While some conditions affecting your eyesight may present obvious symptoms, there are other threats to your vision that can develop with little warning. Our ophthalmologist at Retina and Uveitis Center stresses the importance of regular eye exams to detect and treat conditions proactively. We offer the most technologically advanced tools that provide a degree of accuracy that is unmatched.
Here are a few of the “hidden” threats to your vision that many people are unaware of:
- Untreated high blood pressurecan damage the fragile blood vessels in the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye called the retina. Patients with this condition, known as hypertensive retinopathy, can experience blurry vision, bleeding in the eye, and possibly even loss of vision.
- Another condition affecting the blood vessels in the retina is diabetic retinopathy. While it may not produce any symptoms in its early stages, over time diabetic retinopathy can lead to acute vision problems, including blindness.
- Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending information from the eye to the brain. Early stages of glaucoma often show no symptoms, which is why it’s nicknamed the "silent thief of sight.”
- Neurotrophic keratitis, known as NK, affects the cornea, the clear outermost layer at the front of your eye. NK damages the nerves that produce tears, which leads to dry and irritated eyes. NK, which is often misdiagnosed, can lead to vision loss if not treated.
- Although it may not cause permanent damage, digital eye strain from spending too many hours staring at your phone and computer can cause headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes.
Your vision is too precious to trust to anyone but the best trained, most experienced specialist when it comes to caring for your eyes. The ophthalmologist at Retina and Uveitis Center combines state-of-the-art technology with unmatched personal service. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
