Vision Loss

What is vision loss?

Vision loss describes losing your ability to clearly see. When you have vision loss, your sight can seem distorted, decreased, or as though you’re looking through a dark curtain. You can experience vision loss slowly over time or suddenly.

There are several causes of vision loss, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Treating and managing vision loss depends on its cause.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects your macula, the area of your retina associated with your central vision. This type of vision loss can have several causes, but it’s usually due to the aging process.

Dr. Mayans relies on the most advanced technology for macular degeneration care, including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). This advanced technology allows Dr. Mayans to produce ultra-high resolution images of your retina to diagnose and manage vascular eye issues.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of complete vision loss in people over 60. This condition develops when fluid builds up in the front of your eye and puts pressure on your optic nerve.

Dr. Mayans treats your glaucoma based on the extent of your disease. In some cases, eye drops can control your condition. In other cases, Dr. Mayans might recommend laser therapy or microsurgery to support fluid drainage, relieve blockages, and ease pressure.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a common problem typically caused by age-related changes in your eye. As your tissue breaks down, it can collect in the lens of your eye, causing it to grow cloudy. When this occurs, it can disrupt the light entering your eye and cause your vision to become blurry.

Dr. Mayans can usually correct mild cataracts with corrective lenses, and offers premium astigmatism lenses for optimal results. For severe cataracts, he often suggests cataract surgery to remove your cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

A complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This eye condition can develop when high levels of sugar in your blood block the vessels nourishing your retinas. To restore blood flow to your retinas, your eye creates new blood vessels, but these are often faulty and lead to fluid buildup in your eye.

Dr. Mayans uses OCTA to detect and manage diabetic retinopathy. Based on the extent of your diabetic retinopathy, he might recommend either closely monitoring your condition or advanced treatments, like MicroPulse® laser therapy.

Call Jose Mayans, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.