Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina, deteriorates with age. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in North Americans over the age of 55. At Eye Care Group, we diagnose and manage both dry and wet AMD.

Dry AMD is caused by lipid deposits, called drusen, that form on the macula and can cause distorted vision. If dry AMD goes untreated, it can progress into wet AMD, which causes blood vessels to grow underneath the macula, leaking blood and other fluid onto the retina, distorting vision even further and potentially causing permanent vision loss.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that occurs when the optic nerve (which links our eyes to our brain) becomes damaged. The most common form is open-angle glaucoma, caused by high intraocular pressure on the optic nerve from an excess of fluid build-up. However, glaucoma can also develop when your eyes’ internal pressure is within normal ranges, a condition called normal-tension glaucoma.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canadians over the age of 60. It can develop gradually and, in its early stages, symptoms often go undetected. Without diagnosis (via an eye exam) and treatment, it can lead to complete vision loss.

Cataracts are a normal part of the ageing process, and form as the lens in our eye starts to age, becoming cloudy and opaque. Eventually, the tissues in the lens begin to break down and cluster together, resulting in cloudy and hazy spots that can impair vision.

Luckily, cataracts can be managed with a stronger prescription, at least in their early stages. If they progress and vision becomes increasingly difficult, cataracts can be removed with a simple surgery.

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an eye condition that results in red and irritated eyes. It can also cause swollen eyelids and light sensitivity.

When the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the white portion (sclera) and the inner eyelid, become irritated or infected, the blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate. This causes the appearance of red or “pink” eyes.

Although considered relatively minor, some forms of conjunctivitis may become more serious if not diagnosed early and treated properly. Depending on the type of conjunctivitis you contract, we may recommend drops or antibiotics as treatment.

Eye floaters are caused by a thinning of vitreous, a jelly-like substance inside your eyes. Microscopic fibres within the vitreous clump together and cast shadows onto the retina. These shadows appear as lines and spots that seemingly drift and float around your line of vision.

Eye flashers occur when the vitreous rubs or pulls on your retina, causing flashes of light or “stars” in your field of vision. As people age, it is common to see flashes occasionally. However, if you are experiencing consistent eye flashes, you should consult our office as soon as possible, to rule out any potential complications.