Cataracts

The term “cataract” describes a natural clear lens that has become cloudy. Cataracts are not an eye disease but typically develop due to aging. Other risk factors can include UV light exposure during your lifetime, taking certain medications, and having health conditions such as diabetes. As the natural lens clouds it does not allow light to pass through to the back of your eye, the retina. A more mature cataract is yellow or brown and greatly reduces the amount of light your retina receives, resulting in increasingly blurred vision that is not correctable with glasses.

Our doctors will assess your eyes for cataracts and whether or not it is time to consider cataract surgery to improve your vision to it’s full potential. We co-manage your cataract surgery experience by working with the surgeon to ensure your results are customized to your specific eyes and lifestyle.

AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) 

This condition is the leading cause of significant vision loss in people over the age of 50 in the U.S. The macula, the center area of your retina that provides central detail vision, is affected. The two forms of AMD are “dry” atrophic and “wet” exudative. Our doctors will screen your eyes for any signs of this condition and explain ways in which you can help prevent AMD. Some recommendations to help reduce the risk are: wear UV protection sunglasses starting at a young age, avoid processed foods, eat a “Mediterranean diet,” wear Blue-light Blocking anti-reflective lenses especially when looking at screens, supplement Vitamin D3 of at least 2,000IU daily, supplement Omega 3 with at least 450mg of D.H.A., and with lutein/zeaxanthin/mesoxanthin for macular pigment support.

Our doctors will refer you if necessary for further evaluation and possible treatment.

https://www.californiaretina.com/location/santa-barbara/

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently impacting vision in the affected eye(s) and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. Patients with this condition do not usually feel “pressure” in their eyes. Glaucoma is detected ONLY through regular eye exams. Schedule yours today if you have a family history of glaucoma!

The modern goals of glaucoma management are to avoid optic nerve damage, preserve visual field and total quality of life for patients. This requires appropriate diagnostic techniques and follow up examinations as well as careful selection of treatments for the individual patient.

Although intraocular pressure is only one of the major risk factors for glaucoma, lowering it via various pharmaceuticals and/or surgical techniques is currently the mainstay of glaucoma treatment.