Eye Diseases
In addition to major eye diseases, such as Cataracts,
Glaucoma, and Retinal
diseases, The Eye Center Group physicians and staff diagnose and
treat a multitude of other conditions, such as "Pink Eye,"
Blepharitis, and Dry Eye.
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Our Physicians
The doctors of The Eye Center Group are committed to keeping abreast
of every advancement in treating diseases of the eye. All of our doctors
treat eye diseases, however we have three medical optometrists that
specialize exclusively in the field of eye diseases. They are Drs.
James Stewart, Richard
Mangan, and Judy Risch,
Elise Beatty, Paul Gill,
Gregory Zink, and Karen Skurner.
These doctors work exclusively at the Eye Center Group's ophthalmology clinics.
They work closely with referring optometrists and the Eye Center's ophthalmologists
in managing the care of patients.
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Blepharitis
Blepharitis is the general term for inflammation of
the eyelids. This may occur from irritations and allergies, insect
bites, infections, etc. Blepharitis is an eye infection which produces
symptoms of sticky, crust and reddened eyelids. This eye infection
is caused when excess oil is produced in the glands near the eyelashes
creating a growing environment for bacteria. Blepharitis may vary
from a chronic, mild condition to a severe form with ulceration of
the lids and damage to the eyes. Signs and symptoms may include: itching,
swelling, redness, scaling and crusting of the lashes and lid margins.
Blepharitis may also be part of more widespread skin conditions including
seborrhea, acne, and rosacea. This condition is easily treated and
rarely threatens sight, but it may cause the loss of eyelashes. Mild,
nonspecific or seborrheic varieties may simply require warm soaks
and daily lid hygiene. Other infectious varieties of blepharitis may
require antibiotics and/or cortisone creams or even oral antibiotics
all of which should only be used under medical supervision.
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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
The mere mention of the words "Pink Eye,"
gets immediate attention from parents and teachers everywhere, largely
because "Pink Eye" is highly contagious, and is often passed
from one child to another. The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis.
It is important to note that all cases of conjunctivitis are not "pink
eye" and there is no need concern about the contagion of noninfectious
forms of conjunctivitis such as allergic, chemical or environmental
varieties. "Pink Eye" is an inflammation of the conjunctiva,
or the transparent membrane lining the eyelids and the white of the
eye. Redness or itching of the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to
light, and a gritty sensation in the eyes are all indications that
conjunctivitis might be present. Thick yellow secretions may form
a crust during the night, making the eye stick shut in the morning.
The infection is caused by bacteria or virus and is very contagious.
Allergies can also cause conjunctivitis. Depending upon the cause,
treatments can vary. Hot or cold compresses or medicated eye drops
or gels usually are the recommended course of treatment.
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Cysts / Chalazion / Styes
Small lumps or bags filled with fluid that form on
the upper or lower eyelids are called cysts. A cyst is caused when
an oil-producing gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and in some cases,
infected. There are times when a cyst can enlarge to the point that
vision is affected. And sometimes a cyst will remain small and disappear
on its own without the need for medical treatment. There are also
times when a cyst will remain and enlarge to a size that causes pressure
on the cornea. This can cause a slight impairing of the vision. Treatment
of a cyst may consist of applying a warm compress to the eye or your
doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be needed
to remove the cyst. A chalazion cyst is an inflammation and swelling
in one or more of the oil glands of the lid margin (meibomian glands).
An acute infection of a meibomian gland is called an acute chalazion
or internal hordeolum. This type of chalazion is often loosely referred
to as a "sty." A sty is an infection that can occur at the
base of the eyelashes. Acute chalazions often respond well to hot
compresses and the instillation of antibiotic drops or ointment.
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Dry Eye
Normally, glands in your eyelids manufacture tears
which are washed across your eye every time you blink. When your eye
produces too few tears, or when the tears drain too quickly from the
eye, the resulting condition is called "dry eye." Your eyes
may burn or feel itchy, gritty, red and dry. In some cases, the eyelids
may stick together upon awakening in the morning or you might find
it difficult to wear contact lenses. The common first treatment for
dry eye is eye drops known as "artificial tears." An advanced
technique involves the restiction or closing of the drainage passages
in the eyelid, forcing tear film to build up on the surface of the
eye. The procedure to put stoppers in these passages is relatively
simple and can be performed in our office on an outpatient basis.
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Eye Tumors
Tumors of the eye can occur not only within the eye
but in the eyelids and tissues surrounding the eye as well as its
related structures. Usually eye tumors that are malignant or cancerous
originate in another area of the body and spread to the eye. Malignant
melanoma is the most common malignant eye tumor. Tumors of the eye
lid are usually noticed when an irregularity or bump forms and are
usually benign. Tumors of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering
the white of the eye, usually appears as a raised area. Tumors in
the socket behind the eye can displace the eyeball and affect vision.
There are various forms of treatment for tumors of the eye including
radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both of these
treatments.
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