Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management

Detecting & Diagnosing Eye Diseases

Many eye diseases, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, are common and often have no early symptoms. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial.

During your routine exam, we’ll check for:

Glaucoma: A condition that damages the optic nerve.
Cataracts: The clouding of your eye’s natural lens.
Macular degeneration: An age-related condition that affects central vision.
Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that can damage the retina.

Schedule your eye exam to take control of your eye health.

Request Appointment

.lazy-loader-background-element-1.lazyload{ background-position:50% 50%; background-image:url(https://20twentyoptical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20twentyOpticalAndEyeCare-EyeDisease-SuppImg.jpg) }

Managing Eye Disease

Did you know that what you eat can impact your eye health? The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to help protect your vision.

We take a holistic approach to managing eye disease that includes:

MacuHealth supplements: A convenient way to supplement your diet with essential nutrients for eye health.
Nutrition counseling: Personalized advice on how to optimize your diet to support your vision.
Retinal scans: Advanced imaging technology to help detect and monitor eye diseases (offered for an additional co-pay).

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves the gradual thinning of the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision. This can lead to central vision loss, making activities like reading or driving more challenging.

AMD often progresses silently, with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting early signs and timely intervention.

While AMD most commonly affects those over 60, factors such as sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and genetics can also play a role. Staying informed about these risks is a proactive way to support your eye health.

There are 2 forms of AMD.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 90% of cases. It occurs when the macula thins due to aging and the accumulation of yellow deposits called drusen. Symptoms may include blurred vision or a blind spot in the center of your visual field.

Currently, there is no cure for dry AMD, but treatments are available to help slow its progression and manage symptoms, including lifestyle changes, supplements, and laser therapy.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, but progresses quickly, often leading to more severe vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood.

Symptoms may include distorted or blurry central vision, dark spots in your visual field, or sudden blind spots. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing permanent vision loss. Treatment options typically involve intraocular injections to slow progression and help preserve your sight.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular eye exams are vital for detecting and slowing glaucoma progression.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including diabetic eye disease, high levels of myopia (severe nearsightedness), and a family history of the condition.

There are several types of glaucoma.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage canals in your eye remain open, but the fluid can’t drain, causing a gradual increase in eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve.

This type of glaucoma often has no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma is a less common but serious condition that occurs when the iris (the colored part of your eye) physically blocks the drainage angle. This blockage leads to a sudden increase in eye pressure, which can cause severe pain and rapid vision loss if not treated promptly, making it a medical emergency.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged even though internal eye pressure remains within normal ranges. The exact causes of this type of glaucoma are not fully understood, but it may result from factors such as decreased blood supply to the optic nerve. It is often associated with certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea and migraines.

Corneal Conditions

Corneal conditions can significantly affect your vision and overall eye health. Common corneal issues include:

Keratoconus: The cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision.
Corneal dystrophies: Genetic mutations affecting corneal proteins, causing cloudiness or irregularities.

Catching these conditions early is important for effective management. Treatment options may include specialty contact lenses, surgery, or even corneal transplants to help restore your vision and prevent complications.

Our Strategies

Your vision is more than just what you see; it’s how you perceive the world around you. Our strategies are designed to improve your visual acuity while supporting your quality of life.

We take a holistic approach to managing eye diseases, which includes personalized nutrition advice tailored to your needs.

Supplements

As part of our comprehensive strategy, we recommend MacuHealth supplements packed with essential nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients promote retinal health and can help prevent eye disease.

Nutritional Advice

Our approach includes tailored nutritional guidance for the whole family. This personalized support covers vitamins, omega-3s, antioxidants, and eye-friendly dietary choices to support complete eye health.

Request an Eye Exam with Us

Prioritizing eye disease diagnosis and management is essential for maintaining your vision and overall health. We’re here to support you and your family’s eye health with personalized care and comprehensive eye care strategies. Call us today to book an eye exam.

Request Appointment