As we get older, we are more susceptible to certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Many eye conditions don’t offer symptoms in their early stages. The first step in protecting your eyesight could be as simple as scheduling a routine eye exam. Earlier detection can mean the difference between timely treatment and significant vision loss.
Bring your Parents, Loved Ones
Many of our patients have recently brought in their older parents for a thorough eye exam. We are grateful for your trust and are so happy to see your family. In several instances, we were able to pick up on certain conditions at an earlier stage which resulted in a timely referral and earlier treatment.
Which Tests are Necessary and Why?
We need to perform more tests and in many cases, a dilated eye exam is required. As we get older, our pupils get smaller and we may have the beginning of cataracts making it very difficult to see the back of the eye. Dilation drops dilate the pupil giving us a bigger window to look through.
- Vision check
- Eye pressure check
- Cataract evaluation
- Glaucoma screening
- Retinal photos
- Eye scan (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 that are helpful in slowing the progression of the disease. Fortunately, research is in the works for the treatment of dry macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration, which may cause more devastating vision loss, may require injections of medication in the eye by a retina specialist.
A critical point in the disease process is when dry macular degeneration converts to the wet form; here a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) may be present. We are able to visualize CNVM much more clearly with the help of OCT technology.
Macular Degeneration -Dry vs Wet
A patient who presents with a CNVM needs an urgent referral to a retina specialist to receive injections in the eye. This timely referral results in lowering 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 nearly 20 years and have good contacts in several areas of ophthalmology including retina and glaucoma. In some urgent cases, we are able to get our patients in to see a specialist very quickly. Book your eye exam today at ROCKLAND EYE clinic and we will do our best to keep protecting your eyesight.