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
- Monday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM*
- Sunday: Closed
*Once per month, call for details
After requesting an appointment, we will call you to confirm. If you don’t hear from us, please call 309-692-0000
Our Brands
Our Testimonials
I look forward to coming to Bixby Eye Center. They are caring and thorough.
Ken
Dr. Jensen was very professional and thorough during my exam. He took time to explain what he was observing and addressed any concerns. The staff was very welcoming and easy to talk. Robin made the experience of selecting glasses enjoyable and helped me find a pair that were best for me. Great team there!
Donivine
I have been consistently impressed by the team at Bixby. Having been a former patient of Dr. Lasken, I began seeing Dr. Jensen a few years ago. I have a complicated case of keratoconus, and Dr. Jensen and the team at Bixby have worked seamlessly with vision experts in Chicago, Iowa City, and Bloomington to ensure my needs are met. In a day and age where business often supersedes genuine performance, I am extremely grateful for this team’s willingness to continuously provide excellent/kind care & attention to my specific needs. Highly recommend if new to the area or seeking a change in optical providers.
Matt
Everyone is wonderful there!!!!
Julie
I felt heard by the technician and the physician, which goes a LONG WAY in healthcare!! Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns rather than making me feel rushed to get out.
Kimberly
I arrived early, yet, even so, I was not left waiting. Don is definitely the nicest and funniest ever. I actually had fun at an eye appointment.
Kristi
I was two hours early, and was in the right place at the right time. I was able to be taken care of then. The thorough explanation of which add ons to the lenses was a huge help in my decisions, and it was just nice to feel important; not just an appointment. I asked questions I was scared to ask before, and my doctor was patient, thorough, and very helpful in my understanding of certain terms. It also gave me more confidence in my vision. I cam to find out after all these years since my injury as a kid, I still have 20/20 vision, and there isn’t a scar or the potential for symptoms of one in the future. If people I am talking to have insurance that Bixby takes, I’m making sure they at least check you guys out, because the service is just all around awesome! There is absolutely nothing to change. Everything was done professional. You know how the saying goes, :If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, I went from being nervous and worried to smarter and confident about my vision health and concerns. Thank y’all so much; very happy I’m now a client!
Calvin
The entire staff, from the lady at the reception desk to the person who helped me pick out new glasses was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. My best visit ever!
Judith
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Bixby Eye Care Center
- 6807 N. Knoxville Ave.
- Peoria, IL 61614
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P: 309-692-0000