Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Spartanburg

Cataracts form as protein clumps together in the eyes’ lens, leading to clouded vision. Cataracts can develop slowly, making regular eye exams an important factor in helping to diagnose them early. As cataracts become disruptive to everyday life, surgery is quite common; it’s estimated that half of all Americans 80 years and older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.

One of the leading causes of blindness for those over 60, glaucoma is a group of conditions that affects the optic nerve. Often glaucoma comes with no warning signs, and advances slowly, making it difficult to notice vision changes. If detected early enough, glaucoma can usually be controlled. To ensure that glaucoma is diagnosed and treated before it becomes too advanced, regular eye exams are an important part of your health care routine.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects only the central vision of the eye. AMD occurs when the macula is damaged, and affects a person’s ability to see fine details. There are 2 types of macular degeneration:

• Dry: Dry AMD is more common, and typically progresses at a slower rate. There is no cure for dry AMD, and any loss in central vision cannot be restored. However, nutrition has been found as a key factor in the progression of dry AMD.
• Wet: Wet AMD progresses faster, and can be more severe. If detected early, wet AMD can be treated with ocular injections and/or photocoagulation (laser treatment).

Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. These blood vessels can cause the retinal tissue to swell, and clouded vision to occur. If a person with diabetes develops diabetic retinopathy, it is likely to occur in both eyes. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if left untreated, so regular eye examinations are critical in helping to preserve your sight.