Do you need the highly qualified, board-certified eye doctors of Access Eye Institute in Ventura County to manage your eye health?
Access Eye Institute’s expert team of ophthalmologists, eye surgeons and doctors of optometry are ready to help. Read on for more information about the eye conditions we treat.
Why You Need Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are an important step towards eye health. They not only prevent eye disease, but also are a great aid in evaluating the overall health of our patients. Early detection provides for a choice of treatment options and reduces the risk of permanent damage.
We recommend routine comprehensive eye exam to evaluate the overall health of the eye and detect any changes that may be indicative of a vision disorder. These exams consist of a series of painless eye tests that examine all aspects of the eye.
The eye exams are conducted in the doctor’s office and are safe for all patients. Based on the findings of the exam, we will develop a treatment plan to best suit your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Eye Care Questions
Q: What is the difference between eye doctors and ophthalmologists?
Optometrists may diagnose eye conditions, but they usually cannot perform surgical eye treatment procedures. Ophthalmologists receive special training to perform eye surgery. Both eye doctors and ophthalmologists do extremely important work in managing your eye health and optimizing your vision.
You should seek an eye care specialist for help with any of the conditions listed below.
Q: How common are cataracts?
Cataracts are very common, especially in older people. Most of the population will develop at least one cataract by age 75. Thankfully, most patients have successful outcomes with cataract removal surgery.
Q: What happens during an eye exam?
Our expert ophthalmologists will review your medical history and ask what concerns, if any, you have about your eyes or your vision. They will test your vision as well as checking for glaucoma and other aspects of your eye health.
During a routine eye exam, the doctor will evaluate the eyes for refractive errors, as well as common conditions such as:
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition characterized by distant objects appearing blurred and out of focus. In the US, almost 1 in 3 people have some form of nearsightedness.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a condition of the eyes where the eye has difficulty focusing on closer objects making them appear blurred. In addition to vision problems, hyperopia can also cause headaches and fatigue.
Astigmatism causes light to not focus properly on the retina due to an irregular shape in the cornea. An astigmatism can either result in nearsightedness, farsightedness, or in some cases both.
Glaucoma occurs as the result of damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss and even blindness. The diseases and conditions that can contribute to the development of glaucoma include: Blocked blood vessels, eye injury, inflammation of the eye(s). With early detection and treatment, eyes can be protected against the serious loss of vision or blindness.
Pterygium, commonly known as Surfer’s conjunctiva, is a common eye condition that is known to affect people who are frequently outdoors. This condition can gradually increase over time and even cover the pupil leading to eye obstruction. Early treatment is essential in preventing temporary loss of vision.
Changes in blood sugar levels can have distinctive effects on the blood vessels in the eye as well as cause swelling under the macula of the eye. Sometimes the effects are discovered in the eye before the patient even knows that they have diabetes. If a patient has already been diagnosed with diabetes, then we will test and track any damage that may occur and suggest a path for treatment. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting an annual diabetic eye exam.
When the eyes are insufficiently moisturized, a common condition known as dry eye occurs. This can lead to itching, redness and discomfort due to the dry areas on the surface of the eye. The most common causes of dry eyes is that the tear ducts don’t produce enough tears to properly lubricate the eyes, or because of an imbalance in the tears. Treatment is available to provide relief.
Proper diagnosis for eye irritation and tearing is essential for discovering the underlying cause. Common causes include: a foreign object in the eye, an infection of the eye, eye trauma, eye strain, or allergens. In most cases, medication can be prescribed to provide relief.
Macular degeneration is a deterioration or breakdown of the eye’s macula, a small area in the retina responsible for central visual activity. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision problems occurring in people over age 50. People with macular degeneration may have symptoms such as blurriness, dark areas or distortion in the central vision, and/or loss of central vision. Several treatment options are currently available. Screening, especially for patients over 60, is essential.
Ocular allergies occur when allergens irritate the delicate membrane covering the eye, known as the conjunctiva. The first step toward relief from annoying eye allergy symptoms is a proper diagnosis to determine the source. Medication may be prescribed for long-lasting and persistent allergies, especially if avoidance is not an option.
