Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Cass City

Cataracts develop when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes clouded. Cataracts begin forming when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye.

Common signs and symptoms of cataracts can include:

• Blurry vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Seeing dim or yellowed colors

If cataracts progress to a later stage and prevent you from going about your daily activities, such as reading or driving, cataract surgery is the best and only option to remove them.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, which is the primary vision loss concern for patients with diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina.

Signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can include:

• Blurry vision
• Black spots or holes in your vision
• A loss of central vision
• Difficulty seeing at night

We use OCT to assist with the early detection of diabetic eye issues.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive disease that affects your central vision, damaging the macula. This damage can make things like reading and driving much more difficult. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, and there are 2 main types:

• Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease and occurs in early, intermediate, and late stages. This form of AMD occurs when the macula thins with age.
• Wet AMD is the less common form of the disease and causes faster and more severe vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula.

We use OCT and visual field testing to detect and manage AMD.

Prevention methods to slow the progression of AMD include:

• Adjusting your diet
• Giving up smoking
• Consistent eye exams