Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss in people over age 60. It can cause loss of sharp central vision in one or both eyes. You may have no obvious vision loss, or you may have one or more of the following vision problems:

• Fuzzy or blurry areas
• Distorted lines and wavy edges
• Faded color vision
• Dark spots in your central vision
• Vision that varies from day to day

Age-related macular degeneration rarely causes total blindness, but it can cause vision loss that ranges from mild to severe affecting your central vision. Low-vision aids can help you with certain tasks, such as magnifiers, reading eyewear, large-print books and large-button telephones. Living with age-related macular degeneration can be a challenge, but you can make the most of the vision you have through support from friends, family, and a low-vision support group

Remember to schedule regular eye exams yearly, or more often if recommended by your eye doctor. And, schedule an eye exam right away if you have any vision changes.

Cataracts

A cataract is a painless clouding of your eye’s lens, and can blur your vision and interfere with your lifestyle. Cataracts can take years to develop. For most people, cataracts are a natural part of aging. Over time, they reduce how well you see. This gradually makes it harder to do everyday activities, such as driving or reading a book. Common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Trouble seeing at night
• Seeing glare or halos around lights
• A change in how you see colors

An evaluation will help your eye doctor learn more about your vision problem. If your vision isn’t keeping you from enjoying your daily activities, you may wait to have it removed. Together you and your doctor will decide what is best for you. After the exam, you and your eye doctor will discuss treatment options. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and replace your cloudy lens.

Cataract surgery is a reliable and safe procedure. Dr. Andrew Michael is an experienced surgeon performing over 1,200 cases per year. Surgery is performed in a state of the art facility, in a convenient location with a highly skilled and friendly staff.

Glaucoma

In a healthy eye, fluid flows in front of the iris to the anterior chamber. It then drains out as new fluid is made, keeping the eye pressure at a normal level. With glaucoma, the eye’s drainage tissue can be clogged or blocked, so the fluid does not drain well. As fluid builds up, it raises the pressure inside the eye. High pressure damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss.

Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss. Regular visits to your doctor and knowing if you are at risk is important in the early detection of glaucoma. Glaucoma is considered the “sneak thief of sight” as it seldom causes pain or other symptoms.

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

• Being African-American, Asian, or Native Alaskan
• Having a close family member with glaucoma
• Getting older
• Having diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
• Long-term use of steroids or cortisone
• Having had an injury, disease, or tumor in the eye

Since most glaucoma has no symptoms, it is very important to have your eyes checked as often as your eye doctor recommends.

In 1992, Dr. Andrew Michael completed a glaucoma fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. He specializes in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma and cataracts. Dr. Michael is dedicated to individualized and excellent patient care. Dr. Michael and his team will work closely with you in the management and care of in controlling this lifelong process.

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Floaters & Flashers

Flashes:

As you age or if you are nearsighted, you are more likely to see flashes. People will see flashes of light, stars or streaks that are not really there. Flashes are often caused by the “vitreous” (the gel filling the inside of your eye) pulling on the “retina” (a membrane that lines the inside of your eye).

Floaters:

Floaters are usually harmless. They look like dark specks, clouds, threads, or spider webs moving through your vision. Floaters may be pieces of gel or other material floating inside your eye. The older you get, the more likely you’ll notice floaters.

Most flashes and floaters require no treatment – but sometimes they can be signs of a serious eye problem. Call your eye doctor if you notice:

• All of a sudden you see a lot of flashes or floaters and have never seen them before
• You’ve had a few flashes or floaters in the past, but there is a sudden increase in the number you see
• Your normal tasks become hard to do because of the floaters or flashes
• You see a ‘curtain’ or dark area in your vision

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages blood vessels in the rear of the eye. Diabetes can cause capillaries on the retina to leak or collapse. You can greatly reduce your risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy by managing your overall health. Managing your diabetes is the most important step.

What are the Symptoms?

• See floaters (dark spots) or black lines
• Having blurry, darkened or cloudy vision

Diabetic Retinopathy may progress from early stages with little or no vision loss, to later stages in which there may be serious vision loss. Fortunately, treatments are avaible that can reduce the chances that vision loss will progress.

Dr. Michael will work with you to design a treatment plan that is best for you. Schedule a complete dilated eye exam at least once a year and follow your treatment plan. Keeping your appointments and following your treatment plan will help save your sight.

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