Elderly Eye Care Services and Procedures
Advanced eye care services for the elderly is something the eye doctors of Concord Eye Care in New Hampshire have a long history of providing. Whether it is producing a routine bi-focal lens on-site with our own surfacing lab — often in a matter of an hour — or, managing complicated surgical techniques for cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, including prescription of Avastin (off label use) and Lucentis, our physicians are experienced in the latest procedures and know how to provide quality eye care for all of our elderly patients’ needs, now and in the future.
Click on one of the links below to learn more about our services and procedures available to seniors:
Macular Degeneration Screening and Treatment
Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
Optical Shop - Glasses & Contacts
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss. Most cases of macular degeneration are age-related. There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Wet AMD is more serious but also more treatable often with Avastin (off label use) and Lucentis and far less common. The dry form of macular degeneration is more widespread and more difficult to treat. Still, in either case, early detection is absolutely vital to preserving vision.
In dry AMD, the layer of cells beneath the retina stop functioning properly. This causes the macula (part of the retina responsible for details and fine vision) to malfunction. People with dry macular degeneration often have holes or blank areas in their central vision that can worsen over time.
Wet AMD causes new, defective blood vessels to grow beneath the retina where they eventually leak and bleed. Scar tissue often forms. Wet AMD causes a rapid loss of vision (it can lead to blindness within weeks) and requires immediate intervention by an experienced ophthalmologist.
No matter which form of macular degeneration you have, it is important to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Wet AMD can sometimes be treated with laser surgery or medications such as Avastin (off label use) and Lucentis. Early detection and treatment can help save your vision. Dry AMD does not have a cure or an effective treatment. We can, however, help patients monitor the condition and learn how to use low-vision aids to help with reading and other tasks. We also keep our patients privy to new information and any new treatments for macular degeneration as they become available.
To learn more or schedule an eye exam, please contact us today.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that can lead to vision loss. Although cataracts can occur at any age, they are most common among people over the age of 65. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure that our cataract surgeons are thoroughly experienced in, and frequently use to help restore a person’s vision. In cataract surgery, a tiny incision is made in the eye and an ultrasound is used to break up the cataract. The cataract is then gently suctioned out. This technique is called phacoemulsification. A clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted into the eye. The IOL takes the place of the natural, cloudy lens and allows the patient to see clearly. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that has restored the vision of many people. In fact, it is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States. The eye doctors of Concord Eye Care have the experience to help so, if you are interested in learning more about cataract surgery, or would like to schedule as exam please contact us today.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that can develop in diabetics. It is extremely important for anyone with diabetes to have regular eye exams, because early treatment offers the best chance of preserving vision in people with diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases.
In short, diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels within the eye begin to leak. The fluid leaking into the eye causes the macula (part of the retina) to swell, obscuring close vision and fine details. This first phase of diabetic retinopathy is called the nonproliferative stage.
In the proliferative stage, new blood vessels begin to form on the retina. These vessels are defective and continue to rupture and leak fluid into the eye. This can eventually lead to retinal detachment, which can cause blindness.
In the United States diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of blindness among people between the ages of 20 and 65.
Aside from controlling blood sugar levels, there are several treatments available for diabetic retinopathy, including laser photocoagulation and other laser and conventional surgical procedures. If you have diabetes or diabetic retinopathy, and are interested in a screening or your treatment options the eye doctors of Concord Eye Care in New Hampshire want to help. Please contact us today for an appointment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, and it can affect people of all ages and races. The term glaucoma actually covers a family of eye conditions that are associated with damage to the optic nerve. Optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is most often associated with high levels of intraocular eye pressure (although in some cases eye pressure remains normal). Intraocular pressure rises when fluid in the eye drains too slowly (open-angle, or chronic glaucoma) or when the eye's drainage canals become blocked (closed-angle, or acute glaucoma). The disease can be congenital or can result from injury. Many glaucoma medications and procedures aim to lower intraocular pressure in order to stop glaucoma's progression. Glaucoma medication is often administered in the form of eye drops. Surgical treatment is another option. Both conventional and laser surgeries are available.
If you would like more information or, to schedule an appointment with one of our glaucoma doctors, please contact us today.