Comprehensive Ophthalmology

We provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. Our services include not only laser vision correction, small-incision cataract surgery and cornea services, but also monitoring for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, the diabetic eye, and macula degeneration.

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes' health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss. Early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options.

Some of the most common eye conditions that we treat are:

• Cataract
• Refractive Error: Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism
• Keratoconus
• Fuchs' Dystrophy
• Pterygium
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Eye Disease
• Macula Degeneration

Refractive Error: Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism

The most common eye conditions diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam involve refractive errors that cause blurry vision for patients. These conditions affect millions of people in the US and often get progressively worse as patients age. Fortunately, refractive errors can be easily treated to let patients enjoy clear vision at all distances.

• Myopia (nearsightedness) is a vision condition in which nearby objects are clear and distant objects appear blurry.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a condition in which the eye focuses on distant objects better than on objects closer to the eye, so nearby objects appear blurry.
• Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is curved slightly in one direction, causing blurred vision.

Eye exams test for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and help your optometrist provide a proper prescription if eyeglasses or contact lenses are needed. Eyewear may be used for certain activities, like watching television or driving, or may be worn at all times.

Alternatively, corneal modification procedures such as refractive surgery (LASIK, ASLA, etc.) may improve vision quality.

Fuchs' Dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy is a rare degenerative disorder which causes the cells of the cornea to slowly deteriorate. The cells lose their ability to move excess fluid away from the field of vision, causing vision to become cloudy or blurry in the morning and get better as the day goes by. Other symptoms may include:

• Dry, gritty sensation in the eyes
• Poor night vision
• Halos around lights
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Sharp pain in the eyes

In many patients, the disease has no clear cause, but in some cases it is genetically linked.

Although the symptoms of Fuchs’ Dystrophy can be treated, the actual defect of the eye cannot be cured. If caught in the early stages, several simple maneuvers can be performed on the eyes, such as using a blow dryer at arm’s length or saline solution in order to reduce the fluid buildup. Wearing soft contact lenses may also help alleviate discomfort. Once the disease has progressed to the point at which daily life becomes difficult, the doctor may suggest a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) to replace the deteriorated cornea(s).

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the world. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed.

Sometimes symptoms do occur. They may include:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Halo effects around lights
• Painful or reddened eyes

People at high risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, or those with a family history of glaucoma.

To detect glaucoma, Dr. Kumar will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.

Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled and further vision loss can be prevented. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing eye conditions because a high blood sugar level can damage blood vessels in the eye. Over 40 percent of patients diagnosed with diabetes develop some form of eye disease as a result. These conditions can cause blood or fluid to leak from the retina or new blood vessels to grow on the surface of the retina which can lead to significant damages to your vision and overall quality of life.

It is important for patients with diabetes to have dilated eye exams once a year to detect any signs of diabetic eye disease as soon as possible. You can also minimize your risk of developing diabetic eye disease by keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure under control, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Your eyes can be affected by several different eye diseases related to diabetes. Some of these conditions include:

• Cataract
• Diabetic Retinopathy -  the most common diabetic eye disease and is a leading cause of blindness in adults. Diabetic retinopathy develops as a result of changes in blood sugar levels or simply the presence of long-term diabetes. Most patients don't develop this condition until they have had diabetes for at least 10 years.
• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - is the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, and is classified by the growth of new blood vessels on the retina. These blood vessels are abnormal and fragile, and are susceptible to leaking blood and fluid onto the retina, which can cause severe vision loss and even blindness.
• Diabetic Macular Edema - is a serious condition that can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and involves a buildup of fluid in the macula, the light-sensitive part of the retina that allows us to see objects with great detail. Macular edema can cause difficulty reading or doing close work, and can often greatly affect a patient's quality of life by interfering with regular activities.

Macula Degeneration

Macula degeneration, also known as age-related macula degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in older adults and the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65. Macula degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for the crisp, detailed vision needed for reading or driving. As we age, the tissue in the eye responsible for central vision slowly begins to deteriorate which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life.

Symptoms of macula degeneration include:

• A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
• A gradual loss of color vision
• Distorted or blurry vision
• A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

Recent developments in ophthalmology allow doctors to treat many patients with early-stage AMD with the help of medications and procedures.

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To learn more about our Comprehensive Eye Care Services, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.