Services

Specialty Eye Care

DRY EYE SYNDROME

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that many people experience at some point. It is caused by a problem with your tears – either you don’t produce enough tears, or the ones you make are of poor quality. This results in your eyes not getting enough lubrication, leading to discomfort and sometimes blurry vision.

Can dry eye syndrome lead to blindness? This question does not have a simple answer. While it’s unlikely that dry eyes will cause total blindness, severe untreated cases can lead to significant vision loss. Some eye conditions triggered by chronic dry eye include infections, corneal abrasions, and even blindness.

Contact Johnson Curran Optometry for an evaluation and treatment plan at the first sign of dry eye symptoms. This way, you can decrease your risk of severe eye damage or vision loss related to dry eye syndrome.

OCULAR HYPERTENSION ( HTN )

What is Ocular hypertension? It is when the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) is higher than usual.

With ocular hypertension, the front of the eye does not drain fluid properly. This causes eye pressure to build up. Higher than normal eye pressure can cause glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease where eye pressure damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss.

Ocular hypertension is not the same as glaucoma. With ocular hypertension, the optic nerve looks normal, and there are no signs of vision loss. However, people with ocular hypertension are at increased risk for glaucoma and are considered “glaucoma suspects.” 

Because high eye pressure can occur without warning, it is important to have yearly exams with one of our doctors to check for glaucoma.

NIDDM – Type II Diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes

High blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels in the back part of the eye (retina), leading to diabetic retinopathy. If you have had diabetes for a long time or have had trouble maintaining proper blood sugar levels, you may be at higher risk for eye damage.

Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and prevention of diabetic eye complications. Our doctors can identify these changes during a comprehensive eye exam, prompting further evaluation and management.

Myopia Management

What is Myopia? Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Myopia can be triggered by genetics, but environmental factors may also play a role.

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long (axial length) or the cornea and/or eye lens are too curved relative to the length of the eyeball. A myopic eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of directly on the retina, resulting in blurry, distant vision. Myopia can be corrected using corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Myopia is a chronic condition that can develop gradually or rapidly. While there is no cure, treatments such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery can be very effective and may restore vision to 20/20.

Myopia is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam using the following tests:

Visual acuity: During this test, you will be asked to identify letters on a distance chart.

Retinoscopy: This technique is used to objectively measure a refractive error. Our doctors use a retinoscope to shine light into your eye and observe the reflection, or reflex, off your retina.

If you have symptoms of myopia, schedule an eye appointment as soon as possible to improve your clarity of vision and avoid complications of worsening myopia.