When To See A Newport Beach Eye Doctor
When you need a local Newport Beach eye doctor you can trust, the Retina Associates of Orange County should be your first call. We have been serving the local Newport Beach community for many years and provide individualized treatment for injuries related to the eye.
As board-certified ophthalmologists with additional training in vitreoretinal surgery, we are capable of providing care for injuries of the retina, macula, and vitreous. If you believe you might need to see a Newport Beach eye doctor who provides this kind of care, the Retina Associates of Orange County may be able to help. Here are a couple common situations where patients needing ocular care have chosen to work with an eye doctor Newport Beach can provide from our team:
Age-Related Vision Problems
If your vision is worsening as you age, you may already be aware that this is fairly normal. Many people require prescription glasses or reading glasses when they get older. However, older individuals may also be at an increased risk of developing certain vision-related medical problems or injuries as well. Certain medical conditions that often develop with age, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, may also increase a person’s likelihood of develop vision-related problems.
Common age-related eye problems include macular degeneration and retinal tears. While these conditions may pose significant disruption to the patient’s vision, it might be possible for an experienced Newport Beach eye doctor to provide treatments when the injury is diagnosed early.
Trauma to the Eyes, Head, and Brain
It makes sense that one might seek treatment from a top Newport Beach eye doctor after sustaining an injury to the eye. However, injuries to the head and brain may also affect a person’s overall vision and eye health. Vision-related problems may appear suddenly after the injury or they might develop over a long period of time. In both cases, it may be essential for the injured person to obtain a diagnosis and treatment plan from an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Certain injuries, such as minor retinal tears, may be easy for a skilled eye doctor in Newport Beach to treat when diagnosed early. Even when an injury cannot be treated completely, it may be possible for a trained eye doctor to assist in management of the symptoms.
Contact Our Newport Beach Eye Doctor Today
If you believe that you have a vision-related problem that requires the care of a specialized ophthalmologist, the team of eye doctors and eye surgeons at the Retina Associates of Orange County may be able to help. We have provided quality ocular care services to local residents facing problems such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion.
We understand that some people experience vision problems throughout their lives and these patients regularly see eye doctors for eye exams and prescription lens replacements. Many other people, however, experience fairly good vision throughout their lives and are more likely to forget about making eye appointments.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve made an appointment to see your local Newport Beach eye doctor, here are a few signs that it’s time to make an eye exam:
- You’ve been noticing a dark, fuzzy spot at the center of your field of vision: It’s natural for people to experience some loss of vision over time, but certain conditions can be treated or mitigated with the help of an experienced Newport Beach eye doctor. When an individual experiences a growing dark spot at the center of the visual field — either in one eye or in both eyes — it could be a sign of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration typically occurs naturally as people age and it does not have any “cure” at this time. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of macular degeneration can help a patient and Newport Beach eye doctor create a better lifestyle plan that may limit the development of the condition.
- Your vision is very blurry and/or you’ve been seeing flashing lights or little white “floaters”: Blurry vision could be a sign that your eyes are changing and require a pair of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. When blurry vision is coupled with other signs — most notably floaters or small flashes of light — this could be a sign that you’ve experienced a retinal tear. Retinal tears can happen naturally over time as the eye’s vitreous becomes less fluid and shrinks up. Tears can also occur after a person has sustained an injury to the head or neck. If a retinal tear is not treated, it can impair vision a great deal and can cause the entire retina to become detached. Treatment for retinal tears and detachments can be very simple and potentially performed right in the office.
- Your eyes are constantly red, swollen, and/or itchy: There are several possible reasons why eyes can be puffy and itchy. One of the most common reasons is simply due to seasonal allergies or exposure to excessive pollens or allergens. Seasonal allergies can often be treated effectively with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Eyes might also become swollen and red if the tear ducts are not producing natural tears to keep the eyes moist. Severely dry eyes can often be treated with eye drops from your local eye doctor in Newport Beach. Excessive inflammation in the eyes can also be a sign of immune system dysfunction or an irregularity in blood sugar levels (commonly known as diabetes). It’s possible for the ocular inflammation and redness to go down after these other conditions are addressed.
Contact a Newport Beach Eye Doctor Today!
It’s important to make routine eye exams, especially as you age. Individuals are often encouraged to make an appointment with an eye doctor Newport Beach residents trust upon noticing any changes in vision or any eye pain.
For more information about the importance of routine eye exams, or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Newport Beach eye doctor, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County today.
Newport Beach Eye Doctor
No matter what your age is, it is be important to see a Newport Beach eye doctor for a complete eye exam once a year. An eye exam takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is one of the best ways to maintain healthy eyes. An eye doctor from Retina Associates of Orange County can make sure the exam is as comfortable as possible for you.
Who Should Get Eye Exams?
All adults and children should see an eye doctor in Newport Beach every year, even if they have perfectly good eyesight. An eye doctor has the knowledge and experience to detect eye problems that you might not be able to detect yourself. The sooner a doctor diagnoses an eye problem, whether it’s cataracts or nearsightedness, the better.
What Eye Problems Is an Eye Doctor Checking For?
During an eye exam, a Newport Beach eye doctor does much more than determine if you require glasses or contact. He also may check your eyes for various eye problems that can lead to vision loss in the future. Let’s take a closer look at some of the eye conditions your optometrist may look for:
- Eye Diseases: There are some eye diseases, like glaucoma and cataracts, that don’t show many symptoms in the beginning. An eye doctor may check for signs of these eye disease during your yearly exam. If an eye disease is detected early, it may reduce your chances of permanent vision loss.
