Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness is a condition in which distant objects are blurry and near objects are clearer. This is caused by light rays from a distant object focusing in front of the retina instead of on the retina. Glasses, contacts or laser surgery are the most common treatment options and help to focus light rays clearly on the retina.

Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farstightedness is a condition in which near objects are more difficult to see and distant objects are easier to see. Some symptoms are blurry vision (especially during reading), headaches and /or eyestrain. Light rays from a distant object fall behind the retina instead of on the retina. Treatment options include glasses, contacts and laser surgery.

Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye, has an irregular or football shape rather than a round shape. This can cause blurry vision at all distances. It may also cause headaches, eyestrain and night glare. The treatment options include contacts glasses or laser surgery.

Presbyopia
This is a condition in which the lens of the eye gradually loses elasticity and therefore the ability to focus on near objects. It is a normal progression which everyone develops usually in the early to mid-forties. Treatment options include reading glasses, bifocals or contact lenses. There are currently some surgical procedures in the experimental stages for presbyopia.

Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye which leads to reduced vision. This most commonly occurs in people over 55 but the incidence increases with age. Cataract surgery is the treatment when glasses no longer improve vision. The surgery involves removing the cataractous lens and implanting a plastic lens in its place. This surgery is outpatient and has a very high success rate.

Glaucoma
There are many types of glaucoma but generally it is caused by an increased pressure in the eye which causes optic nerve damage which in turn leads to vision loss. The peripheral vision is lost first and then central vision. There are no symptoms of glaucoma so the best way to detect it is through regular eye exams. It is more common over 40 years of age. Typically glaucoma is treated with eye drops but in some cases surgery may be required.

Macular Degeneration
This condition is a deterioration of the central retina which can lead to vision loss. The retina in the back of the eye captures the image of what we see, much like the film in a camera. Due to the aging process and cellular changes in the retina, this area degenerates causing central vision loss while sparing peripheral vision. Currently there is no cure for AMD but certain vitamins and other components of green leafy vegetable have been shown to potentially slow the progression of AMD. In some cases, laser treatment may be needed.

Retinal Detachment
The retina is the thin clear membrane covering the inside of the back of the eye. The retina has light sensitive cells which capture the image of what we see. This is somewhat like the film in a camera. The retina can tear or become detached from the back of the eye. The symptoms can be flashes of light, a sudden onset of floaters or an increase in floaters or curtains in the vision. This demands immediate attention so vision is not lost permanently. Treatment may include laser treatment or surgery.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.. Diabetic retinopathy affects the retina or clear membrane which lines the back of the eye. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to weaken which results in leakage of fluid and blood into the retinal tissue. This eventual loss of nourishment can lead to retinal damage and potentially vision loss. Laser treatments may be needed to slow down blood vessel leakage. The best preventative treatment is good blood sugar control and yearly eye exams.

Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce the proper quantity or formulation of the components of the tear layer. The tear layer covers the front surface of the eye and flushes foreign matter out and keeps the cornea healthy. Symptoms can include dryness, burning, scratchy eyes, irritation and redness. Treatments may include artificial tears, ointments or tiny plugs placed in the drainage duct of the eye to help stop up the tears. The latter is a painless in office procedure which takes less than five minutes but can have lasting effects up to 1-3 years