration of the macula, which causes loss of central vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy. Causes damage and leakage in the blood vessels that serve the retina.
- Keratoconus. It is the weakening of corneal tissues causing limited visions.
- Presbyopia. It is caused by a loss of ability to see close objects and small prints.
- Floaters. They are specks that float your vision field and can cause retinal detachment.
- Excess tearing. Caused by sensitivity to light, wind, and temperature changes can cause eye infection and blocked eye ducts.
- Corneal disease. Diseases, infections, and toxins damage the cornea resulting in pain, reduced vision, and watery eyes.
- Uveitis. Results from inflammation of the middle layer of the eyes due to eye trauma which causes painful eyeballs.
- Blepharitis. It is the inflammation of the eyelids which causes a burning sensation, swelling, and blurred visions.
Symptoms of eye conditions;
- Bulged eyes
- Double, reduced, and blurred vision
- Tearing excessively
- Eye redness
- Black specks
- Severe eye pain
- Eye injury
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Diagnosis
The physician conducts vision tests and eye exams by motility test, dilated pupil exam, pupillary response test, visual acuity test, intraocular pressure tests, and peripheral vision tests to assess the healthiness of the eye.
He also performs fundus exam tests, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and corneal topography to check various eye conditions.
Prevention
Your physician will advise you to do the following to prevent eye problems;
- Reduce alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
- Protect eyes from sun damage and reduce screen time.
- Have regular sight tests and screening.
- Practice good eye drop compliance and techniques.
Treatment
Treatment options are as follows;
- The use of Photocoagulation helps to prevent vision loss in diabetic patients.
- Topical medications such as artificial tears, gels, and ointment help to treat mild dry eyes
- Surgical insertion of silicone-based punctal ducts to treat excessive tearing and cataracts
- Corticosteroids and injections to treat eye inflammations
- Antibiotic eye drops and decongestants to relieve eye pain and rashes
- Anti-oxidants and nutritional supplements to support retinal health
Consult your ophthalmologist today
Having eye conditions may result in permanent vision loss, inactivity, and accidents during driving. Therefore, by contacting Russell Micah Levine, an ophthalmologist in New York, you will be one step ahead in solving your eye conditions and get comprehensive treatment to get back your proper healthy eyesight.