Eye Disease Treatment Options From Your Optometrist
Eye disease impacts your vision clarity and does not remedy itself. You will need to consult an optometrist to receive a custom eye disease treatment plan. Considering eye disease manifests differently in everyone, the details of the treatment plan will need to be the same. Take a look at possible treatment options to help you regain vision clarity.
Exploring eye disease treatment options
Once the optometrist determines the exact type of disease the patient has and that it is not a result of an infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are considered eye diseases:
Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is most commonly referred to as macular degeneration. Commonly associated with age, this disease damages sharp and central vision, inhibiting the patient's ability to see fine details.
Amblyopia
Commonly referred to as a "lazy eye," amblyopia is more common in children. It occurs when the vision in one eye is inhibited due to the brain and the eyes not working in unison.
Cataract
According to the CDC, cataracts are the leading cause of total vision loss. The disease manifests as cloudy portions in the eye lens, which cause blurry or wave vision.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes can significantly damage the blood vessels in the retina and make the tissue in the back of the eye sensitive to light. While diabetic retinopathy may not cause symptoms right away, it can lead to blindness when left untreated.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid behind the eye rises abnormally. This eye disease often results in irreversible vision loss if not managed properly.
Refractive errors
Refractive errors range from farsightedness (hyperopia) to nearsightedness (myopia). They also include those diagnosed with astigmatism, which means their vision becomes distorted at all distances.
Eye disease treatments
Patients' eye disease treatment plans will vary. While it is important to note that the only appropriate and long-term treatment for some eye diseases is surgery, an optometrist can help monitor and manage diseases so they do not worsen. The optometrist will typically incorporate the following three options within treatment plans, coupling them with recommendations from the patient's primary care physician or an ophthalmologist:
Eye drops
Eye drops can remedy much more than redness or dryness. The optometrist prescribes a series of prescription-strength eye drops to treat glaucoma, helping to drain the fluid. This disease treatment is typically long-term and serves to manage the disease and prevent it from worsening.
Prescription contacts
Some contacts are permanent, while others (the most common) are removable. They are thin, clear, false lenses that fit over the eye. While over-the-counter options are available, they lack prescription medication inside them to address vision problems, nor will they provide a comfortable fit. An optometrist will measure the eye, determine the specific disease, and prescribe an accurate prescription for each contact lens. Like with any prescription, patients will need to maintain annual appointments with the optometrist to ensure no changes need to be made.
Prescription glasses
Prescription (not reading) glasses are the simplest way to correct or address eye diseases that affect vision issues, such as refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy, and amblyopia. While they may not cure the disease entirely, they are a great way to restore vision until a more permanent solution is accessible. However, it is important to maintain appointments with the optometrist to ensure no changes occur that require strengthening or weakening the prescription in the glasses.
Regain your vision clarity
Eye disease, regardless of the type, requires prompt professional intervention. These diseases do not heal on their own. Fortunately, with our eye disease treatment plans, we can help you start the path to regaining vision clarity.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmieyecare.com or call Carmi Eye Care at (618) 374-0513 for an appointment in our Carmi office.
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