Red, painful or irritated eyes
When something is wrong with your eyes, you need a visit focused on the problem. Call us so we can get you in at the right time.
When to schedule a medical office visit
A medical eye exam is for a specific problem rather than a routine vision check. These visits are usually billed to your medical insurance instead of your vision plan.
Why we schedule these by phone
Some eye problems need to be seen the same day and others can wait. Calling lets our staff ask a few questions, find the right appointment slot, and tell you what your insurance is likely to cover.
Go to the emergency room if
You have a chemical splash, a penetrating injury to the eye, or sudden total vision loss. Rinse a chemical splash with clean water right away and get emergency care.
Common reasons for a medical office visit
- Red, painful or irritated eyes
- Eye infections and pink eye
- New flashes of light or floaters
- Dry eye symptoms
- Diabetic eye exams
- Glaucoma testing and follow-up
- Something in the eye or a scratch
Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve slowly and usually without symptoms. Regular testing catches it before vision is lost.
Why early detection matters
Vision lost to glaucoma does not come back. Most people don't notice any change until the disease is advanced, which is why routine eye exams are the main way it's found.
How we test
We measure eye pressure, examine the optic nerve, and when needed perform visual field testing and imaging to track changes over time.
Treatment and follow-up
Glaucoma is usually managed with daily prescription eye drops and regular monitoring. If you need laser treatment or surgery, we refer you to a glaucoma specialist and coordinate your care.
Higher risk if you
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Have had an eye injury
- Have used steroid medications long term
- Are very nearsighted
Dry eye
Dry eye is common, and it can make reading, screens and driving uncomfortable. Treatment starts with finding the cause.
Symptoms
Burning, stinging, a gritty feeling, redness, blurry vision that clears when you blink, and eyes that get tired quickly. Watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eye, because the eye overproduces poor-quality tears.
Common causes
Screen use, contact lens wear, hormonal changes, some medications, and blocked oil glands along the eyelids all contribute. Many people have more than one cause.
How we treat it
We examine the tear film and eyelids, then build a plan. It may include the right artificial tears, warm compresses and lid hygiene, prescription eye drops, and changes to your contact lenses or screen habits. We follow up to see what's working.
Signs it's time for a visit
- Eyes burn or feel gritty most days
- Vision blurs during reading or screen use
- Contacts become uncomfortable by afternoon
- Over-the-counter drops aren't helping
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It develops slowly and is very treatable.
Signs of a cataract
Cloudy or dim vision, glare and halos around lights at night, colors that look faded, and prescriptions that keep changing.
Monitoring
Early cataracts often need only an updated prescription and better lighting. We track changes at each exam and talk with you about how your vision affects daily life.
When surgery makes sense
When a cataract starts to interfere with driving, reading or work, we refer you to a trusted cataract surgeon. We can also see you for follow-up care after surgery.
Cataract risk factors
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Long-term steroid use
- Years of sun exposure without UV protection
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration affects the center of your vision. Catching it early gives you the most options.
What it is
The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD causes it to break down over time. The dry form progresses slowly, while the wet form can cause faster vision loss and needs prompt treatment.
Monitoring
We examine the retina at each visit, can give you a home grid to check your central vision, and refer you to a retina specialist right away if we see signs of wet AMD.
What you can do
Don't smoke, protect your eyes from UV light, eat leafy greens and fish, and keep regular exams. For some patients, specific eye vitamins can lower the risk of progression.
Call us promptly if
- Straight lines look wavy
- A dark or blank spot appears in your central vision
- Reading suddenly becomes harder
Diabetic eye exams
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina long before you notice any change. A yearly dilated exam protects your vision.
Why a yearly exam matters
Diabetic retinopathy often has no early symptoms. Finding it early allows treatment that greatly lowers the risk of serious vision loss.
What we check
We dilate your pupils and examine the retina for leaking or abnormal blood vessels and swelling. We also check for cataracts and glaucoma, which are more common with diabetes.
Working with your doctors
We send a report of your exam to your primary care doctor or endocrinologist so your whole care team stays informed. Diabetic eye exams are usually billed to medical insurance.
Help protect your eyes
- Keep blood sugar in your target range
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
- Get a dilated eye exam every year
- Report any sudden vision change right away