Ophthalmology

Contact lenses are thin, prescription lenses that are placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Yes, contact lenses are safe to use when prescribed and fitted properly. It is important to follow the instructions of your eye care professional regarding lens insertion, removal, and maintenance to minimize the risk of complications.

While contact lenses are generally safe, improper use or negligence can lead to complications such as eye infections, corneal ulcers, dry eyes, or allergic reactions. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any discomfort, redness, or changes in vision.

Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), is a refractive surgery procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Laser eye surgery works by removing a thin layer of corneal tissue to change the cornea’s shape, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina, resulting in improved vision.

Laser eye surgery has a proven safety record when performed by experienced surgeons and in appropriate candidates. Like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications, but serious complications are rare.

Laser eye surgery aims to provide long-lasting vision correction. However, the eyes can still undergo age-related changes, such as presbyopia, which may require additional vision correction methods later in life.

Neuro-Ophthalmology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of visual problems related to the nervous system, specifically those affecting the optic nerve, brain, and eye movement control areas.

Treatment options for Neuro-Ophthalmologic conditions vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include medications to manage inflammation or neurological conditions, vision rehabilitation, prism glasses to correct double vision, surgical interventions to address eye movement disorders, and referral to other specialists for management of underlying systemic diseases.

During a Neuro-Ophthalmology appointment, the specialist will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes and evaluate your medical history. They may perform additional tests, discuss your symptoms, and review any previous imaging or laboratory results. It is important to provide accurate information and ask any questions you may have.

The symptoms of corneal disease can vary depending on the specific condition but may include blurred or distorted vision, eye pain or irritation, redness, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, foreign body sensation, and decreased visual acuity.

Diagnosing corneal diseases involves a comprehensive eye examination, including a detailed medical history, visual acuity tests, corneal topography, slit-lamp examination, and sometimes additional tests such as corneal pachymetry, corneal confocal microscopy, or corneal biopsy.

Treatment options for corneal diseases depend on the specific condition and its severity. They may include medications (eye drops, ointments), antibiotics or antiviral drugs for infections, corticosteroids for inflammation, lubricating eye drops for dryness, contact lenses, corneal transplantation (keratoplasty), or other surgical interventions.

Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry or cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and seeing halos around lights. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Cataract surgery is typically recommended when cataracts significantly affect your daily activities and quality of life. Your eye doctor will assess your individual case and determine if surgery is the right option for you.

The initial recovery period after cataract surgery is relatively quick. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days. However, it may take a few weeks to fully adjust to your new vision and for any remaining blurriness or discomfort to subside.

The exact cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but it is often related to a combination of increased intraocular pressure, impaired blood flow to the optic nerve, and other risk factors such as genetics, age, ethnicity, and certain medical conditions.

In the early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms or pain. It typically progresses slowly and can initially affect peripheral vision. As the condition advances, it may lead to tunnel vision, blurred vision, difficulty adjusting to low light, and, ultimately, central vision loss.

Treatment for glaucoma aims to lower intraocular pressure to prevent or slow down further damage to the optic nerve. This may include eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy (e.g., trabeculoplasty, iridotomy), or surgical interventions (e.g., trabeculectomy, drainage implants) depending on the severity and progression of the disease.

It is generally recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years, especially for individuals over the age of 40 or those with known risk factors for glaucoma. However, the frequency may vary based on individual circumstances, so it’s important to consult with an eye care professional.