Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Los Angeles

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, protective membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the eye’s surface.

It’s known as pink eye because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become visible when inflamed. Pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can be highly contagious.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of pink eye include:

• Crusty discharge, especially after sleep
• Blurry vision
• Redness in the white of the eye
• Itchy eyes
• Light sensitivity

While mild cases are usually harmless, if left untreated, pink eye can lead to corneal scarring. If you suspect you have pink eye, you should visit your eye care provider at Los Angeles EyeCare Optometry Group for an examination and treatment.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops with no symptoms in the early stages, and is called “the silent thief of sight” because it can cause severe damage before you’re even aware you have it.

Glaucoma is characterized by high intraocular pressure. Eventually, this high pressure damages the optic nerve, which sends images to your brain.

Risk Factors

Several factors can put you at increased risk for glaucoma. These include:

• Thinner than normal corneas
• Diabetes
• Being over the age of 40
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• Taking certain medications, like those for bladder control or seizures

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens. The proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down and clump together with age. This creates an opaque area called a cataract, which can grow over time and impact your vision.

Signs & Symptoms

There are several things to watch out for that may indicate cataracts, including:

• Halos around lights
• Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision
• Frequent changes in corrective lens prescriptions
• Increased difficulty seeing at night

In their early stages, vision affected by cataracts can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. When cataracts continue to develop, the only treatment is surgery. If your optometrist decides you need surgery, don’t worry. Cataract removal surgery is considered safe and effective. We’ll be there for you every step of the way to set your mind at ease and answer all of your questions.