Leading Causes of Blindness | Beach Eye Medical Group
The World Health Organization estimates that there are 39 million people living with blindness worldwide. In most cases, blindness is preventable, especially if it is caused by a manageable disease such as diabetes or hypertension. Beach Eye Medical Group has a team of highly qualified eye specialists that work with their clients from Huntington Beach and Irvine to prevent the progression of blindness at its early stages.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Huntington Beach
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of Americans with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is expected to rise to 14.6 Million by 2050. DR is a complication of diabetes. It occurs when the disease begins to affect the blood vessels that supply the retina. There are four progressive stages of DR that do not require any treatment, unless accompanied by macular degeneration. However, the most advanced stage called proliferative retinopathy can be treated with laser surgery.
Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach and Irvine caters to clients with diabetes who want to prevent DR from affecting their lives. Aside from regular visits to your endocrinologist, it is important to see your ophthalmologist as well.
Cataracts in Irvine
Cataracts are the number one cause of vision loss in the United States. Aging, trauma or diseases such as diabetes can cause protein to build-up on the surface of the lens. This keeps light from passing through clearly, affecting clarity of vision.
Regular visits to Beach Eye Medical facilities in Irvine and Huntington Beach can help prevent the progression of cataracts. In most cases, vision can be corrected using lenses or contact lenses. However, if the cataract is too far along, surgical intervention may also be indicated. Beach Eye Medical Group is comprised of a highly trained team of specialists that can treat any stage of cataracts. Typically, cataract treatment is a fairly simple procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis. From prevention to intervention, the Beach Eye Medical Group eye experts are always on call to help clients with any vision problem, including cataracts.
Glaucoma Treatment in California
Glaucoma is a condition wherein there is an increased pressure inside the eye due to excess fluid. The pressure puts a strain on the optic nerve. If left untreated, continued pressure on the optic nerve can lead to permanent vision loss. The World Health Organization lists glaucoma as the third leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Glaucoma is also called the “sneak thief of vision” as the symptoms are usually painless and sudden. Clients may experience a sudden loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision), seeing halos around lights and haziness in the eyes. Early detection is key in preventing the progression of this disease. This is why the eye experts at Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach and Irvine recommend getting a complete eye exam at least once a year.
If you are experiencing problems with your vision or if you want to know if you are at risk for developing vision loss, give Beach Eye Medical Group a call. Their well-trained team would be happy to answer any and all of your questions.
