Frequently Asked Questions
Other than changes in prescription, the most common cause is cataract. A cataract is the focusing lens of the eye becoming cloudy. It is a slow, gradual change in vision which (when glasses will no longer help) the Eye M.D.'s of Texas Midwest Eye are proficient at removing surgically.
Age related macular degeneration is another cause of vision loss as eyes age but is a disease of aging not a normal consequence. It should be followed carefully by a medical eye professional.
Lastly, glaucoma or high eye pressure should be considered. This pressure problem is almost always painless and causes slow loss of peripheral / side vision. If diagnosed early, vision loss can be stopped or prevented and the Eye M.D.'s of Texas Midwest Eye Center are well qualified to do so.
These symptoms should be addressed. They may be associated with: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD ), a Macular Hole or Macular Pucker. The macula makes up a small but critical part of your retina. It is critical in visualization of small details such as threading a needle, reading small print etc. If you are noticing dark spotting, clouding or blurring that does not diminish, there are issues to address.
Your friends are correct in their opinion because of a problem called diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common diabetic eye disease and occurs when blood vessels in the retina become damaged. These vessels can swell and leak fluid and in severe cases even close off completely.
Diabetic retinopathy will usually affect both eyes. It is important to remain under the care of a medical eye professional because people who have diabetic retinopathy often don't notice changes in their vision in the disease's early stages. Sadly, as the problem progresses, diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss that in many cases cannot be reversed.
The team at Texas Midwest Eye Center stress that assuming poor sight is a natural part of aging is not the best practice when it comes to your vision. We emphasize that early detection and treatment of vision problems is the best way to maintain healthy vision all through your life. In many cases vision loss and even blindness is preventable with professional care.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease have baseline eye examinations at age 40 allowing their ophthalmologist to determine how frequently their eyes should be examined thereafter.
People often believe that "floaters" are in front of their eyes. However, they are actually "inside" the eye in the clear, gel-like fluid called vitreous gel. They are usually noticed when you view a plain background like a blue sky or blank wall. Floaters can appear as different shapes, such as little dots, circles, lines, clouds or cobwebs. You are actually seeing the shadows they cast on your retina. They are more common as we grow older due to changes that occur in our retinas. People who are nearsighted, have undergone eye surgery, have inflammation or swelling inside the eye, or have had an injury to their eye are more prone to this symptom.
Floaters are caused by the gel inside of the eye pulling away from the back of the eye. Some are harmless and fade away with time; others may mean a significant problem is occurring.
If they develop suddenly, especially if you have light flashes, or you experience a dark shadow in your vision, contact an eye M.D. such as the ones associated with the Texas Midwest Eye Center right away, especially if you are over age 45.
The moisture in your eye is actually made of three layers: one is oily, one is watery and one is a thin layer of mucus. Each time you blink a film of tears spreads across your eye, making it smooth and clear. Without these tears good vision would be impossible. When a person can't produce enough tears to keep their eyes comfortable the condition is known as dry eye.
The cause of dry eye or loss of tear production is varied. It can be due to hormonal changes, or diseases such as autoimmune problems (for example lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), as well as diabetes and herpes zoster but most often it is environmental or climate related. A variety of common medications can also decrease tear production such as high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, anti-anxiety and pain medications and sleeping pills.
No matter what the cause is determined to be, the professional staff at the Texas Midwest Eye Center know the problems associated with this condition and the effect if can have on your visual health. They can often assist in relief with the condition and offer the latest treatment options.