Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Maryland

Glaucoma is sometimes referred to as “the silent thief of sight,” a name it has earned because of its ability to develop over the years without showing any symptoms. However, your eye doctor can detect this disease through a eye exam.

Glaucoma can harm your vision by gradually damaging your optic nerve. This damage is often caused by rising intraocular eye pressure (IOP), but it can develop when IOP levels are in normal range as well. The most common types of glaucoma are:

• Open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. It develops slowly, over the course of years, as raised IOP levels damage your optic nerve. This occurs because too much fluid is being produced, or not enough fluid is being drained through the drainage canals in the eye.
• Closed-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, is less common than open-angle glaucoma, but has the potential to damage your vision much faster. When the drainage angle between the iris and cornea closes or becomes blocked, IOP levels rise rapidly, causing sudden damage to the optic nerve. Eye pain, headaches, and nausea are all common symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
• Normal-tension glaucoma. Normal-tension glaucoma is a form of glaucoma that can develop without your IOP levels rising. Factors such as poor blood flow to your optic nerve may be a contributor. Fortunately, your eye doctor can detect it by observing your optic nerve.

  Glaucoma

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease and the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. This disease affects the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision. When the macula deteriorates, it can affect your ability to read, recognize faces, or even drive.

There are two common forms of AMD:

• Dry AMD occurs when small lipid deposits, known as drusen, form underneath the macula. Eventually, there is a deterioration of the macula resulting in a spotty loss of central vision.
• Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, but it accounts for the majority of AMD-related vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when new, fragile blood vessels form underneath the macula. These vessels can leak and bulge, causing damage to your macula and leading to rapid vision loss. Wet AMD is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

  Macular Degeneration

Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects the crystalline lens of your eye. As you age, your crystalline lens slowly becomes rigid and cloudy. Depending on your symptoms, the severity of your cataracts, and their impact on your daily activities, you could be a candidate for cataract surgery.

Your chances of developing cataracts increases if you smoke, have diabetes, or if you have a family history of developing cataracts.

  Cataracts

Conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as pink eye or red eye, is a common eye condition that can occur for a variety of reasons. Symptoms typically include redness, watering, discharge, and irritation.

There are 3 common forms of conjunctivitis:

• Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious but doesn’t necessarily need treatment. Visit your eye doctor to determine the best solution and for guidance on preventing the spread of the virus.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection. It generally requires antibiotics for proper treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also highly contagious, so make sure you visit your eye doctor as soon as you can for effective relief.
• Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as ocular allergies, is caused by environmental allergens, typically pet dander, dust, or pollen. You can manage your symptoms with allergy medication or eye drops.

  Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Prevention

  Ocular Allergy