Treatment for Eye Conditions - Nashville, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Many conditions can compromise a person's vision. The doctors at Choate Eye Associates have experience in treating eye diseases and eye conditions of all kinds that affect our Nashville and Hendersonville, Tennessee area patients. From simple refractive errors requiring corrective lenses to urgent conditions such as retinal detachment, we can help with almost any eye condition.
- Dry Eyes
- Refractive Errors
- Presbyopia (Aging Eyes)
- Retinal Detachment
- Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
- Low Vision
Dry Eyes
Patients whose bodies do not produce enough tears to properly moisturize, clean, and protect the eyes, or whose bodies drain these tears away too aggressively, can experience dry eye syndrome. Chronic dry eyes are a common problem that often results from the aging process, but it can also be triggered or aggravated by eye surgery and certain medications. In addition, patients who have chronic dry eyes are often not good candidates for LASIK.
Symptoms of dry eyes include redness, itching, stinging, grittiness, and difficulty in wearing contact lenses. Some people may also experience an increased sensitivity to light or even blurred vision. It is important to note that dry eye symptoms can also be an indication of computer vision syndrome, which requires special glasses. You may be able to prevent dry eyes by using a humidifier while indoors, taking a 10-minute break for every hour of computer use, avoiding wearing contact lenses when you’re experiencing symptoms, and wearing protective eyewear while outdoors. Moisturizing eye drops are often enough to treat mild dry eyes, but in more severe cases medications that stimulate tear production may prove to be necessary. Many dry eye patients also suffer from ocular allergy, especially in the South. Our doctors have advanced training in the treatment and management of these conditions.Refractive Errors
In a person with clear vision, light passes through the cornea — the transparent front part of the eye — through the crystalline lens inside.. The eye's lens focuses light directly on the retina inside the eye to create an image, which is sent to the brain. Refractive errors affect the eye's ability to focus light effectively, which in turn negatively affects visual acuity. Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism are refractive errors. Each of these eye conditions is responsible for blurry vision at different focal depths or orientations. Each refractive error is unique, and requires both close examination and detailed diagnosis for effective treatment. Our doctors typically correct refractive errors with contact lenses, refractive surgery, or eyeglasses like those available in our optical boutique.
Farsightedness
People who are farsighted (also known as hyperopia) have good vision at a distance but have poor close range vision. This condition occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal or when the cornea is not curved as much as it should be. This causes the lens to focus its image on a point behind the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurry close vision. Farsightedness is largely believed to be inherited; however, conditions such as eye tumors, diabetes, and lens dislocations may also cause the condition. Corrective lenses including eyeglasses and contact lenses, and laser surgery such as LASIK and PRK are the most common treatment options for farsightedness.
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness (also known as myopia) results in good close range vision but poor distance vision. It generally occurs when the eyeball is too long or is oval shaped instead of spherical, causing the lens to focus its image on a point in front of the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurry long-distance vision. Nearsightedness is the most common vision problem in the United States. It typically develops during the childhood, up to the teenage years and with its progress ceasing around the age of 20, when growth is completed. Most experts agree that nearsightedness is typically inherited; however, a few believe that intense close vision activities may cause the condition. Vision can be corrected in a number of ways. Corrective lens options include eyeglasses and contacts. Corneal reshaping technology (CRT ) is an non surgical vision correction method that closely resembles contact lenses, but instead is worn during sleep to correct refractive errors and provide clear vision during waking hours..Surgical corrective options include LASIK, RK, PRK, and implantable contact lenses (ICLs).
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an unevenly or irregularly curved cornea or lens that causes light rays to scatter instead of focus on a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. The condition is typically present at birth and may worsen with age. It may also develop from injury or conditions such as a chalazion (a blocked oil gland on the eyelid that forms a cyst), a pterygium (a benign growth sometimes covering the pupil), or corneal dystrophies such as keratoconus. Astigmatism is more likely to occur in combination with other refractive disorders such as farsightedness and nearsightedness. Astigmatism is typically treated with corrective lenses, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, or LASIK eye surgery. Most people have some degree of astigmatism, and treatment may not be necessary if the condition is mild.
Presbyopia (Aging Eyes)
Presbyopia describes an eye condition that is common beginning at middle age. When presbyopia is present the eye’s lens gradually loses flexibility, resulting in the loss of focusing ability. It primarily affects close vision, leaving distance vision unaffected. Difficulty reading fine print and temporarily blurred vision when changing focal distances are common signs of presbyopia. Like wrinkles and grey hair, presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process and is nearly unavoidable. The condition usually becomes apparent in a patient's early- to mid-40s. Symptoms of presbyopia before age 40 may indicate other health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, anemia, infections, cataracts, or sclerosis of the lens. Our doctors typically use corrective lenses, such as bifocal contact lenses or glasses, to treat presbyopia. Refractive surgery is not an effective treatment for presbyopia.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is one of the most serious eye conditions a person can experience. The retina is the sensory part of the eye onto which images are projected, making vision possible. When it becomes detached, profound and permanent vision loss quickly follows unless the retina is surgically reattached. For this reason, it is crucial to see our eye doctors immediately if you experience symptoms of retinal detachment. When urgent eye conditions affect residents of Nashville, Hendersonville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas, we are here to help.
Retinal detachment may be linked to diabetes, an eye injury, unusually strong nearsightedness, or complications from LASIK. Possible symptoms include sudden flashes of light, floating spots in the field of vision, the sensation of a curtain descending to cover the eyes, and vision that appears wavy as though underwater.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
In strabismus (also known as crossed eyes), which is present from birth, the eyes focus on different points, causing crossed or turned eyes. Over time the brain begins to ignore visual input from the turned eye, eventually leading to vision loss. Often, lazy eye (amblyopia) is the result of untreated strabismus. The condition is typically diagnosed during childhood, but may develop in older children or adults after an injury or as the result of certain diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, multiple sclerosis, or thyroid problems. Most babies appear to have crossed eyes for their first three months as they are learning how to focus. If they remain crossed after six months, you should bring your child in for an examination so that treatment can begin, if needed.
Treatment for strabismus is generally very successful if begun early enough, before the age of two. In many cases a combination of specialized glasses, contact lenses, and vision therapy may be used to correct the misaligned eye. This approach gradually conditions the brain to regain control of the eye. Our doctors may also recommend surgery to correct strabismus if other treatments are unsuccessful.Low Vision
Low vision describes a condition in patients with partial sight or reduced visual acuity that cannot be corrected using lenses or refractive surgery. Patients with low vision may experience hazy vision, focusing problems, blind spots, tunnel vision, and even functional blindness.
There are many potential causes for low vision, including diseases, injuries, and inherited conditions. Our doctors’ superior diagnostic capabilities allow them to accurately identify the eye conditions affecting their patients and formulate the best treatment plan available.
Schedule a Consultation at Choate Eye Associates
If you are experiencing symptoms affecting your vision, it is important to contact Choate Eye Associates as soon as possible for an examination. We are proud to serve individuals suffering from eye conditions in and around Hendersonville, Tennessee and Nashville. Our doctors offer the very best in diagnosis and treatment, and are here to serve you.
