Eyecare Patient Education

CATARACTS

A cataract is an opacity in the lens of the eye. Cataracts most often develop from the age-related breakdown and disorganization of lenticular fibers, a process which typically starts to show after 60 years of age. Approximately 20% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have visually significant cataracts, and over 50% of Americans over 80 years old have either had cataract surgery or have visually significant cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in the world. At Midcoast Eyecare, we work closely with cataract surgeons to provide you with the best pre and post-operative care.

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition which affects the central part of the retina, the tissue in the back of your eyes. It is estimated that 10% of adults over 60 years old and 30% of adults over 75 years old will develop AMD.  There are numerous genetic and environmental risk factors which contribute to a breakdown of the outer retinal layers causing loss of central vision in advanced stages. There are 2 types of AMD: Dry (without bleeding) and Wet (bleeding present). At Midcoast Eyecare, our providers use state of the art technology to properly diagnose and manage AMD. Our providers work closely with retinal specialists all over the state to ensure you get the treatment you need to preserve your vision.

GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which initially causes loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “Silent Thief of Sight” because people are usually asymptomatic in the early stages – it is estimated that 50% of people with glaucoma are unaware they have it. There are 2 main types of glaucoma: open angle and closed angle. All of our providers screen you for glaucoma at every visit by checking your eye pressure and analyzing your optic nerve appearance. Our providers use state of the art technology to properly diagnose, manage, and treat glaucoma. Additionally, our ophthalmologist provides laser procedures to help manage open angle glaucoma and to prevent closed angle glaucoma.

DRY EYE DISEASE

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface which results in symptoms of burning, stinging, itching, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision. Our providers carefully evaluate the factors contributing to your symptoms to provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-aged adults (20-74 years old) in the United States. Excessive sugar in the blood reduces the oxygen supply to the eyes which results in bleeding in the retina with or without swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina). When left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to irreversible blindness. It is estimated that 20% of people with Type 2 Diabetes have diabetic retinopathy at the time of their diabetes diagnosis. Approximately 60-80% of Type 2 Diabetics will develop retinopathy within 15 years of diagnosis. Those with Type 1 Diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy in their lifetime due to their longer duration of disease. Approximately 80-90% of Type 1 Diabetics will develop retinopathy within 15 years of diagnosis. The doctors at Midcoast Eyecare use state of the art technology to diagnose and manage diabetic retinopathy, and they work closely with retinal specialists all over the state to ensure you get the treatment you need to preserve your vision.

AMBLYOPIA

Amblyopia is a developmental condition defined as reduced vision in one or both eyes due to an abnormal connection between the brain and the eyes. It is most often caused by an eye turn or an asymmetric refractive error between the two eyes; in either case, the brain develops a strong connection to the better seeing eye and a weak connection to the blurry or deviated eye. Most children are screened for amblyopia at their pediatrician’s office or at school. When caught in early childhood, amblyopia can be successfully treated with glasses wear and patching therapy, etc. At Midcoast Eyecare, we evaluate kids of all ages to rule out signs of amblyopia and implement therapy as needed.