For ocular disease diagnosis and treatment, look no further than the expert optometrists at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. We know that ocular diseases can get in the way of your vision and, ultimately, your well-being. This is why we advocate getting a regular eye exam at any of our convenient locations. Detected early enough, ocular diseases can be kept at bay, letting you enjoy clear vision.
Some of the ocular diseases that we can help you manage include conjunctivitis, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Often called “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is the swelling or inflammation of the thin tissue layer lining the eyelid’s inner surface and covering the eye’s white part. A common disease particularly in children, it can manifest in one or both eyes and comes in three types: allergic, infectious (bacterial or viral), and chemical. Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis. For instance, bacterial conjunctivitis will need antibiotic eye drops while chemical cases may be prescribed topical steroids after saline flushing is carried out.
Occurring in those diagnosed with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy leads to progressive retinal damage. Over time, diabetes damages retinal blood vessels, causing tissue in the retina to swell, which results in blurred or cloudy vision. Treatment depends on how extensive the disease is, but some options include medication to reduce eye inflammation and surgery to repair retinal detachment. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Hypertensive retinopathy is retinal damage arising from high blood pressure. Hypertension can damage the retina’s small blood vessels, causing thickening in vessel walls that limits blood flow and reduces blood supply to the retina. Addressing hypertensive retinopathy is a matter of addressing how to lower blood pressure in the long-term.
Another common ocular disease, cataracts are the primary cause of vision loss in those over the age of 40. They are characterized by cloudy vision, but start out mild enough to not affect sight. When detected early, the condition may be eased using specialized eyeglasses. When poor vision is seriously impairing daily life, however, surgery may be prescribed to restore vision.
Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the central part of the retina is damaged. The condition leads to loss of central vision, blurring fine details whether looking at something close or far, but leaves peripheral vision unaffected. There is no cure for ARMD, but treatments such as injections and vitamin therapy can reduce progression.
Glaucoma is typically due to increased ocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve. Unfortunately, early stages of development don’t have symptoms, and nearly half of those with glaucoma do not realize they have it. Glaucoma is permanent, but medication and surgery may be harnessed to stop further damage, highlighting the importance of early detection that regular eye exams can offer.
Come see why we are considered the best optometrists in Northern Virginia!
If you are searching for a reliable eye care partner in the region who knows and understands your needs, look no further than Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. With seven convenient locations across the area, you do not have to travel far to receive excellent eye care.
