Below are brief descriptions of the various eye conditions we commonly see and treat at Eyecare Elements in Bellevue.
There are many different types of eye conditions that could be affecting your eyesight or could have long-term consequences if not treated properly or promptly. We list some of the more common conditions below. If you think you or someone in your family has one of these conditions, please contact Eyecare Elements in Bellevue for an exam and recommendations.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Lazy eye, medically known as amblyopia, is a loss or lack of development of vision, usually in one eye. This degenerative process usually begins with an inherited condition and appears during infancy or early childhood. Lazy eye needs to be diagnosed between birth and early school age since it is during this period that the brain “chooses” its visual pathway and may ignore the weaker eye permanently.
Lazy eye is not always easy to recognize since a child with worse vision in one eye does not necessarily have lazy eye. Because of this, it is recommended that all children, including those with no symptoms, have a comprehensive eye examination by the age of three and sooner if there is a family history of any eye condition or disease. If you suspect a problem, or need to set up your child’s first eye examination, contact Eyecare Elements to set up an appointment.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition that silently effects many people. Many times, it is not identified as dry eye because the symptoms are similar to other conditions. People suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome may experience:
- Watering eyes
- Burning
- Fatigue while using computer or electronic devices
- Glare and light sensitivity
- Burning
- Itching
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Dull aching
Dry Eye Syndrome results from either not enough tears being produced or more commonly a poor quality of tear being produced. The doctors at Eyecare Elements will take the time to perform advanced tests to provide you with a personalized diagnosis of your dry eye condition. After taking the time to find the root cause of the condition the doctor will create a treatment protocol specifically for you. Dry Eye Syndrome does tend to get worse as time progresses so early diagnosis and treatment is the key to long term success.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a general term for an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelashes. It is among the most common and stubborn eye conditions usually resulting from poor eyelid hygiene, a low-grade bacterial infection (usually staphylococcal), an allergic reaction and/or abnormalities in oil gland function.
Like some other skin conditions, blepharitis can be controlled but not cured. The main goals in treating it are to reduce the amount of bacteria along the lid margin and open plugged glands. Contact Eyecare Elements to assess the severity of your problem and the best treatment method.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a normal change noted in the lens system in the eye. Although in general this is the case, Cataracts come in many forms. The natural lens which sits just behind the color portion of your eye or the iris. This lens serves to focus light on the back of the eye and can adjust its focusing ability to allow us to see distance and near objects. As our eyes age the ability to change focus starts to become challenging and the need for progressive eyeglasses may become required. This process of change continues resulting in the natural lens altering color and clarity. As these degrade patients may begin to notice the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Glare at night
- Dim vision
- Light sensitivity
- ‘Halos’ around lights
- Fading colors
- Doubling of vision in one eye
When performing a comprehensive annual exam, the doctors at Eyecare Elements will evaluate the health of your natural lens and possible presence of cataracts. As some changes may be subtle our doctors may notice the early signs of cataracts far before you notice any symptoms.
Digital Eye Strain
Technology has provided great benefits for mankind but can sometimes have some unforeseen challenges. One of those challenges is due to the strain and fatigue put on the eyes from digital devices from mobile phones, tablets, and computers. These devices and the screens they use can alter the rate at which we blink our eyes, put strain on the muscles that focus the eyes, and expose the eyes to blue light which can alter our sleep patterns. Here are some of the symptoms that patients may experience.
- Eyestrain
- Trouble adjusting focus from computer screen to distance
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
As our jobs and lifestyles continue to require us to stare at screens for more hours of the day these problems continue to increase.
After a comprehensive evaluation of your visual system and lifestyle needs, Eyecare Elements can offer a personalized solution. We have a variety of products and therapies to compliment your assessment and diagnosis.
Strabismus
Cross-eyed, medically known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which eyes are misaligned. It commonly occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not properly working together. The result is one or both eyes turning inward, outward, upward or downward, or one or both eyes moving irregularly.
Strabismus is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects about 4 percent of children, afflicting boys and girls equally. Though it cannot be prevented, its complications can be avoided with early intervention. Even if you notice symptoms intermittently – when your child is ill, stressed or fatigued – alert your eye care provider.
Eyecare Elements has the experience and equipment necessary to diagnose and often treat the eye conditions detailed above at our office in Bellevue. For more information please schedule an appointment with your eye care provider, and we will be in touch with you shortly.
