Here at James S. Linville, O.D., we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating many eye diseases.

An eye disease is any different disease that is affecting the eye. Many also start to affect a person’s vision, so it is important to seek professional help any time that your eye bothers you or you are having trouble with your vision.

Below are some common eye diseases that we treat:
Conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers and protects the eyeball and the inner side of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, and other irritants. It is highly contagious, so it spreads quickly. Most people complain about experiencing red eyes and discharge from their eyes as well.
Mild conjunctivitis often improves within two weeks, though if it is not treated, it can become serious enough that it can affect your vision.

Diabetics not only have problems with their sugar but also have a host of other problems that come along with the disease. If you are diabetic, it is important to be monitored regularly by your doctor. It is also important to have your eyes checked often because diabetics are more likely to have cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy can get serious fast, even before you start to have symptoms, so it is important to continue to visit the eye doctor to ensure that you have healthy eyes. You don’t want to lose your vision because you weren’t getting the care you need.

Glaucoma is also a common disease. Glaucoma is when the intraocular pressure in your eyes is too high. It is often called “the silent thief of sight” because there are no symptoms in the beginning, but it can damage the optic nerve, causing a worsening vision and blindness.
There is no cure, but there are treatments. We have medications that we can try, and there are also surgeries available to help.

Macular degeneration is a chronic disease that often gets worse, gradually making your vision worse due to the degeneration of the macula. The macula consists of millions of light-sensing cells, so it is absolutely necessary for good vision. Macular degeneration is often called age-related macular degeneration because it is often seen as people age.
Macular degeneration can then be divided into “dry,” which is more common, and “wet.” The type of treatment you need depends on which form you have.

Once you have macular degeneration, we usually can’t reverse the damage, but we can try to slow the progression. Taking supplements, wearing sun protection, quitting your smoking habit, and eating a balanced diet are often beneficial actions. Our entire staff is dedicated to the health of your eyes. We are here to help you as quickly as possible so that you can avoid any potentially harmful side effects.

Our office is equipped to diagnose problems quickly and efficiently so we can start treatment right away.If you have any questions about any of the diseases mentioned above or would like to have your eyes checked, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (209) 854-3771.