What Eye Diseases Can an Eye Exam Catch?

A comprehensive eye exam is crucial to maintaining your eye health. It allows your eye doctor to identify any potential eye diseases or conditions. It can help your doctor check your vision and determine whether you need corrective eyewear. A comprehensive eye exam can detect the following common eye conditions:

AMD

AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is a degenerative disorder that can cause vision impairment. The doctor can examine the retina for damage indicators like yellow deposits during an eye exam.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition can cause vision loss by harming the blood vessels in the retina. By examining the retina for damage indicators like leaking blood vessels, swelling, or abnormal blood vessel growth, an eye exam can identify diabetic retinopathy.

Glaucoma

A series of eye disorders known as glaucoma can affect the optic nerve. Your eye doctor will measure the pressure inside your eye during an examination to look for glaucoma symptoms. Additionally, they will check the optic nerve for any signs of damage, such as cupping or thinned nerve fibers. Glaucoma is treatable if caught early enough to stop further vision loss.

Cataracts 

These are cloudy areas in the eye's lens that can impair vision. An eye doctor can find cataracts by measuring your visual acuity, observing how your pupil responds to light, and evaluating the transparency of the lens. Surgery can treat cataracts, during which the doctor will swap the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or those produced are of poor quality. An eye exam can identify dry eye syndrome by examining the eye's surface and determining the quantity of tears and their quality. The range of treatments available has expanded in recent years. Consult with your eye doctor to see what is the best fit for your case.

Corneal Ulcers 

A corneal infection can result in corneal ulcers, a severe condition that can impair vision. An eye exam can find corneal ulcers by examining the cornea and looking for indications of infection, such as a cloudy area or a white spot. Treatments include surgery to remove the infected tissue, antibiotic drops, or ointments.

Conjunctivitis

The transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva, can become infected or swollen. An eye doctor can identify conjunctivitis by examining the conjunctiva and looking for redness, swelling, or discharge indications. Antibiotic drops or creams are available as treatment options.

Retinal Detachment

This syndrome develops when the retina separates from the back of the eye. An eye exam can identify retinal detachment by examining the retina and looking for indications of separation or holes. Laser therapy and retinal reattachment surgery are two possible treatments.

Conclusion

It is crucial to remember that the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases are more successful if caught early. It is best to schedule routine eye exams with your eye doctor so that they can help detect and address these conditions early on.

For more information on common eye diseases, contact Studio Optix at our New York, New York office. Call (212) 765-4444 to book an appointment today.

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