Last updated 20 hours ago
Protecting your vision is imperative to your overall health and wellbeing. But to do so, it is important that you understand how your eyes work. For example, did you know that light comes in through your cornea, or the clear tissue that covers the front of your eye? The pupil, or the dark spot in the middle of your eye, controls the amount of light that enters your eye. When it’s dark, the pupil widens to allow more light in and when it is bright, the pupil narrows to limit the amount of light entering the eye.
While vision changes are often normal, in some cases vision loss can be a symptom of a larger problem. As such, it is essential that you schedule an eye appointment with your ophthalmologist whenever you experience noticeable vision changes. Call (847) 388-0309 to schedule an appointment with Ophthalmic Consultants of Chicago today.
Last updated 7 days ago
Dry eyes can range in severity from a minor inconvenience to a serious vision problem. Symptoms of dry eyes can include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes. Patients with dry eyes may have increased eye irritation from smoke or wind, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. In addition, they may realize that they are suffering from eye fatigue or eye redness. Blurred vision or trouble focusing, particularly at the end of a long day, can also be a symptom of dry eyes.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Conveniently located in Hoffman Estates, Ophthalmic Consultants of Chicago offers a full range of vision services. Our experienced and professional team is composed of both ophthalmologists and optometrists. We specialize in dry eye treatment, Lasik eye surgery, and preventative vision care. Call (847) 388-0309 to schedule an appointment today.
Last updated 14 days ago
Unfortunately, vision disorders or overall problems with one’s eyesight are common side effects of aging. Luckily, many of these vision problems can be treated with the help of an ophthalmologist. Here are a few eye problems common among aging adults.
Dry Eyes
As we age, our tear glands begin to stop producing enough quality tears to thoroughly lubricate the eyes. As a result, your eyes may itch, burn, or become red. In severe cases, dry eyes can result in a partial loss of vision. Dry eyes can be treated with prescription eye drops, special care, or tear duct surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia, or the loss of the eye’s ability to focus, affects nearly everyone at some point. Most commonly found in patients over the age of 40, presbyopia is caused when the natural eye lens loses its flexibility. While it cannot be cured, it can be treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Cataracts
Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the eye lens, causing blurred vision and a sensitivity to glare. Cataracts are treated with surgery.
Floaters
Another vision disorder associated with aging is the development of floaters, or specks that float across the field of vision. If you experience floaters you should schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist, as they can be a symptom of a larger eye issue such as retinal detachment or retinal tears.
Corneal Diseases
The cornea, or the clear, dome shaped cover at the front of the eye, can also become damaged or diseased with age. Symptoms of corneal problems can include eye pain, blurred vision, redness, or extreme sensitivity to light. Make an appointment with your eye doctor if you begin to experience any of these symptoms so that the specific cause of your corneal disorder can be determined and treated as needed.
For complete vision care, contact Ophthalmic Consultations of Chicago. Our experienced and professional team of ophthalmologists and optometrists can provide a full range of services including LASIK, cornea consulting, preventative eye care, and more. Call us today at (847) 388-0309 to schedule your appointment.
Last updated 21 days ago
Cataracts are a common eye condition that most commonly impacts adults over the age of 65. Resulting in a clouding of the eye lens and overall visual impairment, cataracts can be treated with corrective lenses or with cataract surgery. Read on for more information about this common eye condition.
Description
Cataracts occur when protein builds up in the eye lens making vision cloudy. The clouding prevents light from passing through the lens and can result in some loss of vision. Cataracts can be caused by many things and can come in many forms. For example, congenital cataracts are found at birth and are often the result of fetus infection, injury, or poor development. Traumatic cataracts can form after eye injury and secondary cataracts can occur as a result of diabetes or exposure to toxic substances. However, most cataracts develop naturally as a result of aging.
Prevention
Because exposure to ultraviolet light can encourage cataracts, shading your eyes from the sun can help to prevent its onset. Smoking and poor nutrition can also lend itself to cataracts so eliminating nicotine and eating a healthy diet can help as well.
Symptoms
Cataracts can present in many ways. Common symptoms include cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy vision. Cataracts can also cause changes in the way that you see color, cause double vision, and result in problems with glare.
Diagnosis
Schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist in order to diagnose your cataracts. A standard eye exam can determine what degree of vision loss, if any, you may be suffering from. Your eye doctor will also dilate your pupils in order to examine the eye lens.
Treatment
Some symptoms of vision loss can be treated with prescription glasses, corrective lenses, or environmental changes, such as brighter lighting. However, if these techniques are not effective, you may be a candidate for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. During the outpatient surgery, the clouded eye lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one.
To have your eyes evaluated for signs of cataracts or other visual disorders, contact Ophthalmic Consultations of Chicago. Call us today at (847) 338-0309 to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 28 days ago
Blepharitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation in the eyelids, especially around the areas where the eyelashes grow. The symptoms of Blepharitis commonly occur when the tiny oil glands at the base of the eyelashes begin to malfunction, resulting in watery, red, or itchy eyes. Even though the exact cause of Blepharitis is unknown, there are certain risk factors associated with the development of this uncomfortable eye condition.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes patches of redness to develop on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Some individuals who suffer from rosacea may also notice small bumps or pimples in the patches of red in their skin. Unfortunately, the exact cause of rosacea remains unclear and those who suffer from this skin condition are more likely to develop Blepharitis. However, individuals can mange the flare-ups of rosacea by taking low-dose antibiotics, using skin creams, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Individuals who suffer from Seborrheic dermatitis develop dry, itchy skin on their scalp and sometimes eyelashes. This condition affects the areas in the body where there are a lot of oil glands, so the lash line can also develop these flakey symptoms. Some individuals who suffer form Seborrheic dermatitis will experience so much irritation in their skin that it leads to the inflammation associated with Blepharitis.
Allergies
If someone is allergic to eye medications, contact lens solutions, or eye makeup, this may increase their chances of developing Blepharitis. One way to manage these flare-ups is by finding out whether or not an allergy is causing the eyelid inflammation and then avoiding any products that contain that particular allergen. An ophthalmologist can help patients determine whether or not allergies are responsible for their Blepharitis symptoms.
If you suffer from dry, itchy, or watery eyes, schedule an appointment with Ophthalmic Consultants of Chicago by calling (847) 388-0309. Our doctors are dedicated to helping patients alleviate their painful eye symptoms and protect their vision. You can also learn about the medical insurance companies we participate in by clicking on our website.
