Diabetic Eye Exams
At Armstrong Optometry, we understand the importance of regular eye exams for individuals with diabetes. Our Diabetic Eye Exam is designed to detect early signs of diabetic eye disease, which can often develop without noticeable symptoms. Using advanced technology like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and digital retinal imaging, our comprehensive exam allows us to closely monitor the health of your eyes and identify potential issues such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, early cataracts, and other related conditions.
Our experienced optometrists will carefully assess the health of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels, providing a detailed evaluation to help prevent vision loss. We will provide reports on your diabetic eye exam to your family physician or diabetic specialist and co-manage with ophthalmologists whenever treatment is required.
With early detection and personalized care, we can guide you through effective management of diabetic eye disease to protect your vision.
Eye Exams for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
At Armstrong Optometry, we provide comprehensive eye exams tailored to detect and manage Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. Our modern diagnostic tools and personalized approach ensure early detection and the best care to preserve your vision.
To accurately diagnose and monitor AMD, we use advanced technology, including:
- Digital Retinal Imaging: This non-invasive imaging technique captures high-resolution images of the retina, allowing us to assess the health of your macula and detect early signs of AMD, such as drusen or retinal thinning.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, enabling us to measure the thickness of the macula and identify any changes or fluid buildup that may indicate the progression of AMD.
Our team understands that managing AMD goes beyond just medical treatment. Our goal is to provide a holistic approach to managing AMD, combining advanced diagnostic technology with personalized care and lifestyle adjustments to help you maintain optimal eye health.
Lifestyle Recommendations to Prevent or Slow the Progression of AMD
While genetics and aging are significant risk factors for AMD, research has shown that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk or slow the progression of the disease. Our optometrists recommend the following:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet Rich in Antioxidants
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and nutrients can support eye health and help protect the macula. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants found in the retina—have been shown to play a protective role in slowing AMD. Foods that are rich in these nutrients include dark leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale), orange/yellow vegetables (eg. carrot, peppers, corn), and eggs.
Additionally, a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines) can reduce inflammation and help maintain the health of your retina.
- Take AMD-Specific Nutritional Supplements
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that nutritional supplements can help to slow the progression of AMD from the moderate stages into more advanced forms. Our optometrists recommend:
- Macula Essentials: A specialized supplement following the AREDS2 formula, with key nutrients like Vitamins A, C, E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin, to support retinal health and slow the progression of AMD.
- MacuHealth Triple Carotenoid Supplements: This supplement includes lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, three carotenoids that support macular health, improve visual performance (dark adaptation and contrast sensitivity) and increase macular pigment density, which may help prevent the onset of AMD.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential oils found in fish and fish oil supplements have anti-inflammatory effects and help protect against AMD progression.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for AMD. Studies have shown that smoking accelerates the progression of AMD and significantly increases the risk of developing the disease. If you smoke, quitting can have an immediate positive impact on your overall eye health.
- Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity can improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health, which is vital for maintaining proper blood flow to the retina. Exercise may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with AMD progression.
- Protect Your Eyes from UV Light
Long-term exposure to UV light can damage your eyes and increase the risk of developing AMD. Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays, especially in bright sunlight or at higher altitudes.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight and Manage Blood Pressure
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing AMD, as does having high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing your blood pressure through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication can reduce your risk of AMD and other age-related eye diseases.
- Monitor Your Vision Regularly
Since AMD can develop slowly, it’s important to have regular eye exams with our optometrists to monitor any changes in your eye health. Early detection of AMD allows for timely interventions and personalized treatment plans to help slow its progression.
- Control Chronic Conditions
Managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease can help protect your overall eye health. These conditions can increase your risk of developing AMD or make the disease progress more quickly, so keeping them under control is essential.
Why Choose Armstrong Optometry for AMD Care?
At Armstrong Optometry, we provide comprehensive care for patients with AMD, combining advanced diagnostic technology with personalized treatment plans. Our optometrists work closely with you to monitor your condition and offer tailored recommendations to support your eye health.
Cataract Care at Armstrong Optometry
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related vision changes, affecting every person lucky enough to celebrate lots of birthdays! At Armstrong Optometry, we specialize in diagnosing, managing, and co-managing cataracts, ensuring that you receive the best possible care throughout the entire process—from early detection to post-surgery care. Our experienced optometrists provide personalized recommendations and expertise in determining the right time for cataract surgery, as well as supporting you every step of the way to help you regain clear vision.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, which can lead to blurred or dimmed vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in one eye
As cataracts progress, they can interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, and watching television. Fortunately, cataracts are treatable, and with surgical treatment, your vision can be restored.
Expertise in Diagnosing Cataracts
At Armstrong Optometry, our optometrists use state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to detect cataracts early and monitor their progression. Our exams include:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: A thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health, including visual acuity, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed examination of the lens.
- Slit-Lamp Examination: A powerful microscope used to examine the structure of your eye, including the lens, to check for signs of cataracts.
- Retinal Imaging: High-resolution digital images of the retina to assess your overall eye health and the impact of cataracts on your vision.
- Visual Field Testing: This test can help identify any vision loss due to cataracts or other eye conditions.
Early detection of cataracts allows us to track changes in your vision and plan for timely treatment.
When Is the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is the most effective treatment for restoring vision when cataracts begin to significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. However, not every cataract needs immediate surgery. Our optometrists carefully assess your vision and lifestyle to determine the right time for surgery.
