Prevention is Key

Eye diseases can develop without symptoms, and routine eye exams are vital for detecting and managing problems before they become a long-term condition.

Protecting your vision is our top priority, and we use top-of-the-line diagnostic equipment to catch eye diseases in their early stages. We scan for common conditions in every eye exam and provide treatment to help manage your diagnosis.

At Seal Beach Eyes, we’ll work together to help preserve your eyesight. Contact the team today to discuss your concerns about eye disease and book a comprehensive eye exam.

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Common Eye Conditions & Diseases

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The macula is located at the center of your retina, and its primary purpose is to provide your central vision with clear, precise details. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula deteriorates as part of the normal aging process.

When the macula deteriorates, it results in blurry central vision, fading color vision, and the loss of ability to see sharp details.

AMD has two variations:

Dry AMD: This condition occurs as the macula slowly thins over time, eventually causing vision issues.
Wet AMD: This onset of this condition occurs more quickly than dry AMD, and is the cause of approximately 90% of AMD-related blindness. Wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina, causing the macula to leak fluid. Wet AMD requires immediate medical attention from a professional.

Diabetic Retinopathy

When high blood sugar levels cause damage to your retina’s blood vessels, it causes them to bulge and leak fluid. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, we recommend a comprehensive diabetic eye exam annually.

If you would like more information on diabetic retinopathy, visit our page on Diabetic Eye Exams.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, but diabetes, smoking, and excessive alcohol use can increase your risk of developing them earlier.

A cataract is the clouding of your ordinarily transparent eyes’ lens as it becomes more solid and opaque with age. This clouding severely affects the quality of your vision, making cataracts the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

Cloudy vision
Blurry vision
Dimmed vision
Poor night vision
Light sensitivity
Sensitivity to glare
Need for brighter lights when reading
“Halos” around lights
Fading or yellowed colors

In the early stages of this condition, your optometrist can correct refractive errors by prescribing glasses or contact lenses. In later stages, surgery can help to remove cataracts.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is referred to as “the silent thief of sight” because it develops gradually, and many patients don’t experience symptoms until the advanced stages. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that progressively damage your optic nerve.

This condition generally affects older age groups, but there have been cases of glaucoma in younger people. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can lead to vision loss.

Signs of glaucoma vary greatly depending on the type and stage of the condition. Symptoms to watch for include:

Open-angle glaucoma:

- Patchy blind spots in your vision.
- Tunnel vision in more advanced stages

Acute angle-closure glaucoma:

- Eye Pain
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- “Halos” around lights
- Redness in the eyes

Comprehensive eye exams are your best protection against glaucoma. Optometrists cannot reverse vision loss due to glaucoma, but damage can be slowed and managed in the early stages.

At Seal Beach Eyes, we offer co-management programs for our patients with glaucoma.

Providing you and your family with the best options for visual health is the main priority. If you have questions about the treatment and management of glaucoma, contact us today.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus develops slowly, and the onset generally occurs between ages 10 and 25. Your cornea usually is dome-shaped, but keratoconus gradually thins the cornea, causing it to take on a cone or cylindrical shape.

Symptoms of keratoconus can include:

Visual distortion
Sensitivity to light
Difficulties wearing contact lenses
Sudden worsening of vision
Frequent changes to eyeglass prescriptions

The initial symptoms of keratoconus can be corrected using scleral contact lenses and eyeglasses. Cornea transplants may become an option as the disease progresses.

Focusing on the Positive

Being diagnosed with eye disease can be overwhelming. Still, it’s important to remember that you have a compassionate and experienced team in your corner. Seal Beach Eyes is here to lead you through your diagnosis and help manage your treatment.

Individualized treatment plans help to manage symptoms and save your vision. If you are ready to start your journey towards healthy eyesight, call us today.

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