Eye Conditions

It is important to have an Annual, Comprehensive Eye Exam in order to detect for most eye conditions.  If at anytime you experience any of the symptoms described below, please call Dr. Barit right away.  Even “waiting it out” a few days, a week or a month may cause further damage to your vision.

Below are common Eye Conditions which Dr. Barit examines in the office:

Astigmatism

Cataracts

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Conjunctivitis

Diabetic Retinopathy

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

Glaucoma

Hyperopia

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Age Related Macular Degenerations (ARMD)

Myopia

Presbyopia

Spots or Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Retinal Detachment

 

Astigmatism is a vision condition that occurs when the front surface of your eye, the cornea, is slightly irregular in shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the back of your eye, the retina. As a result, your vision may be blurred at all distances.  Symptoms for severe astigmatism are blurred or distorted vision, while those with mild astigmatism may experience headaches, eye strain, fatigue or blurred vision at certain distances.  Almost all levels of astigmatism can be optically corrected with properly prescribed and fitted eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. Corneal Modification is also a treatment option for some patients.

A Cataract is clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens of the eye is made mostly of water and protein. Clouding of the lens occurs due to changes in the proteins and lens fibers.  Most cataracts are found in persons over age 55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Cataracts form without pain or discomfort. However, symptoms may include, blurred or hazy vision, the appearance of spots in front of the eyes, colors in vision seem faded or muted, increased sensitivity to glare or the feeling of having a film over the eyes, and double vision or multiple images (this might clear as the cataract grows larger).

Patients with little visual symptoms may be advised to monitor for increased visual disruption and follow a regular check-up schedule. It is important to remember that cataracts develop slowly, and regular examinations are key to maintaining healthy vision.  Patients with greater visual disruption may require further treatment, including cataract surgery
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Recent research indicates certain vitamins and minerals may help prevent or slow the progression of Cataracts.  Please refer to Lutein and Zeaxanthin description below.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is characterized by visual symptoms which result from interaction with a computer display or its environment. Symptoms often include headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and other symptoms of eyestrain. These symptoms may be caused by poor lighting, glare, an improper work station set-up, vision problems of which the person was not previously aware, or a combination of these factors.  Some people hold their head at an odd angle because their glasses are not designed for looking at a computer. Or they bend toward the screen because they need a vision correction. These postures can result in muscle spasms or pain in the neck, shoulders or back.

Anyone who spends more than a few hours at a computer each day needs to have an eye exam.  Computer users should describe their work center so Dr. Barit can make suggestions for correcting trouble spots that could be contributing to computer vision syndrome.  He may prescribe single-vision, multifocal or special, no-line or anti-glare computer glasses for some people. Contact lenses might also be an option for others.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.  The infectious type of Conjunctivitis, commonly called "Pink Eye", is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria.  Common symptoms of are red watery eyes, inflamed inner eyelids, blurred vision, a scratchy feeling in the eyes and, sometimes, a pus-like or watery discharge. Prescription or over-the-counter eye drops may relieve discomfort. Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, can be treated with antibiotic eye drops. To control the spread of infectious conjunctivitis, you should keep your hands away from your eyes, thoroughly wash your hands before applying eye medications and do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye drops with others.

Diabetic Retinopathy can weaken and cause changes in the small blood vessels that nourish your eye's retina. These blood vessels may begin to leak, swell or develop brush-like branches.  If new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye and block vision. In the beginning, you may have no visual symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you may notice a cloudiness of vision, blind spots or floaters. During the first three stages of diabetic retinopathy, no treatment is needed, unless you have macular edema. If you are a diabetic, you can help prevent diabetic retinopathy by taking your prescribed medication as instructed, sticking to your diet, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and smoking.  With severe progression, Proliferative retinopathy is treated with laser surgery.

