Common Eye Conditions & Diseases

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and lashes. It affects people of all ages and is the most common disorder seen in our practice. Symptoms include burning, itching, watering, and occasional blurry vision to name a few. Often patients will awake in the morning with crusting of the lashes. Treatments are many including lid hygeine, antibiotic and steroid eye drops or ointments, and prescription oral antibiotics.  This condition can also cause dry eyes and intolerance to contact lenses. Eyelid hygeine can be performed with OTC lid scrub pads or baby shampoo on a warm washcloth. These cleansing agents are most effective if used after heat is applied to the eyelids with a warm cloth.
 
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. It is a complex and poorly understood disease which commonly affects people as they age. However with the use of modern diagnostic technology it can be detected much sooner and is thus more treatable. Treatments typically involve eyedrops only but if patients do not respond well to drops both laser and traditional surgical options are available. There are many different types of glaucoma. Risk factors include heredity, diabetes, hypertension, and patients with a history of inflammation in the eye. Typically there are no symptoms, therefore it is important to have an annual eye exam and if necessary additional testing such as nerve fiber analysis, visual field testing, pachymetry, or retinal tomography. All are available at Blaney Vision Center.
 
Macular Degeneration is another common but poorly understood eye disease. There are two basic types wet and dry.  In the dry type the tissue of the macula becomes thin and loses function. In the wet form blood vessels leak under the macula and cause significant vision loss. Treatments involve laser or medications which are injected into the eye. Patients with macular degeneration should follow their vision closely with a grid at home and if there are no containdications should take a vitamin supplement such as presservision. Use the supplements only under the advice or your eye doctor or primary care physician.
 
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition that affects the retina in patients with diabetes. It involves the leaking of retinal blood vessels which can cause significant vision loss over time and in some patients lead to blindness. It it thus imperative that all diabetics have an annual eye exam with pupillary dilation to detect this problem as early as possible. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with different types of laser or injectable medications. However the best treatment is prefention with strict control of blood sugar. Dr. Blaney after a diabetic eye exam will communicate his findings to the primary care physician or endocrinologist.

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