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Ocular Disease

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. As optometrists we believe the eyes are a window to your health. In fact, we can see complications from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, lupus and other systemic disorders within the eye. Along with complications due to systemic problems, your eye can develop eye specific problems such as Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Uveitis, Keratoconus, etc. Here at Drs. Mayer, Shah and Yost we can provide diagnosis, management and treatment of eye disease. Below is some information on common conditions and treatment options.

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Glaucoma results from damage to of the optic nerve, due to elevated eye pressure leading to progressive loss of peripheral vision. There are different forms of Glaucoma, the two major types are Open Angle and Closed Angle Glaucoma. Loss of vision from Glaucoma cannot be restored, however, can be prevented which is why it is VERY important to detect it early. We recommend an comprehensive annual exam for all adults, and an additional Glaucoma Evaluation for those who have risk factors.

Our Glaucoma Evaluation:

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1. Extensive Visual Field Humphrey 24-2- Peripheral Vision Assessment
2. Pachymetry- Measures the thickness of your eye
3. Gonioscopy- view of the drainage system within the eye
4. Optical Coherence Tomography of the Optic Nerve- using light wave cross section imaging of the Optic nerve



Dr. Mayer and Dr. Shah are both Glaucoma certified and can detect, manage and treat Glaucoma with an individual tailored approach. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask us.


Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens inside of the eye. Overtime the Cataracts will cause blurry and hazy vision, which makes daily tasks like driving at night or reading very difficult. Most cataracts develop due to age, however, 1 there are other causes for cataracts as well. Here are the causes of cataracts:


1. Age
2. Diabetes
3. Smoking
4. Trauma to the lens/eye
5. Genetic/Congenital
6. Excessive Steroid Use

When the Cataracts are deemed ready by Drs. Mayer, Shah and Yost we can start the process of removing them with a surgeon. Technology has vastly improved outcomes for Cataract surgery, and now it is a simple and safe procedure. Nonetheless, we will walk you through the process and also do the post-op examinations for your quick recovery. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is a degeneration of the macula- which is the central area of the retina in the back of the eye that gives you your central vision. If there is damage to the macula, your ability to see faces, see details, read, watch TV/electronics will be impacted. There are two types forms of macular degeneration, dry and wet. Dry refers to no bleeding or no growth of small blood vessels in the macular area. Wet has bleeding or growth of small blood vessels in the area, and is prone to much severe loss of vision. Depending on the form of macular degeneration, management will be different. There are certain risk factors, that increase your chance of developing such condition: 1

1. Age- Are you over 65?
2. Smoking- Do you smoke? How long have you been smoking for?
3. Family History- Does anyone in your family have Macular Degeneration?
4. Gender- Are you female?
5. Race- Are you Caucasian?
6. Sun Exposure- Are you wearing sunglasses?
7. Diet/Obesity- Are you eating high fatty food and not enough green leafy vegetables?

If you answered yes to many of the questions above, control what you can control: wear quality sunglasses that protect against harmful UV rays and HEV radiation, eat a healthy diet rich in green vegetables, exercise, and DO NOT SMOKE! Nonetheless, Our Doctors, will discuss in detail what steps you can take to preserve your vision.

Below is Amsler Grid- which is a grid that can show you changes in your vision due to changes to the macula. Instructions are included.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to as us.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease that progressively changes the shape of the cornea (front clear portion of the eye). The shape of the cornea becomes irregular and more cone like, which causes a bulge forward. Keratoconus starts in the mid-teens to early 20's and can continually worsen. The increased irregular astigmatism will cause blurred vision, distortion, glare and light sensitivity issues. Glasses or soft contacts will help with early keratoconus, but once it progresses rigid gas permeable contacts will be next in line to improve vision. There are also other new treatment options the will be discussed by Drs. Mayer, Shah and Yost if you are a candidate, such as Corneal Cross Linking or Intacs.


Emergency Eye Services

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Our doctors always say, "if you have an eye problem, come see an eye doctor". We have an open door policy, if you have a true eye emergency we will find a way to get you into our schedule. We have a phone service that will contact us for emergency eye visits even if its after hours/weekends. All you have to do is call our office line: 559-582-9244.