Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Central Texas

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that blurs your central vision. AMD occurs when aging causes damage to your macula, which is responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision.

AMD is a common condition and is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. AMD can develop slowly in some and faster in others. There are 2 main types of AMD:

• Dry AMD is the most common form and occurs when your macula thins with age. Dry AMD progresses in 3 stages, early, intermediate, and late. This form of AMD most often progresses slowly over the years. While there is no treatment for AMD, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet or more physical activity can lower the risk of development.
• Wet AMD is less common and is a later-stage type of AMD that causes faster and more severe vision loss. Dry AMD can quickly develop into late-stage wet AMD. This type of AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of your eye and damage your macula.

Treatment for AMD depends on what stage the disease has progressed to, as well as the type. Regular eye exams can help our team check on your eyes and determine what lifestyle changes may be able to assist with AMD.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white in your eyes.

The common causes of pink eye include bacterial or viral infection and allergic reactions. Pink eye can be contagious and, in some cases, can cause eye pain and severe redness.

Some common signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Eye redness
• Itchy eyes
• Tearing
• A pus-like discharge

While conjunctivitis is usually not severe, there can be some instances where you should get in contact with us for urgent care. If you experience eye pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, it’s a good idea to visit us and determine the cause, as it could be something more serious.

Flashes can appear as flashing lights or lightning streaks in your field of vision. Flashes may appear on and off for weeks or months. As you age, occasional flashes become more regular, but your eye doctor should examine any new random flashes.

Flashes can also be linked to migraines, and in this instance, flashes may appear as jagged lines or heat waves that can last up to 20 minutes.

Floaters appear as small lines or cobwebs in your field of vision, and while they seem to be in your central vision, they are floating around your eyes. Floaters are comprised of tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the white of your eyes.

Floaters are more likely to appear if you are nearsighted or have had inflammation inside your eyes.

Most flashes and floaters aren’t severe, but you should contact your eye doctor right away if:

• You notice many new floaters
• You have an increased amount of flashes
• A shadow appears in your peripheral vision
• A gray curtain covers part of your vision

These symptoms may signal retinal detachment and should be treated quickly.