Conditions We Treat

Eye Condition Treatments For A Wide Variety Of Eye Disorders

At L.P. Britt, PA Family Optometry in Tupelo, Mississippi, we treat a wide variety of eye diseases. Browse the different conditions we treat and call us today at 662-844-3436 to schedule an appointment. 

Cataracts

Cataracts are a cloudiness that happens behind the pupils. Since cataracts progress slowly, they typically affect people over 50. 
  • Can You Prevent Cataracts?

    No. Every single person will develop cataracts if they live to old age. Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process and will occur in one or both eyes in the majority of people by age 75. Although cataracts are not preventable, it is still necessary to practice excellent eye care and visit an optometrist for regular exams. During an eye exam, optometrists use a unique microscope to look inside the lens to monitor for cloudiness.

  • Is Surgery the Only Choice for Cataracts?

    When diagnosed with cataracts, surgery isn't always instantly required. First, the optometrist may decide to monitor cataracts to see how swiftly symptoms emerge and whether your vision gets worse. Treatment may also involve changing the eyeglass prescription. However, surgery is the most traditional treatment performed to fix cataracts.

  • How do you perform Cataract Surgery?

    Cataract surgery is an easy procedure completed in less than an hour. Outpatient surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it. Before your surgery, an ultrasound is taken to define the exact size and type of artificial implant to use during the operation. Surgeons make an incision to extract cataracts or break up cataracts first with ultrasound waves. The ultrasound method decreases the size of the incision made. Once removed, the artificial lens is inserted inside the lens capsule. 

  • How Soon After Surgery Does Vision Improve?

    Patients will not have restored vision right away after cataracts surgery. Vision will improve continuously following the surgery as the eye heals. An optometrist will monitor your improvement in the days and weeks after the procedure. You might need prescription drops to lessen inflammation and prevent infections. Discomfort is minor and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicines. An optometrist will decide whether you need prescription eyeglasses after you have healed. With new improvements with artificial lenses, vision is corrected to 20/20

Dry Eye Treatment

Usually, your healthy eyes are bathed in tears; they support and lubricate the cornea - the front of your eye. Tears wash away any foreign material and reduce the risk of corneal damage and eye infections. Each blink coats cleansing tears across the eye exterior, then excess tears circulate into tear ducts in the eyelid corners, and empty into the back of the nose.

However, dry eye occurs when your tear composition and tear drainage are not balanced. Either your tear quality is poor, or you are no longer creating enough tears. For dry eye treatment, get in touch with us today. 

The Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

  • Tear gland malfunction
  • Aging-tear production
  • Heredity
  • Neurological conditions
  • Autoimmune diseases 
  • Malformation of the eyelid
  • Thyroid disease and diabetes can contribute to dry eye
  • Medications
  • Environment 
  • Work practices

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Many individuals who experience dry eye feel uncomfortable, scratchy feeling in the eyes. Rubbing your eyes will irritate them even more, which can cause redness. Other symptoms can include: 
  • Burning feeling
  • Sensitivity to light, especially sunlight
  • Blurry vision 
  • Watery eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Eye heaviness 

Diagnosing & Treating Dry Eye 

Dr. Britt will conduct a comprehensive eye examination. This examination will include:
  • Patient History: Data about your health, medications you are taking, family history, and any symptoms you have. 
  • Eye Examination: checking the eye, eyelids, cornea, and evaluation of your visual acuity.
  • Quality & Quantity Measurement: evaluation of tear production 
  • Other Tests: if determined necessary by Dr. Britt 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma defines an eye issue that results from optic nerve damage. Without the optic nerve functioning correctly, your retina can't talk to your brain. Glaucoma tends to arise from high pressure in your eye. Unfortunately, it is one of the top causes of blindness in individuals over the age of 60, but this can be prevented with early interference.

You could develop irregular blind spots either in your central or peripheral vision. It can occur in both eyes concurrently. In the most advanced stage of the disease, you can encounter tunnel vision.

If you don't get treatment, glaucoma can lead to blindness. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 15 percent of those with glaucoma encounter blindness in at least one eye over 20 years.

Glaucoma Causes 

Fluid builds up in your eye and raises the pressure in it. The fluid should be drained through the trabecular meshwork in your eye. However, if your eye creates too much fluid or a barrier prevents the fluid from draining properly, not enough of the excess liquid drains. Instead, it grows up and damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma can be genetic. You're at higher risk if you're over 60 years old or if you have a medical issue like hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes.

Treating Glaucoma

We diagnose glaucoma by managing your need for contacts or eyeglasses. We examine astigmatism to ensure you receive the right prescription for contacts or glasses. We evaluate eye pressure and may do other tests as well.

If we diagnose you with glaucoma, the first step is a prescription eye drop. Eye drops either improve drainage or reduce how much fluid your eye makes. Beta-blockers are another alternative that decreases the fluid within the eye. Dr. Britt might also prescribe an oral medication like a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to reduce fluid production in your eye.

Macular Degeneration

Among older adults, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is typical. It is the foremost cause of vision loss in the U.S. among the elderly. As many as 6.5 percents of all individuals over age 40 have some degree of the condition. 

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a deterioration in the health of the macula, which is the central part of the retina. This region is accountable for the bright, clear images in the center of your vision. The cause of macular degeneration is not entirely known, but two types are treated a bit differently.

Treatment for AMD

The treatment for AMD is dietary supplementation. However, regular monitoring by Dr. Britt can help you track of your AMD in case it does progress, and further treatment becomes necessary. Wet AMD is treated using laser therapy and drugs. Treatment starts with a precise exam and diagnosis, followed by a conference about your options and our suggestions.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision doesn't sound like a serious issue; however, a decrease in the sharpness of your sight can interrupt your daily life. Not to mention, blurry vision is sometimes a symptom of a severe eye problem. Regain your ability to live life by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Britt. 

Pink Eye

The pink eye takes its name from the presence of an affected eye. Familiar to office workers, children, retail employers, and others who work closely with people, it also goes by the medical name conjunctivitis. Although it can be extremely contagious, multiple treatment choices are available. 
If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these eye conditions, please contact us today at 662-844-3436 to schedule an appointment.
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