Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Woodstock, ON

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that affects your central vision by damaging the macula. This damage can make activities like reading and driving more difficult. 

• Subclinical AMD is a subtle yet progressive process that results in night vision difficulty and impaired dark adaptation. Impairment at this level takes place at least 3 years before drusen are visible. 

• Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease and occurs in early, intermediate, and late stages. This form of AMD occurs when the macula thins with age.

• Wet AMD is the less common form of the disease that causes faster and more severe vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula. 

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, and there are different types.

We diagnose and monitor AMD to get a more detailed look at how it’s affecting your vision. Consistent eye exams, adjusting your diet, and giving up smoking are also effective prevention methods for AMD.

Cataracts develop when the normally clear lens in your eye becomes clouded. The cloudy nature of cataracts can vary from small areas to larger areas that cause a noticeable loss of vision. 

Cataracts begin forming when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye.

Symptoms of cataracts can include:

• Blurry vision
• Decreased night vision
• Muted colours

If cataracts progress to an advanced stage and prevent you from going about your daily activities, such as reading or driving, cataract surgery is the only way to remove them and restore your vision.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information to your brain. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss and blindness if not detected and treated early.

Damage from glaucoma can be caused by high pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Risk factors for glaucoma can include: 

• Age
• Family history
• Previous eye injuries

Maintaining a regular eye exam schedule is key to monitoring changes in your vision due to glaucoma. We test for glaucoma using non-contact tonometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry.

As you age, the occasional flashes and floaters may be more common—however, a sudden appearance is your clue to reach out to your eye doctor.

Flashes can happen in one or both of your eyes and come in different shapes. The frequency can vary and can signal an eye emergency.

Floaters appear as small lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. While appearing to be in your central vision, floaters are composed of tiny clumps of gel or cells. If you experience sudden flashes of light accompanied by a shower of floaters, you may be experiencing a retinal tear or retinal detachment. 

A retinal detachment is a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Seek immediate medical assistance if you think you may be experiencing retinal detachment.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, which is the primary vision loss concern for patients with diabetes. 

As many as 1 million Canadians are living with undiagnosed diabetes, so the risk to your vision is always something to monitor.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina. This damage is caused by a buildup of excess sugar in your blood and can lead to a number of health issues. 

Learn more about our diabetic eye exams.

Conjunctivitis is characterized by an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue covering the inner eyelids and whites of your eyes. This inflammation causes the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more visible, leading to eye redness.

There are 3 types of conjunctivitis:

• Viral conjunctivitis
• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Allergic conjunctivitis

Uveitis is an eye disease characterized by inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. This condition can cause discomfort, blurred vision, redness, and light sensitivity.

It can stem from various factors, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or even unknown origins. Regardless of its source, uveitis demands attention and prompt treatment.

Early detection is crucial for managing uveitis and preventing potential complications. Regular eye exams and prompt medical attention are essential for preserving your ocular health.

Dry eye is an inflammatory condition that occurs when your tears aren’t adequately providing lubrication to your eyes. This occurs because your eyes are not producing enough tears or because the tears produced are of poor quality.

There are many different symptoms of dry eye. Some common symptoms can include:

• Excessive tearing
• Scratchiness or a burning sensation
• A feeling of something foreign in the eye
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Learn more about our dry eye treatment options by visiting our Dry Eye Therapy Page.

Epiretinal membrane is a condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. This condition occurs when a thin layer of scar tissue forms on the surface of the retina, leading to various vision problems.

It typically develops due to age-related changes in the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the centre of the eye. As the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the retina, it can leave behind remnants that form the membrane.

If the symptoms are mild, we may just observe. However, if vision is severely affected, surgical procedures like vitrectomy or membrane peeling may be recommended to help improve visual clarity.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the shape of your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. This condition weakens the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision.

While the exact cause is still unknown, it is believed to be influenced by genetic factors and environmental triggers. Early detection and intervention are key to managing this condition effectively.

Specialized contact lenses can help improve vision and allow you to live with keratoconus.