Specialty / Medical Exams

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition characterized by clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurred or hazy vision. This clouding occurs when proteins in the lens clump together, obstructing light from passing through and affecting vision quality. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and can cause symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to glare, and faded colors. While cataracts are often associated with aging, they can also result from factors like genetics, eye injury, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Treatment for cataracts usually involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens implant to restore clear vision. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting cataracts early and monitoring their progression.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness. A diabetic eye exam is a specialized assessment for individuals with diabetes to detect and manage diabetes-related eye complications. Unlike a routine eye exam, it focuses on checking for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, which can lead to vision loss if untreated. Once detected, yearly diabetic eye exams are essential for early detection and timely intervention to preserve vision and prevent complications.

Glaucoma silently threatens vision with irreversible damage, emphasizing the necessity of regular eye check-ups. It stems from high intraocular pressure, causing nerve damage imperceptibly. Early detection, often through comprehensive annual exams, is critical as symptoms are absent in the initial stages. While not curable, proactive management can prevent further vision loss. St. Anthony Eye Clinic offers specialized care, prioritizing early intervention for those at risk or already diagnosed with glaucoma.

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects central vision, particularly as people age. It comes in two forms: dry, which progresses slowly and wet, which can lead to rapid vision loss. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices like smoking. While there's no cure, treatments like medication injections and dietary supplements can slow its progression. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management. If you notice changes in your central vision, it's important to set up an appointment promptly.

Vitreous degeneration is a natural aging process affecting the gel-like substance inside your eye. It can cause floaters—tiny specks or strands in your vision—which are usually harmless but may indicate more serious issues like retinal tears or detachment. Regular eye exams help monitor changes, and any sudden vision changes should prompt immediate medical attention.

An urgent eye care exam is a specialized evaluation conducted by an eye care professional to address sudden or acute eye-related issues that require immediate attention. These issues may include eye injuries, foreign objects in the eye, sudden vision changes, eye pain, redness, or sudden onset of symptoms such as flashes of light or floaters. During the exam, the eye care provider will assess the nature and severity of the problem, conduct a thorough examination of the eye and surrounding structures, and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include treatment, management, or referral to a specialist if necessary. Urgent eye care exams are crucial for promptly diagnosing and treating eye emergencies to prevent further damage to vision and ensure optimal eye health.

Ocular allergy, also known as eye allergy, occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores, leading to symptoms like itching, redness, watering, and swelling. This immune system response can cause discomfort and affect vision quality. Management typically involves avoiding allergens when possible and using over-the-counter or prescription eye drops and medications to alleviate symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring ocular allergy and preventing potential complications, ensuring that appropriate treatment strategies are implemented to maintain eye health and alleviate discomfort effectively.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the thin, transparent layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner surface of the eyelids (conjunctiva). It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants and is often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, itching, tearing, and discharge from the eye. Pink eye is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or objects, making good hygiene practices essential for prevention. While viral and bacterial conjunctivitis may require medical treatment, allergic conjunctivitis can often be managed with antihistamines or other allergy medications. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of infection.

Dry eye is a condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of your eyes smooth and clear, so when there's a deficiency, it can lead to discomfort and vision problems. Symptoms of dry eye may include dryness, itching, burning, redness, and sensitivity to light. You may also experience blurred vision, difficulty wearing contact lenses, or a feeling of something gritty in your eyes. Factors like aging, certain medications, environmental conditions, and underlying health issues can contribute to dry eye. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your symptoms but may include artificial tears, lifestyle changes, prescription medications, or procedures to block tear drainage. Regular eye exams are essential for managing dry eye and maintaining your eye health.

Myopia management involves various strategies aimed at slowing down the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Myopia management encompasses a range of interventions designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. This proactive approach to eye care involves various strategies such as specialized eyeglasses, contact lenses, or prescription eye drops. By closely monitoring your child's vision and adjusting their treatment plan as needed through regular eye examinations, we aim to optimize their visual health and reduce the long-term impact of myopia. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process, ensuring that your child receives the most effective and personalized care for their specific needs.

We assist patients in considering LASIK refractive surgery for their vision needs. After a thorough eye examination, if deemed suitable, we guide you in selecting a skilled refractive surgeon. Following a complimentary consultation with the surgeon and additional testing to confirm candidacy, you will return to our clinic after surgery for post-operative care.