Ocular Disease Management Anoka

Your eyesight is our top priority, and we are dedicated to helping you maintain optimal vision to enjoy life to the fullest. Our doctors stay current with the latest technological advancements and techniques to ensure your visit is both pleasant and effective. Optometric technology is rapidly evolving, and at Art of Optiks, we understand the importance of building a relationship with an eye doctor who has cutting-edge optometry qualifications and is committed to the latest developments in eye care.

Our doctors are proficient in diagnosing and managing a wide range of ocular diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, using state-of-the-art technology. Early detection and diagnosis of these conditions allow us to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, leading to better long-term outcomes. With ongoing advancements in the field, our doctors can now take a more proactive approach to treating ocular diseases that once had limited options.

Cataract Surgery Co-Management

Cataracts are a condition where the lens of the eye becomes clouded, preventing clear images from forming on the retina and resulting in blurred vision ranging from mild to severe. Although cataracts are typically associated with aging, other risk factors include smoking, prolonged UV exposure, and diabetes. As you age, the structure of the eye’s lens changes, increasing the likelihood of cataract formation.

During a comprehensive eye exam, our doctors will meticulously check your lens for early signs of cataracts. If a cataract is detected and your vision is affected, we will refer you to a top-tier surgeon for cataract surgery. Art of Optiks will support you with both pre- and post-surgical care.

Cataracts develop over time due to metabolic changes in the lens fibers, leading to loss of transparency. In cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens to restore clear vision. This quick procedure is performed by an ophthalmologist in a surgical center or hospital. You’ll receive local anesthesia and experience minimal discomfort. Recovery is brief, and you’ll soon return to normal activities with improved vision, thanks to this minimally invasive procedure.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are at risk for several ocular diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma. However, the most prominent diabetic eye condition is diabetic retinopathy, which exclusively affects people with diabetes. This disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying the retina swell or leak. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often presents no noticeable symptoms, making it crucial for those with diabetes to undergo annual comprehensive eye exams.

Early signs of diabetic retinopathy include dark spots or blurriness in your vision, which worsen over time due to bleeding in the eye. This bleeding hinders the transmission of clear images from the retina to the brain. Regardless of the type of diabetes, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. It’s essential for patients to maintain controlled blood sugar levels to prevent vision loss, as the risk increases the longer you have diabetes. Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include vitrectomy and laser surgery.

Glaucoma Testing and Treatment

Beyond macular degeneration, glaucoma is the primary cause of avoidable vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is a collection of ocular disorders that damage the optic nerve as a result of elevated intraocular pressure in your eye(s), despite the misconception held by many that it is a single illness. Glaucoma may be managed if detected early on, sparing blindness and significant visual loss. Patients should plan routine comprehensive eye examinations that include glaucoma screening since early identification and treatment can prevent glaucoma. To check for early indicators of glaucoma and assess intraocular pressure, our specialists will execute a variety of tests on the optic nerve. In the modern era, glaucoma comes in a wide variety of forms:

• Primary Open-Angle (POAG)
• Normal-Tension or Low-Tension
• Angle-Closure
• Congenital
• Secondary
• Pigmentary

Depending on your glaucoma type and stage, treatment options for your condition may include laser therapy, tablets, medicated prescription eye drops, and small surgical procedures. For any of your glaucoma-related requirements, our doctors are available to help.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a hereditary ocular illness that mostly affects the elderly and is one of the main causes of blindness in the modern world. Your retina’s macula, which is responsible for crisp, center vision, deteriorates with age due to macular degeneration, which can result in blindness or severely reduced vision. Macular degeneration does not currently have a recognized treatment. Nonetheless, there are ways to stop the illness from becoming worse and causing blindness, including treatment choices and prevention measures. It’s critical to speak candidly with our doctors if you’re having central vision impairments since this enables us to identify macular degeneration early on. There are now two main forms of macular degeneration:

• Dry Macular Degeneration: Dry macular degeneration is the less aggressive form of this ocular disease, progressing slowly and typically causing less severe eyesight damage. Our doctors can detect dry macular degeneration during your comprehensive eye exam, highlighting the importance of scheduling these annual appointments. Treatment for dry macular degeneration includes high doses of zinc and antioxidants, which have been shown to slow the progression of vision deterioration.

• Wet Macular Degeneration:
  •  If your central vision suddenly worsens and becomes blurry, you may be experiencing symptoms of wet macular degeneration, the more severe form of this ocular disease. It’s important to schedule an emergency visit with one of our doctors if this occurs. Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, leading to scar tissue development. Treatment options include laser surgery or direct injections of light-sensitive dyes and macular degeneration medication.