Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management In Peoria
Limit Vision Loss
Even the most serious eye diseases can develop with no symptoms. Particularly in the early stages of a disease, it might be difficult to tell there’s something wrong.
That’s where optometrists come in. Regular, comprehensive eye exams allow eye doctors to look at the eye’s internal structures and assess your overall ocular health.
Many eye diseases can have devastating effects, from permanent vision loss to total blindness. At The Bixby Eye Center, we have years of experience in diagnosing and treating eye diseases.
Book an appointment to preserve your sight today.
How Do You Test For Eye Diseases?
One of the best ways to really get a look at your eyes is to dilate them. We will examine your undilated pupils during a comprehensive eye exam and check for their response to light stimuli. But, when the eyes are in their normal state, it’s difficult to get a clear view of some important parts.
Using special eye drops, we increase the size of your pupils, giving us a good look at your entire retina, including the macula and optic nerve. This helps us detect any early signs of eye disease.
It takes between 15 and 30 minutes for the eyes to fully dilate. They might be enlarged—and sensitive to light—for 4 to 6 hours after the exam, so bring some sunglasses and someone to drive you home if you have a dilated eye exam.
Glaucoma
Often called “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can stealthily rob you of vision before you realize there’s a problem.
Glaucoma is not just one disease—it’s a group of them characterized by damage to the optic nerve. Usually, the damage is due to high intraocular pressure, but not in all cases. There are several forms of glaucoma that can lead to blindness.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
When the eye’s drainage channels become blocked over time or fluid is produced faster than it can drain, pressure builds up in the eye. This causes damage to the optic nerve.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and impacts about 4 million Americans.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. It occurs when the drainage channels are blocked by the closure of the space between the iris and cornea.
This type of glaucoma occurs very suddenly, and the pressure buildup is rapid. Symptoms can include:
- Severe headache
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Halos
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A Threat To Your Central Vision
Your central vision is responsible for your ability to do those close-up tasks like reading, writing, knitting, and painting. It helps you recognize faces and drive to the grocery store. The portion of your eye responsible for this all-important part of your vision is the macula.
As you age, the macula breaks down naturally, leading to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While this degradation is common and related to age, there are some things you can do to help prevent it.
Lifelong UV protection, not smoking, and healthy eating habits may help postpone AMD. But, genetics are at play, too, and your risk of AMD is higher if you have a family history of the condition.
There are 2 forms of AMD.
Dry AMD
The normal breakdown of the macula is referred to as dry AMD. Almost 90% of cases of AMD are the dry variety.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, but it is much more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid, causing scarring on the macula.
What To Watch For
Some warning signs of AMD include:
- Loss of color vision
- Decreased clarity of vision
- Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
- Dark spot in the center of vision
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment with your optometrist.
Cataracts
A Common Cause Of Vision Loss
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and a significant cause of blindness worldwide.
They are also common, developing in most people over the age of 60. Don’t let the statistics scare you. Vision loss from cataracts is rarely permanent. If vision can’t be restored with corrective lenses, cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment.
So, What Is A Cataract?
Your eye’s lenses are usually clear. When the lenses harden and become opaque, that is a cataract. In their early stages, cataracts may not disturb your eyesight at all.
Depending on their size and location, they might be easily managed with corrective lenses. But, if the cataract gets too big, you will need to speak with your optometrist for options.
Symptoms Of Cataracts
Regular Eye Exams Save Sight
An annual, comprehensive eye exam can help your optometrist detect and diagnose the early stages of eye diseases before they become sight-threatening.
The Bixby Eye Center team is experienced with the diagnosis and treatment of all types of eye diseases. Book your appointment today.
Our Location
Our Address
6807 N. Knoxville Ave.
Peoria, IL 61614
Contact Information
Phone: 309-692-0000
Fax: 309-692-8082
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