Ocular Diseases
We provide diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases which affect the human eye and visual system.
Dry Eye Relief
We are excited to provide the most advanced diagnostics and relief for dry eye in northeast Oklahoma! Our dry eye examination will help determine the cause (s) of your dry eye, and allow us to take a very proactive approach to maintaining your comfortable clear vision.We use the MiBoflow treatment as a part of most treatment plans. This is a device that delivers a soothing heat massage for the eyelids. This treatment releases hardened oils from the oil glands which feels great and provides sharper vision immediately for most people.
Keratoconus
This is a disorder that occurs when the cornea, which is typically rounded, becomes cone shaped. The progression is usually slow and can stop at any stage from mild to severe. This distortion increases as the cornea bulges and thins.
The apex of the cornea often scars, reducing the vision. Treatment of Keratoconus is most effective with gas permeable contact lenses, designed specifically for the irregular cornea surface. If contact lens treatment is not successful, surgical corneal transplant may be necessary.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This is a condition when a diabetic persons blood sugar gets too high. High blood sugar levels start a series of events which end in damaged blood vessel walls. As such, the blood vessels begin to leak fluid or bleed, causing the retina to swell and form deposits known as exudates.
Vision can be lost if these spots are not watched and treated. Here at our office, we carefully examine the back of your eyes to follow and manage this and other important eye diseases.
Cataracts
This is a clouding or opacity of the natural internal lens of the eye. This opacity may be a small spot or may cover the entire lens. When light enters the eye it is scattered, causing images to appear hazy and blurred. There are many different types of cataracts.
The one shown here is a cortical cataract. Here the opacity forms first is the periphery of the lens and develops inward, like spokes of a wheel. Ultimately, the best treatment is to remove the cataract lens and replace it with an acrylic man made lens. This is referred to as cataract surgery.
Macular Degeneration
This a condition in which the central part of the back of the eye loses blood circulation. It is considered a natural aging process. There is a breakdown of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular region.
As the disease progresses, central vision diminishes. It is believed that this breakdown may be due to a lack of nutrients being supplied to the region. Additional studies have found a genetic link to this disease. Treatment can range from better nutritional management, sometimes to include a tablet containing the primary minerals and vitamins that are found lacking in many macular degenerated patients.
Ocular nutrition research has been making strides in the last few years. Of course, the eyes are the windows into the body, and the nutritional recommendations made for the eye health will also be good for the body. See the sub-section on ocular nutrition for more information.