Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Spring Hill

Cataracts develop when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes clouded. Your retina works by converting light that comes through the lens into signals that are sent to the optic nerve. The optic nerve then carries them to the brain providing you with vision. Cataract formation begins when proteins form clumps that can prevent the lens from sending clear signals to the optic nerve.

Common signs and symptoms of cataracts can include: 

• Clouded, blurred, or dim vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Colors appearing faded or yellow
• Double vision in the affected eye

Corrective lenses can help provide clear vision when dealing with cataracts. However, when cataracts begin to affect your daily life and prevent you from going about your daily activities—surgery is the only option to remove them.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve plays a crucial role as it carries the information the retina receives to the brain, providing clear vision.

Common signs and symptoms of glaucoma can include: 

• Blurred vision
• Severe headaches
• Tunnel vision (In advanced stages)
• Patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision

Damage from glaucoma is often caused by high pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure. However, it can develop with normal intraocular pressure levels.

At Port Royal Eye Care, we use diagnostic technology to help manage glaucoma, such as:

• Applanation tonometry is used to detect changes in your eye pressure. This type of tonometry test is the most common and considered the most accurate for measuring eye pressure.

The iCare tonometer helps detect intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patient’s eyes. While not as common as applanation tonometry, this device allows our team to perform IOP measurements accurately.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a vision condition affecting central vision and damaging the macula. AMD is a progressive condition and a leading cause of vision loss among older adults.

There are 2 main types of AMD to monitor:

• Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease and occurs in early, intermediate, and late stages. Dry AMD usually progresses over several years and results from the macula thinning with age.

• Wet AMD is the less common form of the disease and results in faster and more severe vision loss. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and cause damage to the macula.

Slowing the progression of the disease is possible by practicing prevention methods such as giving up smoking and switching to a healthier diet. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your visual needs.