Management of Ocular Diseases
Coffman Vision Clinic makes it a policy to ensure that all staff members are up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques to make your visit as comfortable and effective as possible. As optometric technology changes, it is even more important to select an eye doctor who has all the right optometry qualifications and follows the latest developments in eye care.
Utilizing cutting edge technology we are diagnosing and managing, with greater precision, diseases like Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. Earlier and more precise diagnosis means earlier treatment and better outcomes. We are taking an aggressive approach to diseases that previously had few treatment options. Great advances have been made in the treatment of these diseases.
Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss. If we live long enough, most of us will develop cataracts that will need to be treated with surgery. The lens in the eye rests just behind the pupil. This lens becomes more opaque over time and eventually obscures vision to a significant degree by preventing light from reaching the retina.
Symptoms of cataract include:
- Cloudy vision
- Glare from oncoming headlights
- Sometimes a large shift in spectacle prescription
Cataracts generally progress slowly, although we have very few patients who report that they seemed to develop in just a few weeks. Thankfully, cataracts are easily treated by surgery, and our local surgeons are doing a fantastic job for our patients.
Cataracts are not painful, and do not permanently damage our vision. “They are just… in the way,” as Dr. Coffman explains. “Like a dirty windshield.” Our doctors routinely check for, monitor, and refer to competent surgeons when the time is appropriate for the patient. Cataract surgery is scheduled on a non-emergency basis, and the healing time is very fast. Our doctors monitor the healing and vision after cataract surgery, and adjust eye medications as needed. They communicate the results to the surgeon at each post-op visit.
Prevention of cataracts include Ultra-Violet and Blue-Light protection, cessation of smoking, and dying. Heh. OK, ok, strike that, but please avoid sugary foods.
Learn MoreCataract Surgery Co-Management
If we live long enough, most of us will develop cataracts that will cloud our vision. One of the most common causes of vision loss, they occur when the lens located behind the pupil becomes cloudy and prevents light from reaching the retina.
One of the first signs of advancing cataract is worsening glare from oncoming headlights at night that may become severe enough to limit night driving.
Our doctors commonly monitor the progression of cataracts and refer to competent surgeons when necessary. Following cataract surgery, we also monitor the healing process, adjust medications if needed and check to see if the patient requires post-surgical glasses.
Learn more about recognizing cataracts symptoms, protecting your eyes and understanding cataract surgery.
Learn MoreGlaucoma
Glaucoma is a genetic disease know as “The Thief of Sight”, because in the beginning there are usually no vision symptoms such as pain or blurred vision.Nevertheless, it’s a major cause of blindness worldwide.Elevated eye pressure is not always present, and the only reliable way to detect the disease is to examine the optic nerve.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the portion of the eye responsible for processing fine detail and providing sharp central vision (called the macula). It’s also a genetic disease that may respond to changes in diet and lifestyle.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
There’s no separating diabetes and vision. If you have diabetes, then you should understand vision problems that increase in likelihood as a result of the disease.