Eye Disease Management
A look at eye disease management
Many eye diseases do not have symptoms, until the disease is well progressed. We recommend that you have regular eye examinations to make sure that we can commence preventative care as early as possible. However, if you do experience a sudden change in your vision, a dimming of your vision or flashes and lights, it is important you seek an Optometrist. Other symptoms that need addressing as soon as possible include, pain in the eye, fluid or inflammation of the eye double vision or blurry vision and headaches
Early treatment from a diagnosis can prevent vision loss.
Types of Eye Diseases
What is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is the central section of the retina at the back of your eye. It provides the “fine detail” vision which allows you to work, read and watch TV with clarity.
Macular Degeneration causes a loss of central vision and is the leading cause of blindness in the western world.
Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration
We use Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) which gives a three-dimensional view of the macula, so that our Optometrist can tell early if you are at risk of Macular Degeneration. Read a more indepth article about Maucular degeneration here
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
The earlier treatment is implemented, the better the chances of preserving your central sight. Treatments may include macular dietary supplements initially and eye injections or laser surgery if the condition deteriorates.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a slow, progressive disease which causes irreversible damage to the nerve fibres in the retina. This damage affects your peripheral vision first. If left untreated, glaucoma will ultimately affect your central vision as well. As the loss of vision occurs gradually, it often goes unnoticed until it is well advanced.
Read a more indepth article about Glaucoma here
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
When it comes to treating glaucoma, early diagnosis is crucial to preserving your vision and minimizing the extent of vision loss. At Eyes by Cesign, we prioritise early detection through comprehensive eye exams, which allow us to identify glaucoma at its earliest stages.
There are several tests that can diagnose glaucoma. The most important of these tests is the Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) which gives us the ability to measure the thickness of your retinal nerve fibres and compares this with normal values for your age.
Treatment for Glaucoma
If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, rest assured that our experienced team is equipped to provide the necessary treatment to manage the condition effectively.
In many cases, prescription eye drops are the primary treatment method for glaucoma. These eye drops work by reducing intraocular pressure, which is a key factor in glaucoma development and progression.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the eye drops and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
However, in some cases, prescription eye drops alone may not be sufficient to control the progression of glaucoma. If this is the situation, we may refer for you surgical interventions to manage the condition more effectively.
There are several surgical options available, including laser procedures like trabeculoplasty or surgical interventions such as trabeculectomy or drainage implant placement.
Eyes by Design will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your specific condition and individual needs. We prioritise providing comprehensive care and ensuring that you understand your treatment options every step of the way.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes affects the blood vessels (arteries and veins) in our body. If the blood sugar levels are too high, then this could result in your blood vessels leaking blood contents into your retina which causes diabetic retinopathy.
Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Haemorrhages and micro-aneurysms (tiny bulges of the walls of blood vessels) can be detected by a full-colour scan with our retinal imaging system. Our OCT can detect swelling in the retina caused by blood plasma leaks which are not visible with retinal scanning or conventional ophthalmoscopy.
At Eyes by Design we emphasise the importance of regular eye examinations, especially for individuals with diabetes. By monitoring your eye health, we can detect any signs of diabetic retinopathy at its early stages and initiate prompt treatment to protect your vision.
Read more about Diabetes and Eye Health Here
Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
Managing your diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels through medication and lifestyle modifications is crucial in reducing the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Proper diabetes management and medication can help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of complications affecting the eyes.
Our team of experienced Optometrists will work closely with you and your primary care physician for coordinated care and effective management of your diabetes. Read more about Ozempic and eye health
In cases where diabetic retinopathy has already advanced, more advanced treatment options may be necessary. Eye injections, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications, can help manage the abnormal blood vessels that develop in the retina. Laser surgery, known as photocoagulation, may also be recommended to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage to the retina.
If you have concerns about your eyes or experience any symptoms related to eye disease, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment with us.
Your eye health is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you maintain clear vision and overall well-being.
