Approximately 1 in 3 people has some form of eye disease by age 65.

Many eye diseases:

• Have no early symptoms
• Have no associated pain
• Are associated with systemic disease

Unfortunately, the first indication of an eye disease may not occur until the disease has become quite advanced, when the first symptom may be irreversible vision loss. For this reason early detection and diagnosis are critical, and play a significant role in the success rate of treatment.

Preventative care is an important first step to early diagnosis. That's why our doctors recommend dilated, comprehensive eye exams to detect eye diseases in their early stages before vision loss occurs. It is important to remember that vision loss due to eye disease is typically a gradual loss of vision. This gradual progression of vision loss makes it difficult for the individual to notice the reduction in vision until the vision loss is severe – and often times irreversible.

The most common eye diseases are:

• Macular Degeneration

  Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in individuals over age 60. It is a progressive diseases in which the macula deteriorates.

• Cataract

  Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss after age 55. There are different types of cataracts, and can occur in individuals younger than 55.

• Diabetic Retinopathy

  Diabetes affects vision, and individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing vision problems – some of which are irreverisible.

• Glaucoma

  Glaucoma is a progressive disease which causes damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.

It is important to note that eye disease is on the increase. In the United States the estimated increases are concerning, representing $139 billion in estimated economic burden of vision loss and eye diseases and vision disorders in the United States alone.

The eye doctors at Artisan Optics encourage all patients to include annual eye exams as part of an overall preventative health care plan. Precise, early diagnosis allows for earlier intervention and treatment, and improves the possibility of better outcomes. The good news is that advances have been made in the treatment of these diseases. However, it starts with you. Give our office a call and schedule a comprehensive eye and ocular health examination. It is painless and takes less than an hour. There's no reason to risk your vision. Call today (208) 377.8899.