Low Vision Rehabilitation in San Mateo, San Jose, San Ramon, & Juneau

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which carries information from the visual system to the brain, and is often asymptomatic until vision loss begins to occur. The most common type of glaucoma occurs when the eye’s fluid cannot drain properly, causing internal eye pressure to rise. The elevated intraocular pressure puts stress on the optic nerve and subsequently damages it.

If diagnosed and treated early, vision loss related to glaucoma can often be minimized. However, if the condition is allowed to progress, severe vision loss can occur.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various changes to the eye including cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is quantified by the amount of microaneurysms, dot/blot hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, exudates, and macular edema in the retina. There are five stages, starting from mild, moderate, severe, very severe, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy as the end stage.

Blood sugar control, medication compliance, and regular visits with primary care physician are the best ways to prevent the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy.

Retinal detachment is a sight threatening condition with an incidence of approximately 1 in 10000.

Risk Factors for Retinal detachment:

• Retinal Detachment
• Lattice degeneration
• Peripheral retinal breaks
• Pathologic myopia
• Previous intraocular surgery
• Trauma
• Previous retinal detachment
• Family history

Patients with known risk factors for retinal detachment should have dilated fundus examinations yearly. Protective eyewear is recommended for individuals with high myopia that participate in contact sports.