Eye Diseases

Many eye diseases and conditions don’t come with early warning signs. For this reason, routine eye examinations by your Cargo Eye Care eye doctor are the best safeguard for maintaining good vision at every stage of life.

The technology we offer at Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas enables early detection of vision problems including macular degeneration, retinopathy, keratoconus and much more.

We are also equipped to deal with smaller concerns including scratches, infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and even pterygiums.

Below is an in-depth look at some of the most common eye diseases we see here at Cargo Eye Care, how they affect your vision and what we can do to treat them.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Better known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a condition in which the thin membrane that protects the eyelids and surface of the eyes becomes infected and inflamed. Pink eye is typically caused by allergens, bacteria, viruses, smoke or dust irritating the eye or becoming trapped under the eyelid.

The most common side effects of pink eye include bright red eyes, excessive tearing and mucous discharge. In many instances, the side effects of pink eye will improve within 10 or 14 days. In more severe cases, the cornea can become inflamed, which may cause serious damage.

If you think you or your child has conjunctivitis, make an appointment with Cargo Eye Care for a full examination.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Studies show that between 80 to 85 percent of people who have diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic eye disease (mainly diabetic retinopathy) in their lifetime. Those with Type 1 diabetes are more likely to have vision issues than those who have Type 2 diabetes.

According to Than National Institute of Health, diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication among people with diabetes and results in more than 10,000 new cases of blindness each year.

The good news is that if diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages, there is an excellent chance of stabilizing the disease and stopping its progress.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world today. Since it often has no symptoms, especially in its early stages, the condition is commonly called “the silent thief of sight”.

Glaucoma is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure in the eye, resulting in damage to the optic nerve. It can develop at any age and the damage it causes is irreversible. For this reason, all annual comprehensive eye exams at Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas include a glaucoma screening. While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are a number of medications and surgical options that can slow the side effects or even bring them to a halt.

Macular Degeneration

Also called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), this condition is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65 in the United States. AMD is a chronic and progressive disease that, if left untreated, slowly damages and will eventually destroy the macula, the tiny light-sensing bundle of cells in the retina.

AMD is divided into two forms known as “wet” and “dry” macular degeneration. Dry AMD is by far the most common type.

There is currently no treatment to reverse damage caused by AMD but the experienced optometric team at Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas can provide suggestions on how to protect your eyes from further damage. Additionally, basic lifestyle changes, like protecting your eyes from sunlight, taking vitamins and supplements, quitting smoking and eating a balanced diet can slow the development of the disease.

Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas has the experience and technology needed to diagnose and treat the eye diseases detailed above at our state-of-the-art office in Irving. For more information, please schedule an appointment with one of our qualified optometrists and we will be in touch with you shortly.

Your Vision is Our Passion!