At Columbia Eye Consultants Optometry, we treat a wide variety of conditions including: cataract evaluation and management, dry eye diagnosis and management, glaucoma evaluation and management, refractive surgery evaluation and management, macular degeneration evaluation and management.
Cataract Evaluation and Management
At some point in our lives, cataracts will begin a progressive, gradual deterioration of our vision. These symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Glare and halos
- Aberrations
- Decreased night vision
- Light sensitivity
Cataract surgery will address these symptoms. In most cases, our standard high-quality, high-definition lens implant will be the right fit for you. But sometimes a specialty lens implant is desired. The optional specialty lenses include:
- Astigmatism lenses
- Multifocal lenses
- Monovision lenses
Glaucoma Evaluation and Management
Glaucoma is a condition that can cause progressive damage to your optic nerve. Glaucoma may present and progress very rapidly (acute) or very slowly over many years (chronic). Glaucoma is most commonly thought of as the presence of increased pressure inside the eye causing optic nerve damage. However, in a large number of cases the eye pressure is completely normal. Regardless of high pressure or normal pressure, untreated glaucoma will usually progress with little or no symptoms until the very late stage of the disease. Treatment in all cases revolves around lowering the pressure inside the eye. Common methods to achieve this effect are:
- Eye drops that increase the outflow of fluid from the eye to lower eye pressure
- Eye drops that decrease the production of fluid in the eye to lower eye pressure
- Laser surgery
- Implant or valve surgeries
All patients who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or have been told they have an increased risk for glaucoma (glaucoma suspect) need regular, frequent eye examinations. The required frequency of these exams will depend on the stability and severity of your case. These examinations should include regular testing, such as:
- Dilated fundus examination
- Intraocular pressure readings (and not the “eye puff”)
- Visual field testing
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Gonioscopy
- High contrast photographic documentation of the optic nerve
We have the experience, knowledge and instrumentation necessary to protect your eyes from undetected progressive vision loss from this potentially serious eye disease.
Dry Eye Diagnosis and Management
Our doctors will attest that dry eye symptoms are the most common and troublesome complaints that patients routinely relay to us. Dry eye may present as a mild annoyance with contact lens wearers or as a severe impairment on performing normal visual tasks. Dry eye complaints are more common in females and patients with as history of systemic autoimmune conditions.
Dry Eye Syndrome may present as:
- Burning
- Redness
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Inability to work on a computer screen or electronic device for extended periods of time
- Fluctuating vision
- Soreness or achy around the eyes
- Pain
The treatment of dry eye needs to be tailored to each individual. There is no “magic bullet” to alleviate all symptoms in all patients. But a multi-faceted approach that takes into account your visual demands and environment can lead to symptomatic relief.
Refractive Surgery Evaluation and Management
A thorough pre-operative evaluation is critical to ensure that motivated patients can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with elective refractive surgery. A refractive surgery evaluation should include:
- Refraction
- Cycloplegic refraction
- Corneal topography
- Corneal Pachymetry
- Pupil size measurement
- Dilated fundus exam
- A review of data
- Explanation and review of risks and benefits
Our responsibility during this process is to help you determine how good of a refractive surgery candidate you are. And use that information to make a decision. We will help you:
- Determine your level of candidacy
- Discuss your expectations and needs
- Perform a thorough pre-operative evaluation
- Convey an understanding of risks and benefits
- Provide post-operative care instructions
- Monitor your post-operative status with a regular schedule of check-ups
- Constant availability for your questions or if unforeseen issues should arise
Macular Degeneration Evaluation and Management
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and over. Smoking and a positive family history are the biggest risk factors. Potential risk factors for AMD are:
- Advancing age
- Smoking
- Family history
- UV radiation exposure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- High saturated fat intake
- Caucasian race
Dry AMD is characterized by a slow, gradual deterioration of the area of the eye responsible for the most sensitive central vision. Wet AMD occurs when aberrant blood vessels grow under the macular area resulting in sub-retinal hemorrhaging. Wet AMD is usually treated with eye injections.
There is no cure for macular degeneration. Prevention is the key. Our doctors may recommend steps you can take to improve your chances of avoiding this condition or to arrest its progression in its early stage. These recommended prevention steps include:
- Regular eye exams
- Specifically formulated multivitamin/antioxidant supplements
- UV protection
- A diet high in leafy, green vegetables
- Home-monitoring instructions
- Healthy diet and exercise
Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early diagnosis and management of risk factors will help lessen the probability of AMD affecting your lifestyle and enjoyment.