As we age, we are more likely to develop certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Many eye conditions do not have symptoms in their early stages. Early detection can make the difference between timely treatment and significant vision loss.
Bring your parents, your loved ones
Many of our patients have recently brought their elderly parents in for a thorough eye exam. We are grateful for your trust and are excited to see your family. In several cases, we were able to detect certain conditions at an early stage, resulting in timely referral and early treatment.
What tests are needed and why?
We need to do more testing, and in many cases a dilated eye exam is necessary. As we age, our pupils become smaller and we may have the beginnings of cataracts, making it very difficult to see the back of the eye. Dilation drops dilate the pupil, giving us a larger window to observe.
- Vision check
- Checking eye pressure
- Cataract assessment
- Glaucoma screening
- Retinal photos
- Eye scanner (OCT)
Macular Degeneration – Dry vs Wet
There is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration other than specific formulations of vitamins such as Vitalux and Preservision which are helpful in slowing the progression of the disease. Fortunately, research is underway for the treatment of dry macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration, which can lead to more devastating vision loss, may require medication injections into the eye from a retina specialist.
A critical point in the disease process occurs when dry macular degeneration transforms into the wet form; here, a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVC) may be present. We are able to visualize MNVC much more clearly using OCT technology.
A patient with CNVM requires urgent referral to a retinal specialist to receive injections into the eye. This timely referral helps reduce the risk of progression to wet macular degeneration and reduces the risk of significant vision loss.
Strong network of eye care specialists
We have been working in Montreal for almost 20 years and have good contacts in several areas of ophthalmology, including retina and glaucoma. In some urgent cases, we are able to have our patients seen by a specialist very quickly. Make an appointment today at ROCKLAND EYE clinic and we will do everything we can to protect your vision.
The first step to protecting your eyesight could be as simple as scheduling a routine eye exam. Early detection can make all the difference.