Dry Eye Syndrome means that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears that do not have the proper chemical composition. Your symptoms may include irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes and blurred vision. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision and make contact lens wear difficult.  Some treatments that Dr. Barit might prescribe include blinking more frequently, increasing humidity at home or work, using artificial tears and using a moisturizing ointment, especially at bedtime. In some cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in your eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers in your optic nerve and cause vision loss. The increase in pressure happens when the passages that normally allow fluid in your eyes to drain become clogged or blocked.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans, and those who are very nearsighted or diabetic are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

The most common type of Glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. A rarer type occurs rapidly and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes.  Yet another type develops without signs of increased pressure, but optic nerve damage still exists.

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to Glaucoma cannot be restored.  The treatment for Glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to lower the pressure in your eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.

Hyperopia, or Farsightedness, is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus.  Common symptoms of farsightedness include difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.  In mild cases of farsightedness, your eyes may be able to compensate without corrective lenses. In other cases, Dr. Barit can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to optically correct farsightedness.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin, are not eye conditions, rather eye-friendly nutrients.  Both the severity and irreversibility of Cataracts and Macular Degeneration (AMD) have generated interest in ways to either prevent or delay their progression.  Nutrition is one promising means of protecting the eyes from these diseases.  The carotenoids Lutein (pronounced loo-teen) and Zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uhzan-thin), which are antioxidants and the only carotenoids located in the eye, may protect against Cataracts and AMD.  Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, as currently recommended by the National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Agriculture, can provide about 5 to 6 mg of carotenoids, including Lutein and Zeaxanthin, given wise choices of fruits and vegetables, including spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli, green pees, orange peppers, yellow corn, tangerines and persimmons.  Supplements may also be available.

Macular Degeneration, (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in America. It results from changes to the macula, a portion of the retina that is responsible for clear, sharp vision, and is located at the back of the eye.

Some common symptoms are a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision.  Studies show that people at greater risk include: those over age 60, women, Caucasians, smokers, and those with immediate family members with Macular Degeneration.  If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Barit immediately for a comprehensive examination.

Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form, for which there is no known treatment. The less common wet form may respond to laser procedures, if diagnosed and treated early.

Recent research indicates certain vitamins and minerals may help prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration.  Please refer to Lutein and Zeaxanthin description above.

Myopia, Nearsightedness, is a vision condition in which near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects do not come into proper focus. Nearsightedness is a very common vision condition that affects nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population. This may be hereditary or it may be caused by the stress of too much close vision work.  It normally first occurs in school-age children and generally develops before age 20.

Symptoms may include difficulty seeing distant objects like a movie or TV screen or chalkboard. Dr. Barit can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to optically correct nearsightedness. Refractive surgery or laser procedures are also possible treatments for proper candidates.

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult for you to focus on close objects.  Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye. It is not a disease, and it cannot be prevented.

Symptoms of Presbyopia include the tendency to hold reading materials at arm's length, blurred vision at normal reading distance and eye fatigue along with headaches when doing close work.

To help you compensate for Presbyopia, Dr. Barit can prescribe reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals or contact lenses.  You may only need to wear your glasses for close work like reading, but you may find that wearing them all the time is more convenient and beneficial for your vision needs.

Spots (often called floaters also called Posterior Vitreous Detachement) are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are within your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.  

They tend to develop with age and are more common in people who are very nearsighted, have diabetes, or who have had a cataract operation. There are other, more serious causes of floaters, including infection, inflammation, hemorrhaging, retinal tears, and injury or trauma to the eye.

A sudden increase in floaters, possibly accompanied by light flashes or peripheral (side) vision loss, could indicate a retinal detachment.  A retinal detachment occurs when any part of the retina, is lifted or pulled from its normal position. A retinal detachment is a serious condition and should always be considered an emergency. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent visual impairment within two or three days or even blindness in the eye.

Most spots are not harmful and rarely limit vision, but, spots can be indications of more serious problems.  Those who experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light in peripheral vision, or a loss of peripheral vision should have an eye exam as soon as possible. Dr. Barit can examine the health of your eyes and determine if what you are seeing is harmless or determine if what you are seeing is of a more serious problem that requires treatment.

These are brief descriptions of some common eye conditions, if you would like more information about any of these conditions, please inquire with Dr. Barit

 

This information has been provided through the American Optometric Association, through which Dr. Barit is a member.