If our eyes are to function properly, we need them to be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, our eyes are extremely sensitive and can be affected by many different diseases, both ocular and more generalized health conditions. If the health of our eyes becomes compromised, it can have a direct effect on our ability to see clearly and function day to day and, left untreated, some ocular medical conditions can lead to irreversible blindness.

Ophthalmic medical practitioners are medically qualified doctors who specialize in medical conditions and diseases that affect the eye, as well as your overall vision. Our medical office is equipped with the latest technology and our eye doctor has more than 17 years of medical optometric experience, meaning that you can relax knowing that your eye health is in the very safest hands. We are able to successfully assess and diagnose all manner of eye diseases, from dry eye syndrome to glaucoma, and recommend the most effective treatments so that you can enjoy healthy eyes and uncompromised vision.

Here are some of the key eye conditions that we can diagnose and treat here at our optical offices in Houston, TX.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an ocular disease that is primarily caused by an accumulation of pressure within the eye. This increase in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which is responsible for transmitting messages from the retina to the brain to tell us what we can see. Most cases of glaucoma are progressive, with symptoms appearing gradually. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss, and as such, early detection is essential for patients to preserve their sight.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular condition that occurs as a complication of a patient having diabetes. In diabetic retinopathy, persistently high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels serving the retina – the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye that convert light into electrical signals that are then sent up the optic nerve to the brain. Any damage to the blood vessels can cause vision loss, and patients with diabetes are recommended to be screened regularly for diabetic retinopathy.

Hypertensive Retinopathy

Similar to diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy occurs when there is damage to the retina that is caused by a patient having persistently high blood pressure. This can lead to burst blood vessels, swelling of the eyes and reduced vision. You should seek immediate help if you have high blood pressure and you experience sudden changes in your vision.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an extremely common ocular condition which causes the surface of the eyes to become red, sticky, watery and sore. There are two types – viral and bacterial, with bacterial conjunctivitis being extremely contagious. Treatment will depend on the type you have but could include careful cleaning of the eye, eye drops, and antibiotics.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes may not seem particularly serious, but they can have a significant effect on your day to day life. They occur when there isn’t enough natural lubrication on your eyes, making them dry, scratchy, irritated and stiff. Dry eyes can even lead to blurred vision. This condition is considered medical since the dry eye is usually caused by a problem with the gland that produces tear film, or as a side effect of other medications.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the rims of the eyelids, which causes them to become swollen, red and sore. Although caused by a reaction to bacteria that live naturally on the skin of the eyelid, blepharitis is not contagious. It isn’t usually serious, but it can be debilitating, particularly as most patients experience chronic episodes. Fortunately, there is a range of treatments available.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a very common condition that occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded and opaque, causing central vision loss. Cataracts develop slowly and can affect anyone but are more common in people who have certain diseases such as diabetes. Surgery is the only viable treatment.

If you would like more information on our ocular medical services, or to schedule an appointment, please get in touch by calling De'Cordova Eyewear in Houston, TX today.