Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management

Also called “wet AMD”, exudative AMD is marked by blind spots and distorted vision that is the result of blood and other fluids leaking onto the retina.

AMD has no cure. Treatment generally comprises of delaying further vision loss as much as possible (via diet/lifestyle controls). People with exudative AMD have a few treatment options available. Laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and treatment with Macugen can destroy or control the growth of the abnormal blood vessels in the macula- this is helpful for some people who have wet AMD.

Cataracts are generally diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. During the eye exam we can detect the development of cataracts using several different tests:

• Visual acuity test – This tried and tested procedure assess your visual acuity at various distances
• Dilated eye exam – Using special eye drops that dilate your pupils, we can then take detailed images of your eye and its structures
• Biomicroscope Test – This test has been implemented to allow the Optometrists to visualize the cataract in greater detail.

In the cataract removal surgery, your eye’s natural lens is removed and a plastic intraocular lens (IOL) is fitted in its place. The IOL takes over all functions of the old lens; it is not seen or felt once inserted.

There are several variations of the cataract removal surgery. They all follow the same general process:

• Your eye and surrounding tissues are numbed – The procedure is relatively painless thanks to the use of local anesthetic.
• The lens will be prepped for removal. Depending on the variation of the surgery being performed, it may be broken into smaller pieces via ultrasound waves or removed in one full piece.
• The intraocular lens is inserted in place of the natural lens.
• You are observed for a few hours and then sent home to recover. Note that you will not be able to drive immediately after the surgery and will require a safe way to get home.

Conjunctivitis has several symptoms, though the most obvious is also its nickname: pink eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Itchy eyes that persist even when scratched
• A burning or stinging sensation of the eye
• Light sensitivity
• Redness of the eye and surrounding areas

There are different treatments for conjunctivitis depending on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis will clear up on its own after one to two weeks, as will most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis. We may prescribe antibiotics if your case is serious.

In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, we recommend that you have an allergy test done. While it’s possible to determine the cause of your reaction without an allergy test, having the test done speeds the process along considerably.

Pathogenic conjunctivitis is contagious and can quickly spread to multiple people. If you or a family member has pink eye, follow some precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Use clean towels, blankets, etc.
• Wash your eye with warm water several times per day
• Avoid touching your face and eye

The vast majority of people with eye floaters will never require treatment for it. As annoying as floaters are, most people simply choose to ignore them as best they can.

In rare cases, eye floaters may increase during the development of certain eye diseases. A sudden increase of eye floaters – especially if accompanied by small flashes of light – should be investigated by an Optometrist as soon as possible.

A sudden increase in floaters may be indicative of retinal detachment, a retinal tear, or of bleeding from within the eye.

See one of our Optometrists if you notice eye flashes, especially if it is the first time. A sudden onset of flashes may be indicative of a retinal tear or detachment and should be investigated immediately.

During a comprehensive eye exam conventional testing and advanced imaging equipment is used to diagnose the type and severity of your glaucoma.

Specific tests include standard visual acuity and visual field testing, dilating your eye to allow for full inspection and imaging of the eye, tonometry (to determine eye pressure), and using optical coherence tomography (OCT imaging) to image and measure the optical nerve.

First, it’s important to understand that the goal of treatment is to prevent further vision loss and preserve as much visual acuity as possible. It is not possible to reverse vision already lost to glaucoma.

Glaucoma management usually centres around normalizing eye pressure. This is typically done via eye drops and oral medication, though surgical options are available as well.

Note: we have run into situations where a patient has discontinued their management program as prescribed due to a perceived lack of need. Successful management of glaucoma requires strict adherence to the treatment plan provided. If your eye drops or medication are causing uncomfortable side effects, see us prior to discontinuing use.

• Treating glaucoma with eye drops – Eye drops manage glaucoma by reducing eye pressure, reducing how much fluid is produced in the eye, or both. Eye drops are a safe and effective way to manage glaucoma, though a small percentage of people experience side effects (such as stinging/burning eyes, redness, etc.).
• Treating glaucoma with oral medication – Oral medications accomplish the same ends as eye drops, albeit using different means. Oral medication is often used alongside eye drops. While taking oral medication it is important to be cognisant of how other medications may interact with it. When seeing doctors, ensure that you inform them of the medication you are taking for your glaucoma management.
• Surgical glaucoma treatments – Most variants of surgery offered to treat glaucoma centre around helping the eye relieve eye pressure by encouraging drainage. A laser trabeculoplasty uses a powerful laser to stretch the drainage holes, enabling fluid to drain more freely. The conventional version of this surgery, called a trabeculectomy, creates a new channel for fluid to drain from.