What is an Ophthalmologist?
The Ophthalmologist has the degree Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and is a
primary and secondary, medical/surgical eye care provider. This Doctor has
completed four years of college, four years of medical school and four years
of residency and internships relating to the diagnosis and treatment,
including surgery, of diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists may also perform
intricate surgical procedures including cataracts removal and lens implant,
corneal transplant, glaucoma surgery and various laser procedures.
What is 20/20 vision?
It is a measurement of sight. If you can see a letter 8.7mm tall at 20 feet than you have 20/20 vision. If you have to be closer say 10 feet away to see this same object than you have 20/40 vision.
What is included in an eye exam?
A complete eye exam is more than a vision test. Your eye examination includes computerized state of the art instrumentation for testing, so the doctor has the best information to evaluate the health of your eyes. The exam includes testing for glaucoma, cataracts, peripheral vision and all other eye diseases. In addition to a complete eye health evaluation your exam will determine what prescription is needed for the best possible sight. Our doctors and staff are committed to providing quality eye care in a friendly, caring environment.
What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness means that you can see clearly up close, but not at a distance. It is also called myopia.
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness is the opposite of nearsightedness. You can see more clearly at a distance than up close. It is also called hyperopia.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed.
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness is the opposite of nearsightedness. You can see more clearly at a distance than up close. It is also called hyperopia.
What causes a cataract?
The most common type of cataract is related to the aging of the eye. Causes of cataracts include:
- Family history
- Medical problems such as diabetes
- Injury to the eye
- Medications; especially steroids
- Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
- Previous eye surgery
How fast does a cataract develop?
How quickly a cataract develops varies among individuals and may even be different between the two eyes. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person.
How is a Cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. No medications, dietary supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
When should surgery be done?
Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough vision loss to interfere with your daily activities. Based on your symptoms you and your ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve – the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing numerous wires. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually o undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.
Early detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist are keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness form glaucoma.
How is glaucoma treated?
As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, laser surgery, and surgery in the operating room are used to lower eye pressure and help prevent further damage. In some cases oral medications may also be prescribed.
With any type of glaucoma periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can progress without your knowledge, adjustments in the treatment may be necessary.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.
What is Dry Eye?
Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears. By producing tears at a slow and steady rate, the eye stays moist and comfortable.
Sometimes people do not produce enough tears or the appropriate quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. This condition is known as dry eye.
Symptoms of dry eye?
The usual symptoms include:
- Stinging or burning eyes
- Scratchiness
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Excessive eye irritation form smoke or wind
- Excess tearing
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
What are Floaters?
You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. Floaters are actually tin clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye.
While these objects look like they are in front of your eye, they are actually floating inside of it. Floater can appear as different shapes such as little dots, circles, lines, clouds, or cobwebs.
What causes floaters?
When people reach middle age, the vitreous gel may start to thicken or shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the eye.
The appearance of floaters may be alarming, especially if they develop very suddenly. You should contact your ophthalmologist right away if you develop new floaters, or notice other symptoms such as loss of side vision, especially if you are over 45 years of age.
| "I wish I had known about Aiken Ophthalmology before I went to another eye care specialist in Augusta, it would have saved me time and a lot of grief." - ES
"My 11-year-old needed eye surgery, he was nervous. Doctor Patheja put him at ease, and the treatment he received before and after was exemplary!" - AD
"I am extremely pleased at the efficiency and quality of service at Aiken Ophthalmology." - MN |
