Diseases of the Eye DISEASES OF THE EYE GLAUCOMA Glaucoma is a disease affecting the optic nerve, which is responsible for capturing and transferring visual images to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can create "blind spots," which typically go unnoticed until damage to the optic nerve is severe. Left untreated, glaucoma can result in blindness. In fact, it is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. The good news is that a simple test administered by your ophthalmologist can determine if you have glaucoma, so make it a rule to have regular check-ups, even if you have no symptoms. When caught early, glaucoma can be effectively treated and managed, usually without surgery. In most cases, eye drops are sufficient to arrest glaucoma's progress in its tracks. Watch Video About Glaucoma DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Diabetes is host to a number of diseases, and diabetes mellitus ushers in the possibility of a condition called retinopathy, which is damage to the optic nerve, the posterior area of the eye that senses light. The early stage of the disease, commonly known as background retinopathy, causes the retina to leak blood or fluid, which can lead to swelling or the formation of deposits. Left untreated, it can progress to a condition known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which can result in inadequate blood flow to areas of the eye, often resulting in severe vision loss. You can greatly lower your risk of vision impairment by strictly controlling your blood sugar and seeing your ophthalmologist for regular testing to catch the disease early. Highly effective treatments are available to protect your vision from damage now and throughout your life. Download Brochure Watch Video About Diabetic Retinopathy MACULAR DEGENERATION Macular Degeneration refers to the deterioration of the macula, an area in the retina that allows you to see the fine details needed for reading, driving and performing intricate tasks. It is not uncommon for it to develop as we age, a condition known as Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, which is the leading cause of severe vision loss among Caucasian seniors. Most macular degeneration cases develop slowly, resulting in gradual sight impairment, but some can cause rapid and severe vision loss, so early detection is important. A simple test by your ophthalmologist can catch degeneration early, and effective treatments can help preserve your sight from further damage. AMSLER GRID The Amsler Grid is used to test the macula, the very central part of the retina. The test is simple and uses a grid made of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines. Download it here to take the test. WORTH LOOKING AT… Did You Know Smoking Can Damage Eye Health? Smoking may double or even triple your chance of developing vision-robbing diseases like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, and damage your ability to see color and contrast. Urgent info on what you can do now to arrest vision loss. Read More → Protecting Your Vision from Diabetic Eye Disease Diabetes increases the risk of retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, and may double your risk of related vision loss. Discover what you need to know to protect your healthy vision. Read More → Healthy Vision Month It’s Health Aging Month! This is the time to think about ways to age as healthfully and happily as possible - including maintaining clear, vibrant vision. Find out why comprehensive eye exams are so important, especially as we get older. Read More → DMEK – The Future of Corneal Transplantation, Today Patients dealing with distorted vision due to Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, ICE syndrome and other endothelial disorders may be candidates for DMEK, the most advanced keratoplasty in existence. Read More → Diabetes and Eye Disease – Monitoring is Key to Vision Preservation Diabetes can lay the groundwork for a group of eye diseases, and while none are curable, they can be managed successfully. Read More → A Brighter Outlook on Age-related Macular Degeneration AMD is one of the leading causes of serious and permanent vision loss in people ages 50 and older. Read More → With Glaucoma, Management Makes All the Difference Glaucoma can be successfully managed, protecting vision. Find out what you don’t know about glaucoma – it could save your sight. Read More → Preventing Eye Disease Here are some guidelines to help promote healthy vision for life. Read More → Lake Eye Offers Glaucoma Patients More Avenues to Healthier Vision January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, dedicated to helping people understand what glaucoma is, how to catch it before it causes serious vision damage, and the treatment options available for people with additional issues like cataracts. Read More → Envision Seeing Beyond Diabetes Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the tiny blood vessels that deliver blood and nourishment to the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy affects roughly 40%-45% of adults with diabetes, although only about half know they have it. Read More → Exciting Options for Glaucoma Patients With Cataracts Glaucoma is a set of diseases in which fluid and pressure damage the eye’s optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for sending information collected by the retina to the brain. When fluid produced by the eye fails to drain normally, it creates pressure inside the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. Read More → Eye Cancer Screening – Part of Your Regular Eye Exam Melanoma of the eye is a relatively uncommon disease but it does occur, particularly among people at higher risk, including those with dysplastic nevus syndrome, a condition marked by atypical moles, and those who have spent a lot of time in the sun without sunglasses with adequate UV protection. Read More → ABOUT THE PRACTICE SERVICES PRECISION OPTICS RESOURCE & PATIENT INFO LOCATIONS (352) 775-1539 © 2016 Lake Eye Associates. All right reserved. THE VILLAGES: 1400 US Hwy 441 N, Ste. 521, The Villages, FL 32159 LADY LAKE: 801 CR 466, Suite 102, Sunset Plaza, Lady Lake, FL 32159 TAVARES: 1852 Mayo Drive, Tavares, FL 32778 LEESBURG: 601 E. 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