A cataract is when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly. It’s a common part of aging but can also develop due to injury, medication, or certain medical conditions.

During your eye exam, I’ll assess your vision and eye health. If cataracts are affecting your vision and quality of life, I can refer you to an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery involves replacing your cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL). There are many types of IOLs available, and we’ll discuss your options during your visit — whether that’s with me or directly with your ophthalmologist.

The surgery itself takes place in the operating room and is generally quick and done under local anesthesia. Recovery is usually fairly quick, with many patients seeing improved vision within a few days. However, glasses may still be needed for some activities, depending on the IOL chosen and your visual needs.

Throughout the process, I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you understand all the options and that you’re comfortable with your decisions.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugar from diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause vision problems and, if left untreated, may lead to vision loss. Early stages often have no symptoms, so regular eye exams are important.

About 1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy, and approximately 40-45% of people with diabetes will have some form of it at the time of their diabetes diagnosis, especially if blood sugar has been poorly controlled.

Although there’s no cure, treatment can help prevent further damage:

• Laser Treatment: To reduce leakage from blood vessels.

• Injections: To help with swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.

• Surgery: In more advanced cases, surgery may be needed to clear blood from the eye.

Even if you don’t have diabetic retinopathy yet, it’s essential for anyone with diabetes to have an annual eye exam. Early detection helps us catch any potential problems before they affect your vision. We also work closely with your general practitioner (GP) to co-manage your care, ensuring your blood sugar levels and overall health are well controlled, which helps protect your eye health.

Floaters are small spots, squiggles, or cobweb-like shapes that move around in your vision. They’re usually more noticeable when looking at something bright, like the sky or a white wall.

In most cases, floaters are a normal part of aging. They happen when the gel inside your eye (called the vitreous) changes over time and becomes more liquid, causing tiny clumps that cast shadows on your retina.

While floaters are usually harmless, you should come in right away if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain or shadow in your vision — these can be signs of something more serious, like a retinal tear or detachment.

If you’re ever unsure, we can check with a dilated eye exam to make sure everything looks healthy.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss, often starting with peripheral (side) vision. However, with early detection and proper management, we can prevent or slow down further damage.

Regular monitoring is essential to managing glaucoma effectively. I typically see patients with glaucoma every 6 months to assess changes in their condition. During these visits, we conduct a series of tests to track progression and stability:

• Intraocular Pressure (IOP): This test measures the pressure inside your eye, which is key to glaucoma management. Elevated IOP can damage the optic nerve, but we can monitor and adjust treatment as necessary.

• Visual Fields: This test checks for any changes in peripheral vision, which can be an early sign of glaucoma.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT provides detailed images of the optic nerve, allowing us to spot any early changes or damage.

While glaucoma can affect anyone, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:

• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 60.

• Family History: A family history of glaucoma, especially in siblings, increases your risk.

• Thin Corneas: People with thinner-than-average corneas are more likely to develop glaucoma. Regular IOP checks are especially important in these cases.

• Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP): High IOP is a primary risk factor, though not everyone with elevated pressure will develop glaucoma.

• Race/Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian populations have a higher risk of developing glaucoma at different ages and types.

• Hypertension: High blood pressure can increase your risk, while low diastolic blood pressure may reduce blood flow to the optic nerve, also contributing to risk.

• Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of optic nerve damage.

• Eye Injury: A history of eye injury, such as trauma or surgery, may increase the risk of glaucoma.

• Use of Steroids: Long-term steroid use (in any form) can increase the risk of secondary glaucoma.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk, especially for a type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma.

• Sleep Apnea: Fluctuations in oxygen levels during sleep may increase glaucoma risk due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.

Since glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms, it’s essential to have regular eye exams, particularly if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Early detection through tests like IOP checks, visual field exams, and OCT can prevent vision loss and help us keep your eyes healthy for the long term.

Macular degeneration (often referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It’s called "age-related" for a reason — the risk of developing it increases as you get older, particularly after age 60. AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults, but the good news is that early detection and lifestyle changes can help manage it.

While aging is the primary risk factor, there are other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing macular degeneration, including:

• Smoking: Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for AMD. It can significantly damage the blood vessels in the eye, accelerating the condition and worsening vision loss. Quitting smoking can help slow progression.

• Family History: If you have a close family member who has had macular degeneration, your risk is higher.

• Diet and Nutrition: Poor diet, especially one low in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, may contribute to AMD. A diet rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect eye health.

• Race/Ethnicity: Caucasians are at a higher risk of developing AMD compared to other ethnic groups.

