Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia is also referred to as "lazy eye." This occurs when one eye does not develop normal sight during childhood. Usually, one eye is strong and one eye is weak ("lazy"). It is not always easy to recognize amblyopia. A child may not be aware of having one strong eye and one weak eye. Unless the child has a misaligned eye or other obvious abnormality, there is often no way for parents to tell that something is wrong. Early detection (before age 9) is essential to successful treatment. Both eyes need to have normal vision to see depth.

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Blepharitis

Blepharitis affects the skin of the eyelids, and it usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow (lid margins). Commonly, blepharitis occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes malfunction. When these oil glands malfunction, bacterial overgrowth can result, leading to inflamed, irritated and itchy eyelids. Blepharitis is often a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Although it's uncomfortable and may be unattractive, blepharitis doesn't cause permanent damage to eyesight.

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Cataract

A cataract is the progressive clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. It interferes with light passing through the eye to the retina, much like a window that has become frosted or yellowed. Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially as we age, but they are treatable. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. In addition to standard mono-focal IOLs (covered by most insurance plans) there are also a variety of premium multi-focal IOLs available (for an additional charge) that treat astigmatism and presbyopia.

Multi-focal IOLs also provide you with the opportunity to regain your full range of vision, allowing you to see clearly up-close and at distance with little or no dependence on glasses. Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information on cataract surgery and/or IOL options.

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Chalazion (Lump in Eyelid)

A chalazion is a lump in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a gland within the skin. Typically, this lump grows over days to weeks and is occasionally red, warm, or painful. The gland involved in the formation of a chalazion is a modified sweat gland that lies within the eyelid. This gland produces oil. When this gland becomes blocked, it can rupture and the inflammation process begins.

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Corneal Disease

The cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of the eye. Along with the sclera (white of the eye), it serves as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other particles that can harm the eye's delicate components. If your cornea becomes damaged through disease, infection, or injury, the resulting scars can interfere with vision by blocking or distorting light as it enters the eye. The term "corneal disease" refers to a variety of conditions that affect mainly the cornea. These include infections, degenerations, and many other disorders of the cornea that may arise mostly as a result of heredity.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

In the eye, the retina is a delicate tissue that lines the inside back wall of the eye. Major blood vessels travel within the retina. High blood-sugar levels from diabetes can damage these blood vessels in your retina, causing them to leak fluid, blood or lipids. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy. The leakage affects the retina's ability to detect and transmit images to the brain. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, your body begins growing new blood vessels in the retina to overcome/replace the vessels that have been damaged by diabetes. These new vessels are not normal and may bleed inside the eye causing vision blockage and form scar tissue that pulls the retina away from its proper location. This is called a tractional retinal detachment and can lead to blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss, but it's equally imperative that you maintain control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes to reduce the risk of further complications.

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Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition where the body does not produce enough tears to soothe and protect the surface of the eye and provide good quality vision. Symptoms range from subtle to constant irritation with ocular inflammation. Dry eyes can also lead to watery eyes. The eye makes two different types of tears. The first type, called lubricating tears, is produced slowly and steadily throughout the day. The second type of tear, called a reflex tear, does not have as much lubricating value and causes excessive watering as it tries to comfort an overly dry eye. There are many therapies available to treat dry eyes. There is no cure for dry eye, but you can relieve the symptoms and reduce your chances for complications.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra eyelid skin that's limiting a patient's vision. Common eyelid problems that may require this surgery include excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids, or eyelids that turn inward or outward. These problems can cause eye discomfort, limit vision, and affect appearance. In many instances, insurance will cover this procedure if your vision is compromised; during your consultation, Dr. Waldrop will determine if your insurance will cover the procedure.

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General Ophthalmology

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes' health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss. Early detection of problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options.

Click here to schedule an eye exam or call 559-486-2000 or 1-800-DR-VISION.

Glaucoma

The eye receives its nourishment from a clear fluid that circulates inside the eye. This fluid must be constantly returned to the bloodstream through the eye's drainage canal, called the trabecular meshwork. When something goes wrong with the drainage canal and the fluid cannot drain fast enough, the pressure inside the eye begins to build (Glaucoma). Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. If your vision seems blurry, contains blank spots, or if you have eye pain or see rainbow-colored halos around lights, call your ophthalmologist right away. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Early detection and treatment can often prevent vision loss.

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LASIK

Also referred to as Laser Vision Correction, LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that reshapes the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

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Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refers to the breakdown of the macula - a small, but very important area in the back of the eye. The macula provides the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving and seeing fine detail. Macular degeneration can cause sudden, severe loss of vision in the middle of your visual field and cannot be reversed. Its impact, however, can be reduced through laser surgery and medication.

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Pediatric Eye Care

Children should have their first eye exam at about age two, although it's never too early to test a child's vision and eye health. Comprehensive eye exams are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems, injury and disease. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before the child experiences difficulty in school due to poor vision. Exams test visual acuity, eye tracking, focusing skills, and detect problems such as near- and far-sightedness, amblyopia (lazy eye), crossed eyes, dyslexia, and color blindness.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye irritates the thin, clear layer covering the eyeball and part of the eyelid (the conjunctiva). It is often caused by a virus or bacteria. If you think you or someone you know has pink eye, you should see a doctor immediately.

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Ptosis

Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid and can block normal vision. Ptosis can be present in children or adults. Surgery can treat ptosis by tightening the levator, or eyelid-lifting muscle. In severe ptosis, when the levator muscle is extremely weak, the lid can be attached to or suspended from under the eyebrow so that the forehead muscles can do the lifting.

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Retinal Detachment/Tearing

The retina is the nerve layer at the back of your eye. When the retina is pulled away from its normal position, it doesn't work and vision is blurred. If you see flashing lights, floaters, or a gray shadow in your vision, contact us right away! A detached retina is a very serious problem and it almost always causes blindness unless treated.

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Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyeballs point in different directions. Depending on the cause, strabismus can be treated several different ways. Eye muscle surgery is the most common treatment for strabismus. Typically, strabismus occurs when the muscles surrounding the eyes act as though they are either too stiff or too weak. Your ophthalmologist can surgically loosen, tighten, or reposition certain eye muscles so that the eyes will be able to look straight.

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