Whether it’s cataracts, glaucoma, or corneal disease, the leading causes of lost vision and blindness in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases. However, most of these eye diseases can be cured or the symptoms lessened if they are diagnosed early in their development and treated correctly. Our Atlanta ophthalmology experts and staff are committed to providing high-quality care in Atlanta for eye conditions to improve vision and increase the quality of life, regardless of your age.
There is an opportunity to correct astigmatism by way of cataract surgery, using Limbal Relaxing Incisions or Toric IOLs. These methods result in reduced astigmatism and, often, reduced dependence on glasses.
Styes are contagious but tend to be smaller, more painful, and more tender to the touch than a chalazion. Symptoms can include eyelid swelling, pain, and tearing. If a stye is present for several weeks, it may develop into a chalazion.
Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious complication resulting from vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK. It is associated with worsening vision and is marked by progressive corneal bulging and thinning.
A corneal abrasion is a small scratch on the outermost layer of the cornea. If there is significant trauma to the eye or infection within deeper layers of the cornea, you may have a corneal ulcer or infectious keratitis which is similar to an “open sore.”
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. It affects the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to a leakage of fluid from the eyes.
As skin loses elasticity it stretches. This results in droopy upper eyelids that sag slightly or, in some cases, cover the pupil. Drooping eyelids, also known as ptosis, can start to progress, cover part of the eye, and make it harder to see. Eyelid ptosis can affect one or both eyes and interfere with your vision.
Dry Eye Syndrome has become a common problem for many adults and an increasing reason for office visits. From eye irritation or gritty sand sensation to intermittent blurry vision, watery eyes, and eye fatigue, dry eye syndrome can affect suffering individuals in a variety of different ways.
Eye floaters are reported as many different shapes and sizes. Most commonly, they are reported as cobwebs, tiny black specs, or like clouds passing over the vision. Most of these conditions are usually harmless but on rare occasion can signify an underlying condition.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is another common refractive error where distant objects appear clearer than objects up close. Not to be confused with presbyopia which is a part of the natural aging process, hyperopia can occur at any age and people can experience it differently.
Keratoconus, an eye condition characterized by a bulging of the cornea, results in significant visual impairment for those affected. The first symptoms are normally blurred vision that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina. It is largely caused by damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina, which can affect the patient’s ability to see fine details if damaged.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common refractive errors of the eye. Someone with myopia typically has a hard time reading road signs or seeing distant objects clearly, but has the ability to see objects up close such as a phone or computer without any problems.
Presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, is the progressive loss of ability to see objects up close. Learn about the symptoms of presbyopia & treatment options available.
A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that usually grows on the surface of the eye. Learn more about the causes of and treatment options available for this eye condition.