Caring for Your Eyesight

Did you know that an essential component to your routine eye exam is a screening for common eye diseases? Many eye conditions develop without early warning signs, but they can be treated and managed if caught in the early stages.

At Total Vision El Cajon, we offer eye disease diagnosis and treatment for our patients in a compassionate and knowledgeable environment. We use top-rated diagnostic technology and comprehensive eye exams to ensure that everyone in your household has the total vision care they need.

Book your appointment today and visit us for eye disease management in El Cajon.

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Common Eye Diseases

Glaucoma

Glaucoma typically occurs in older age groups, but there are instances of this condition affecting younger people.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve. Symptoms occur very gradually, and many patients may not notice any of its effects until its advanced stages. Eye damage from this disease is irreversible.

If caught early, vision loss from this condition can be slowed and prevented. Comprehensive eye exams on a routine basis can protect your vision from this disease. Glaucoma testing is available to you as a part of your eye exam at Total Vision El Cajon.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur naturally as we age and appear as cloudiness on your eyes’ lens. Our lifestyles can significantly affect how quickly they develop. Sun damage, excessive alcohol consumption, and diabetes can accelerate this eye condition exponentially.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

Blurry vision
Difficulty seeing at night
Light sensitivity
“Halos” around lights
Faded colors
Double vision in a single eye

Eyeglasses or contact lenses can help with milder cases, but as the condition develops, cataracts may require surgery.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. The macula is at the center of your retina, and provides an essential part of the central field of vision. The macula can slowly start to deteriorate as a part of the normal aging process.

AMD can result in:

Objects not being seen clearly
Straight lines appearing blurry
An empty area in the center of your vision

Keratoconus

Keratoconus can progress at a slow pace, sometimes taking many years to develop. It occurs when the cornea thins, gradually taking on a cone shape. This lifelong condition generally affects people between the ages of 10 and 25.

Symptoms of this condition may change as the disease progresses:

Blurred vision
Sensitivity to bright light and glare
Problems driving at night
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
Sudden clouding of vision

Vision can be corrected in the early stages with glasses or contact lenses. The patient may require specialty contact lenses in later stages. An optometrist may recommend a cornea transplant as the condition reaches a more advanced stage.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is perhaps more well-known by its famous nickname pink eye. This is an infection of the transparent membrane that lines your inner eyelids and eyes. The inflamed blood vessels cause the eye to appear red (hence the catchy nickname!).

A bacterial or viral infection typically causes conjunctivitis, and it is very easily transmitted. The type of conjunctivitis will affect the recommended treatment, so it is vital to contact Total Vision El Cajon if anyone in your family should develop these symptoms:

Redness in one or both eyes
Itchiness in one or both eyes
Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night
Tearing

Your Vision Needs Protection

Our team at Total Vision El Cajon is a group of dedicated and knowledgeable optometrists, and we care deeply about our patients. Your family’s well-being is important to us, and we want to make sure that everyone’s vision is protected.

We can work together to manage eye diseases with regular eye exams and personalized treatment. Book your next exam with us today!

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