There is currently no definitive cure for macular degeneration, but several options can help slow progression and manage symptoms:

• AREDS2 Vitamins: Research has shown that specific antioxidant vitamins (AREDS2 formula) can help slow the progression of macular degeneration, particularly in people with intermediate AMD or those who are at higher risk. These vitamins contain high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and lutein/zeaxanthin.

• Injections: For wet AMD, which is a more advanced form of the disease, injections of medications that block abnormal blood vessel growth (anti-VEGF therapy) can help prevent further vision loss. These treatments are administered in the eye by a specialist, and the frequency depends on the specific case.

• Monitoring: Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting any changes in the macula and tracking progression. Amsler grid tests are often used at home to monitor your vision and catch any sudden changes in central vision, which could signal worsening AMD.

While there is no cure, early intervention and lifestyle changes, including avoiding smoking and taking recommended vitamins, can help you manage macular degeneration and preserve vision for as long as possible.

Migraines are a common condition that can present in different forms, each with its own set of symptoms. Understanding the different types of migraines can help in managing the condition effectively. An optometrist can help differentiate between these types based on your symptoms and provide advice on managing and treating them, especially when vision changes are involved. I like to split them into three categories:

Ocular Migraine

An ocular migraine causes temporary visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots, in one eye. These changes typically last less than one hour and occur without a headache. They usually resolve on their own.

Migraine with Aura

A migraine with aura involves visual disturbances, like flashing lights or blind spots, that occur before or alongside the headache. The aura lasts about 20-30 minutes. Migraines can last hours to days.

Migraine without Aura

A migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine, marked by a severe headache, often on one side of the head, without the visual disturbances seen in migraines with aura. Symptoms may include nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines may last hours-days

Common risk factors for migraines include:

• Stress

• Alcohol consumption

• Hormonal triggers/changes

• Poor diet

• Lack of sleep

• Family history of migraines

• Allergic responses or environmental factors

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Ocular allergies are a common condition where your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. This leads to symptoms such as itching, redness, watery eyes, and sometimes swelling around the eyes. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are often seasonal and triggered by environmental allergens.

What to Avoid

• Eye rubbing: Rubbing your eyes may provide temporary relief, but it can worsen symptoms by spreading allergens or causing injury to the eyes. Try to avoid rubbing as much as possible.

• Over-the-counter vasoconstrictor drops (e.g., Visine): These drops may temporarily reduce redness, but they can make symptoms worse over time and lead to dependence. They work by constricting blood vessels in your eyes, but once the effect wears off, the redness often returns, sometimes even more intensely.

If you experience symptoms of ocular allergies, but also notice:

• Yellow or green discharge (which may indicate a bacterial infection)

• Pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away

• Blurred vision or worsening symptoms

…it’s important to come in for an exam. We can check to make sure it's not something more serious, like a bacterial or viral infection, or another underlying condition.

For more severe or persistent allergic reactions, we can prescribe eye drops that help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

Vitreous detachment is a condition where the gel-like fluid that fills the eye separates from the retina. It is usually harmless and can cause floaters or flashes in your sight. In more serious cases, vitreous detachment can pull at the retina and cause it to tear or detach, which can lead to vision loss and needs treatment straight away.

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A retinal detachment occurs when the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye — separates from the tissue beneath it. This is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

People who are nearsighted (myopic), have had eye injuries, or a family history of retinal detachment may be at higher risk. Regular eye exams help us monitor these risk factors and protect your vision.

Watch for warning signs like sudden flashes of light, new floaters (small spots or threads in your vision), or a shadow or “curtain” over part of your vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to come in right away.

A dilated eye exam is key to detecting retinal issues early — it allows us to carefully examine the retina and spot problems that might not be visible otherwise.

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can cause symptoms like redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and sometimes floaters. Uveitis can develop suddenly and may be linked to infections, autoimmune diseases, or eye injuries.

Uveitis can be triggered by:

• Infections (e.g., viral, bacterial, or fungal)

• Autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis)

• Eye injuries

If left untreated, uveitis can lead to complications like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal damage, or permanent vision loss. This is why it’s important to seek prompt care if you experience symptoms.

As your optometrist, I can help diagnose uveitis through a thorough eye exam, which may include:

• Dilating your pupils to better examine the inside of your eyes

• Assessing intraocular pressure to check for any signs of glaucoma

• Monitoring the health of your retina and other structures in your eye to spot any damage

If uveitis is suspected, I may use anti-inflammatory medications like steroid eye drops, or in more severe cases, oral medications or other treatments to manage the condition and prevent complications.

If you are diagnosed with uveitis, I'll work closely with you and your healthcare team to ensure your ocular and systemic health are monitored for any changes.