Factors We Consider for Surgery:
- Severity of Vision Impairment: If cataracts are significantly hindering your ability to perform everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working, surgery may be recommended.
- Quality of Life Impact: If the clouding of your lens affects your overall quality of life and other treatment options are no longer effective, surgery may be the best option.
- General Eye Health: We will also evaluate your overall eye health and any underlying conditions, such as glaucoma or retinal disease, that may influence the timing of surgery.
Referral and Co-Management
If cataract surgery is recommended, our optometrists will provide a referral to a trusted ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery. We work closely with your surgeon to ensure that you receive the highest level of care and that your procedure is planned according to your individual needs.
Our role doesn’t end with the referral. We provide co-management throughout the process, ensuring your vision is monitored before, during, and after surgery. We will keep in touch with your surgeon to make sure that all aspects of your care are coordinated, so you have the best possible outcome.
Post-Surgery Care: Choosing the Best Eyewear for Your New Vision
After cataract surgery, many patients experience significant improvement in their vision. However, it’s important to understand that the visual needs of your eyes may change, and your eyewear needs will likely be different post-surgery.
Post-Surgery Eyewear Recommendations:
- Prescription Glasses: Even after successful cataract surgery, many patients still require prescription glasses for certain tasks, like reading or seeing objects up close. Our optometrists will help you find the right prescription to optimize your vision.
- Lifestyle Considerations: We’ll discuss your lifestyle needs to recommend lenses that suit your activities—whether you need glasses for reading, computer work, or outdoor activities. We also offer specialized lenses, such as multifocal or bifocal lenses, to help you transition smoothly after surgery.
- UV Protection: After cataract surgery, your eyes may become more sensitive to light. We can recommend eyewear with UV protection and ploarization to shield your eyes from harmful sun exposure and reduce glare, improving comfort and clarity.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of cataracts or are concerned about your vision, don’t wait. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your eye health and provide the care you need for a brighter, clearer future.
Glaucoma Care at Armstrong Optometry
At Armstrong Optometry, we understand the importance of early detection and treatment when it comes to glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Our optometrists are experts in glaucoma screening, diagnosis, and treatment, using advanced technology to detect and manage the disease at its earliest stages. We are committed to working with you to preserve your vision and protect your eye health for years to come.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often (but not always) caused by increased pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). Over time, this damage can lead to irreversible vision loss, typically beginning with peripheral (side) vision. There are two main types of glaucoma:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma, where the drainage angle in the eye becomes less efficient over time, causing a gradual increase in eye pressure and progressive damage to the optic nerve.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A much less common, but more severe form of glaucoma, where the drainage angle becomes blocked, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure and more rapid vision loss if not treated urgently.
Why Glaucoma Is So Dangerous
The major risk of glaucoma is that it often develops with no symptoms, meaning you may have high intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage without experiencing any noticeable changes in vision or feelings of eye pressure. As a result, many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until the disease has caused significant, irreversible damage to their sight. This is why regular eye exams are crucial, even if you aren’t experiencing any noticeable problems with your vision or eyes.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Because glaucoma can develop silently, it’s essential to have regular eye exams, especially if you are at higher risk. Some risk factors for glaucoma include:
- A family history of glaucoma: If you have relatives who have been diagnosed with glaucoma, your risk of developing the disease increases, and you should be monitored closely.
- Age: People over the age of 60 are at higher risk.
- Ethnic background: African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations are at higher risk for certain types of glaucoma.
- High eye pressure or thin corneas: Having high intraocular pressure (IOP) or thinner corneas can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Even if you don’t notice any changes in your vision, regular eye exams with our optometrists will allow us to monitor for the signs of glaucoma and detect it before it causes permanent vision loss.
Advanced Technology for Glaucoma Screening and Diagnosis
At Armstrong Optometry, we utilize the latest in diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma early and accurately. Our high-tech equipment allows us to perform a thorough assessment of your eye health, including:
- Digital Retinal Photos: These high-resolution images capture detailed pictures of the retina and optic nerve, allowing our optometrists to monitor changes over time and detect any signs of damage from glaucoma.
- Pachymetry and intraocular pressure (IOP) readings: This test measures the thickness of your cornea, which can provide important insight into your glaucoma risk. Thinner corneas are associated with a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Higher intraocular pressures are also a risk factor for glaucoma.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retina. It allows us to measure and map out the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, which can show early signs of glaucoma before vision loss occurs. This technology is essential for early detection and monitoring the progression of the disease.
Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
During your eye exam, our optometrists will use these tools to screen for glaucoma and assess the health of your optic nerve. If any signs of glaucoma are detected, we will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma:
- Prescription Eye Drops: The most common treatment for glaucoma, these medications lower intraocular pressure by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or improving the drainage of fluid.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to further reduce eye pressure.
- Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can help improve drainage or reduce fluid production in the eye, helping to control intraocular pressure.
- Surgical Options: In advanced cases, surgery may be required to create a new drainage pathway for fluid or to reduce fluid production in the eye.
Our optometrists will work closely with you to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs. In many cases, we will collaborate with an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma for more advanced care or surgical options. We provide co-management, ensuring that you receive comprehensive care and that all aspects of your treatment and ongoing monitoring are coordinated between our office and the ophthalmologist.