Frequently Asked Questions

PATIENT INFORMATION PAGE

A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or decreased vision. The lens is normally clear and helps focus light on the retina, but with cataracts, the clouding blocks the passage of light, affecting vision. Cataracts can develop gradually and are commonly associated with aging, though they can also be caused by injury, certain medications, or other health conditions.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

Blurred or hazy vision

Sensitivity to light, especially at night

Seeing halos around lights

Frequent changes in prescription glasses

Cataracts can be treated effectively with surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one.
Cataract surgery is a common procedure to remove a cloudy lens from the eye (which is causing the cataract) and replace it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This surgery is usually done to restore clear vision when cataracts significantly affect daily activities.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.

Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision (usually about 2-3 mm) on the surface of the eye, near the cornea.

Cataract removal: The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound waves in a process called phacoemulsification. The broken pieces are then gently suctioned out.

Lens replacement: After the cataract is removed, the surgeon implants a clear intraocular lens (IOL) in place of the old lens. The IOL is typically made of silicone, acrylic, or other materials.

Closing the incision: The small incision typically doesn’t require stitches, as it’s self-sealing.

Recovery:

Most people can go home the same day after the surgery.

Vision typically improves within a few days, although it may take a few weeks for complete recovery.

Post-surgery care includes using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.

Cataract surgery is considered safe and effective, with a high success rate in improving vision. Most patients experience clearer vision and a reduced need for glasses or contact lenses afterward.

However, like any surgery, there are some risks, including infection or inflammation, but serious complications are rare.
A pterygium (often mistakenly called "ptyigium") is a benign growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera). This growth typically starts on the side of the eye closest to the nose and may spread across the cornea, the clear, central part of the eye. It is often shaped like a triangular or wing-shaped flap of tissue.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Pterygia are usually caused by prolonged exposure to UV light (sunlight), dust, or wind, which is why people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny or dry environments, are more likely to develop them. Other risk factors include:

Living in tropical or sunny regions

Outdoor activities without proper eye protection (sunglasses or hats)

Chronic eye irritation or dryness

Symptoms:

Redness or irritation in the eye

A visible, raised, and sometimes fleshy growth on the white part of the eye

Dryness, burning, or itching sensations

Blurred vision, if the pterygium grows over the cornea and affects vision

A feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)

Treatment:

Mild cases: Often treated with lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid eye drops to reduce irritation and swelling.

Surgical removal: If the pterygium causes vision problems, becomes inflamed frequently, or interferes with the eyelid's normal movement, surgery may be needed. The growth can be removed, though it sometimes can recur, especially if the underlying risk factors (like UV exposure) aren't addressed.

Preventive measures include wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear when outdoors, especially in bright or windy conditions, to reduce the risk of developing a pterygium.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often associated with high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), though it can occur even with normal eye pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.

Types of Glaucoma:

Open-Angle Glaucoma (most common):

The drainage angle between the iris and cornea is open but the eye’s drainage system is not working efficiently, causing a gradual increase in intraocular pressure.

It typically develops slowly and without symptoms, making it difficult to detect in its early stages.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma (less common, but more acute):

The drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes too narrow or completely blocked, causing a sudden increase in eye pressure.

This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma:

The optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure remains within the normal range.

The cause of this type is not fully understood but could involve poor blood flow to the optic nerve.

Congenital Glaucoma:

This type occurs in infants and is caused by an abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.

Secondary Glaucoma:

This type develops as a result of another condition, such as an eye injury, infection, or certain medications like corticosteroids.

Risk Factors:

Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.

Family history: A family history of glaucoma increases your risk.

Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at higher risk for certain types of glaucoma.

High eye pressure: Having elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor.

Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Symptoms:

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Often has no symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses, it can cause peripheral (side) vision loss, leading to tunnel vision.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Symptoms may include sudden eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and seeing halos around lights.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Similar to open-angle glaucoma, but with normal eye pressure.

Diagnosis:

Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:

Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)

Optic nerve examination

Visual field testing

Gonioscopy (to examine the drainage angle of the eye)

Treatment:

Medications: The most common treatment is eye drops that lower intraocular pressure. These may work by either decreasing the production of fluid inside the eye or improving its drainage.

Laser therapy: In some cases, laser treatments can help increase the drainage of fluid or reduce fluid production.

Surgery: If medications and laser treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage pathway or implant a drainage device.

While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help control the condition and prevent further vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you have risk factors.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Description: A condition that affects the macula (the central part of the retina), causing loss of central vision, often due to aging.

Symptoms: Blurred vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, a dark or empty area in the center of vision.

Treatment: There’s no cure, but treatments such as anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and vitamins can slow progression.
Diabetic Retinopathy

Description: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes, leading to potential blindness.

Symptoms: Blurred vision, floaters, or vision loss.

Treatment: Managing blood sugar levels, laser surgery, or injections into the eye to control the condition.
Retinal Detachment

Description: When the retina becomes separated from the back of the eye, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.

Symptoms: Sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow over part of the vision.

Treatment: Surgery, such as pneumatic retinopexy or scleral buckle, to reattach the retina.
Dry Eye Syndrome

Description: Insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears, leading to eye discomfort.

Symptoms: Redness, irritation, a gritty feeling, or blurred vision.

Treatment: Artificial tears, lifestyle changes, prescription eye drops, or punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Description: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually due to infection (viral or bacterial), allergies, or irritants.

Symptoms: Red, itchy eyes, watery discharge, and a gritty feeling.

Treatment: Depending on the cause, it may involve antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antihistamines.
Keratoconus

Description: A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, which distorts vision.

Symptoms: Blurred or distorted vision, sensitivity to light.

Treatment: Glasses or contact lenses, corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea, or corneal transplant in severe cases.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Description: A condition where one eye doesn't develop proper vision, often due to misalignment or unequal refractive error.

Symptoms: Poor vision in one eye that can't be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Treatment: Patching the stronger eye, vision therapy, or corrective lenses.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

Description: A condition where the eyes are not properly aligned, causing one or both eyes to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.

Symptoms: Misalignment of the eyes, double vision, or difficulty focusing.

Treatment: Glasses, eye exercises, or surgery to realign the eyes.
Optic Neuritis

Description: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause sudden vision loss in one eye, often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Symptoms: Painful vision loss in one eye, dim vision, and color vision problems.

Treatment: Steroid medications to reduce inflammation, with the possibility of recovery over time.
Uveitis

Description: Inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), which can affect different parts of the eye.

Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

Treatment: Steroid medications and sometimes immunosuppressive drugs to control inflammation.
Coryza (Eye Infection)

Description: An eye infection often linked to viral infections, like the common cold, leading to conjunctivitis or other eye issues.

Symptoms: Eye redness, watery eyes, and possible discharge.

Treatment: Often self-limiting, but eye drops or antibiotics may be needed if bacterial infection is involved.
Corneal Abrasion

Description: A scratch or injury to the cornea, often caused by contact lenses or foreign objects.

Symptoms: Pain, redness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.

Treatment: Antibiotic ointment, pain relief, and in some cases, a bandage contact lens for healing.
Blepharitis

Description: Inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacteria or skin conditions like rosacea.

Symptoms: Red, swollen eyelids, crusting around eyelashes, and itching.

Treatment: Cleaning eyelids, antibiotic ointments, or anti-inflammatory medications.