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Answers to General Questions
• How do I know if I have
glaucoma?
Regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist are the best
way to detect glaucoma. There are several types of glaucoma
and most patients experience NO symptoms until the latent
stages of the disease. Therefore, it is important that you
see your doctor for specific testing to determine if you are
at risk.
• Can glaucoma be
treated?
As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. The
disease can be controlled to help prevent further damage.
There are several types of treatment, most commonly by use
of eye drops on a daily basis. Other treatment can include
oral medication, laser eye surgery and surgical intervention.
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• How often should I have an eye
examination?
The answer depends on your age, medical background and risk
factors. Children, generally before the age of 5. Adults between
the ages of 20-39--once. Adults age 40-64, every 2 to 4 years.
Adults age 65 and older every 1 to 2 years. Please advise
an ophthalmologist to explain your medical history and make
an appropriate schedule of visits based on your individuals
needs.
• What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist
and an Optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in
all aspects of eye care including diagnosis, management and
surgery of ocular diseases and disorders. Ophthalmologists
also routinely carry out many of the same tasks as optometrists.
An ophthalmologist receives a minimum of 12 years of post-high
school training. An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry,
not medicine. The practice of optometry traditionally involves
examining the eye for the purpose of prescribing and dispensing
corrective lenses, and screening vision to detect certain
eye abnormalities. An optometrist generally receives 7 years
of post-high school training.
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• What causes floaters in my
vision?
Floaters are tiny clumps of cells inside the vitreous, the
clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. What you see are
the shadows they cast on the retina, the back of the eye that
allows you to see. Floaters can appear to be many different
shapes and sizes. They may also be intermittent (appear and
disappear). Floaters are very common when people reach middle
age. There is usually no need for treatment though it is important
for you to have an examination to determine this. It is especially
important that you contact your doctor right away if you develop
a sudden onset, have flashes of light or have vision loss.
• Is there any treatment for dry
eyes?
Yes. There are several methods for treating dry eyes. The cause of the dryness will determine what course of
treatment is necessary. Certain medications and medical conditions
can contribute to dryness, as well as work environments. Once
you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome there are several
options for treatment, including artificial tear drops, conserving
the tears you produce by slowing the drainage of tears with
punctual plugs, or other methods of protecting the eyes from
the environment.
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• How can diabetes affect my
vision?
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels
in the back of the eye. The blood vessels can then become
weak and bleed or leak fluid. The leaking fluid can cause
the retina to swell and decrease vision. Vision loss may be
mild to severe. The best treatment is prevention. Strict control
of your blood sugar levels and frequent examinations can reduce
your risk.
E-mail
your questions to info@iowa-eye.com
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