Ocular Disease Management Golden Valley

Ensuring your vision is at its best is our foremost priority at Art of Optiks. Our doctors are dedicated to staying updated with the latest advancements in optometric technology to enhance the effectiveness and comfort of your visit. We understand the value of partnering with an eye care provider who possesses advanced optometry qualifications and a commitment to cutting-edge practices in eye health.

At Art of Optiks, our specialists are highly skilled in diagnosing and managing a diverse range of eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we prioritize early detection and personalized treatment plans tailored to meet your specific needs, resulting in improved long-term outcomes. With continuous advancements in the field, we can now offer proactive approaches to treating ocular diseases that were once more challenging to manage.

Cataract Surgery Co-Management

Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, impairing clear vision by preventing light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in varying degrees of blurred vision. While aging is the primary factor, risk factors such as smoking, prolonged exposure to UV light, and diabetes can also contribute to their development.

During a thorough eye examination, our doctors meticulously assess your lens for early signs of cataracts. If detected and affecting your vision, we will refer you to a highly skilled surgeon specializing in cataract surgery. Art of Optiks provides comprehensive pre- and post-surgical eye care to ensure optimal recovery and visual outcomes.

Metabolic changes within the lens fibers cause cataracts to progress, leading to a loss of transparency over time. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, restoring clear vision. This quick and minimally invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital, ensuring minimal discomfort. Recovery is rapid, allowing you to resume normal activities promptly with improved vision.

Diabetic Eye Disease

People diagnosed with diabetes face an increased risk of developing various eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. However, diabetic retinopathy stands out as the most prevalent eye condition, specifically affecting individuals with diabetes. This condition occurs when the blood vessels that supply the retina swell or leak. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular annual comprehensive eye exams for those with diabetes.

Early indicators of diabetic retinopathy include dark spots or blurry vision, which can worsen over time due to bleeding within the eye. This bleeding disrupts the retina’s ability to transmit clear images to the brain. Regardless of the type of diabetes, all individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. It’s crucial for patients to maintain stable blood sugar levels to mitigate the risk of vision loss, which increases with the duration of diabetes. Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy include vitrectomy and laser surgery.

Glaucoma Testing and Treatment

Beyond macular degeneration, glaucoma stands as the leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness. Contrary to common misconception, glaucoma comprises a group of eye disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve due to elevated intraocular pressure in one or both eyes. Early detection is crucial as it allows for effective management, preventing blindness and significant visual impairment. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including glaucoma screening, are recommended to detect and treat glaucoma promptly. Our specialists employ a variety of tests to assess the optic nerve and measure intraocular pressure for early signs of glaucoma. Today, glaucoma manifests in various forms:

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

Our experts can assist with any of your glaucoma-related needs. Treatment options for your illness may include laser therapy, tablets, medicated prescription eye drops, and minor surgical procedures, depending on the kind and stage of your glaucoma.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, a hereditary ocular condition primarily affecting the elderly, stands as a leading cause of blindness globally. This condition causes the deterioration of your retina’s macula, responsible for sharp central vision, leading to severe vision loss or blindness with age-related macular degeneration. While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, strategies exist to slow its progression and prevent blindness through treatment options and preventive measures. Promptly discussing central vision impairments with our doctors facilitates early detection of macular degeneration. There are two main forms of macular degeneration today:

• Dry Macular Degeneration: The less aggressive form of this ocular disease, progresses slowly and typically results in less severe vision loss. During your comprehensive eye exam, our doctors will detect dry macular degeneration, underscoring the importance of scheduling these appointments annually. Treatment for dry macular degeneration often includes high doses of zinc and antioxidants, which have been proven to slow the progression of vision deterioration.

• Wet Macular Degeneration: If your central vision suddenly worsens and becomes blurry, it could be a sign of wet macular degeneration, the more severe form of this eye disease. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule an emergency visit with one of our doctors. Wet macular degeneration occurs due to abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, leading to scar tissue formation. Treatment options include laser surgery and direct injections of light-sensitive dyes or specific medications to manage the condition.