At Kilgo Eyecare in Asheville, NC, our optometrist can treat many vision problems. We offer diagnosis and treatment of common vision issues, including myopia and hyperopia. We also offer diagnoses of serious eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma.
Common Vision Problems
Common vision problems include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions can be treated with prescription glasses, contacts, or Lasik surgery.
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, causes objects far away to be blurry. This occurs because of the way light hits the retina of the eye.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, means that you can see objects far away well. However, objects close to you appear blurry.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism causes blurry vision. Instead of vision being blurred at a distance or up close, you'll notice blurry vision at any distance.
Age-Related Eye Conditions
Some eye disorders are common as you age. These include presbyopia, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia causes farsightedness, or blurry vision when looking at things close up. It typically begins in middle age. It's caused as the eye lenses lose their elasticity.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is the most common reason for vision loss in those 50 years old and older.
As the name suggests, it develops as you age, and gradually gets worse. It causes blurry central vision. This means that objects straight in front of you appear blurry, while objects in your side, or peripheral vision, remain clear.
There's currently no treatment for macular degeneration. However, vitamin supplements can help slow the progression of the disorder.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when a film develops over the lens of the eye. It's commonly associated with aging. In fact, over 50% of Americans who are 80 years old or older have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery.
Cataracts can be treated with laser surgery, performed by an ophthalmologist. However, your optometrist can diagnose the condition.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes increased pressure in the eye. Over time, this damages the optic nerve. This begins to affect your peripheral, or side vision. Eventually, untreated glaucoma can cause blindness.
Glaucoma treatments include medication, laser surgery, and other types of surgery, which can reduce the pressure within the eyes. Glaucoma treatment can't reverse existing damage to the optic nerve, but it can prevent further damage.
Systemic Disease
In some cases, your eyes may hold the first signs of a systemic disease. A systemic disease is one that impacts more than one body system. Your eye doctor can diagnose some of these diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperthyroidism.
Eyecare Services at Kilgo Eyecare
If you need eye care services in Asheville, NC, contact Kilgo Eyecare at 828-676-3260. Our doctor of optometry offers comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis, and treatment of common eye conditions.
