Medical Overview
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems. Since ophthalmologists perform operations on eyes, they are both surgical and medical specialists.
In addition to being one of the areas top surgical locations for eye conditions, the Eye Center of La Jolla has a focus on medical ophthalmology, treating many of our patients with medical options. As medical specialists it always our preference to try to find medical solutions to eye conditions whenever these treatment options are available.
At the Eye Center of La Jolla, we specialize in performing the safest yet most-advanced vision restoration medical procedures and disgnosis. Some of the medical procedures that we perform are highlighted below. To schedule a consultation, call our La Jolla office at (858) 457-2220.
Allergies
To provide proper treatment, we will check to see whether your symptoms are related to an eye infection or allergic conjunctivitis. We can usually diagnose allergic conjunctivitis easily by examining your eyes and discussing your medical history .
Corneal Dystrophy
Corneal dystrophy requires proper evaluation and treatment for restoration of optimal vision. Corneal dystrophies usually manifest themselves during the first or second decade but sometimes later. It appears as grayish white lines, circles, or clouding of the cornea. Corneal dystrophy can also have a crystalline appearance.
Corneal Infection
A Corneal Infection is an infection in the eye’s cornea, when any of the many protective barriers are broken, either by a trauma, a foreign object in the eye, a contaminated contact lens, severe allergies, or an illness/inflammatory disorder, germs can pass directly into the cornea, resulting in a Corneal Infection.
Corneal Scarring
Corneal scarring refers to an injury of the cornea of the eye that causes opacity and visual impairment. The effects of corneal scarring can vary from blurring to blindness in the eye. Scarring of the cornea can be caused by a number of different things and treatment may depend on an individual’s situation.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have a poor quality of tears. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.
Floaters
Floaters are deposits of various size, shape, consistency, refractive index, and motility within the eye’s vitreous humour, which is normally transparent. At a young age, the vitreous is perfectly transparent, but as one ages, imperfections gradually develop. The common type of floater, which is present in most people’s eyes, is due to degenerative changes of the vitreous humour. The perception of floaters is commonly known as myodesopsia.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged in a characteristic pattern. This can permanently damage vision in the affected eye(s) and lead to blindness if left untreated. It is normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye (aqueous humour). The term "ocular hypertension" is used for people with consistently raised intraocular pressure (IOP) without any associated optic nerve damage. Conversely, the term 'normal tension' or 'low tension' glaucoma is used for those with optic nerve damage and associated visual field loss, but normal or low IOP.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve. Keratoconus can cause substantial distortion of vision, with multiple images, streaking and sensitivity to light all often reported by the patient. It is typically diagnosed in the patient's adolescent years.
Ocular Surface Disease
Ocular surface disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the eyelids. Ocular surface disease is often associated with meibomian gland disfunction, blepharitis and dry eye syndrome.
Styes (Chalazion)
A stye or chalazion is a localized, often tender, area of swelling in the eyelid. This swelling is due to inflammation in one of the small oil producing glands (meibomian glands) that line the superior and lower eyelids. The inflammation occurs as a response to trapped oil secretions.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease can affect many different parts of the eye and surrounding tissues. Inflamed lacrimal glands may cause wet eyes or dry eyes, and these can both happen in the same patient at different times. Lubrication with eyedrops or ointment can help to soothe this irritation. The abnormal immune reaction causes swelling in the tissues of the eyelids and orbit which can make the eyelids look puffy or as if the person has "baggy" eyelids.
Schedule an Appointment at Eye Center of La Jolla
To learn more about the medical procedures we offer, call Eye Center of La Jolla at (858) 457-2220 or contact our San Diego-area office by completing the contact form on this website.
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