- Amblyopia: Amblyopia, also referred to as lazy eye, is a condition that occurs when vision in one eye decreases. If this condition isn’t treated promptly, it may lead to vision impairment in the affected eye.
- Refractive Errors: Refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, are also checked for by a Newport Beach eye doctor. If any of these issues are found, they can be corrected with contacts, glasses or refractive surgery.
- Strabismus: Also known as cross eyes, strabismus, occurs when your eyes don’t line up with one another. Symptoms of this condition include blurred vision, eye strain and headaches.
- Other Diseases: An eye doctor can also detect other types of diseases through an eye exam. For instance, if you have diabetes, your eye doctor may detect small blood vessel leaks or swelling of the macula.
If a Newport Beach eye doctor detects an issue during your eye exam, they may recommend the appropriate treatment. They may carefully explain different treatment plans in detail so that you have a good understanding of your options.
At Retina Associates of Orange County, we care about your vision and want to see you take good care of your eyes. One of our dedicated eye doctors can thoroughly check your eyes for any problems and answer any questions you may have. If you require further treatment, we can work with you to develop a plan that suits your needs.
Do not put off your eye exam. It’s one of the most effective ways to maintain good vision. To schedule an appointment with a reputable Newport Beach eye doctor, contact Retina Associates of Orange County at 949-793-7181.
Eye Check: Fact or Fiction?
Any Newport Beach eye doctor may tell you that there are a lot of myths surrounding eye care and health. These myths make it difficult for some to know how to take care of their eyes, and the dangers they should watch out for. The easiest way to learn the facts surrounding eye care and health is to ask an eye doctor Newport Beach residents trust.
Myth: Your Vision Gets Worse with Reading Glasses
One common myth is that your vision can get worse over time if you continuously wear reading glasses. However, your Newport Beach eye doctor can confirm that glasses won’t harm your vision. This myth came about because older people may wear reading glasses, and as the years pass, their vision gets worse due to aging. You may have to increase your reading glasses strength, but that doesn’t mean that the glasses are to blame.
Myth: Nonprescription Glasses Hurt Your Eyes
This myth says that over-the-counter reading glasses, or glasses you can purchase without a prescription, will hurt your eyes. Even glasses that are too strong or too weak won’t damage your vision for the long-term. If you do need a prescription to see better, it may be best to consult an eye doctor in Newport Beach.
Myth: You Don’t Need Regular Eye Exams
Even if you have 20/20 vision and see just fine, it can be important to have regular eye exams. Unfortunately, many eye problems don’t have noticeable symptoms, and by visiting a Newport Beach eye doctor regularly, you may be able to catch a problem before it worsens. Your eye doctor checks more than just your vision in an exam. They also check for symptoms of other health conditions, such as diabetes and tumors.
Myth: Sitting Too Close to the TV Hurts Your Eyes
This myth came about decades ago, when televisions used to emit low levels of radiation. As televisions have been radiation-free since the 1960s, this is no longer a problem, and has made this issue just a myth. Still, many mothers tell their children sitting too close to the TV will ruin their eyesight because it’s a warning that has been passed down from generation to generation. Sitting too close to the TV may cause eye strain, but it won’t cause permanent eye damage. Your Newport Beach eye doctor may be able to give you some tips to reduce eye strain caused by electronic devices.
Myth: Reading in Dim Light Harms Your Eyesight
This is another myth that started in the form of warnings by well-meaning parents to their children. It is just a myth, though, because reading in low light won’t damage your vision or your eyes. You may experience headaches and sore, watery, or dry eyes, which are signs of eye strain and exhaustion, but long-term damage isn’t a problem.
These are just some of the myths surrounding eye care and health that people have believed for years. The good news is that believing myths won’t hurt your eyesight any more than the myths themselves will. Take care of your eyes and keep regular visits with your Newport Beach eye doctor to preserve your good vision and eye health for many years.
If you have concerns about macular degeneration, make an appointment with Retina Associates of Orange County to see a Newport Beach eye doctor. Our doctors have helped many patients with macular degeneration and other illnesses of the eye.
During your appointment, an eye doctor in Newport Beach can perform a thorough vision exam to determine the health of your eyes. If one of our ophthalmologists discovers that your eyesight is degrading due to macular issues, he or she can recommend treatment options. Though there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, in some cases it can be reduced or slowed. To help reduce the risk of developing it in the first place, here are several suggestions.
Choosing the Right Kind of Eye Doctor
If you have concerns about one or both of your eyes, call Retina Associates of Orange County to make an appointment with a Newport Beach eye doctor. An eye doctor Newport Beach patients recommend can make an important difference in maintaining healthy vision.
If you’re unfamiliar with the various types of medical care available for eye problems, the following information may clarify what kind of eye doctor in Newport Beach you may wish to visit. If you are still unsure, do not hesitate to call our office and speak to one of the highly knowledgeable members of our office staff.
What is an optometrist?
Optometrists are eye doctors who have earned a Doctor of Optometry degree. A Newport Beach eye doctor who is also an optometrist can perform the following services:
- Eye examinations that check vision and health issues.
- Prescribe contact lenses and eyeglasses to correct refractive errors.
- Provide low vision and vision therapy.
- Prescribe medications for treating certain diseases and other eye problems.
- May perform pre- and post- operative care for surgeries performed by an ophthalmologist.
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor who specializes in vision and eye care. The physicians of Retina Associates of Orange County are ophthalmologists. You may seek a Newport Beach eye doctor who is an ophthalmologist for any of the following services:
- Eye exams.
- Diagnose and treat eye disease.
- Prescribe eye medications.
- Perform eye surgery.
- Prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses.
What is an optician?
Though an optician is not a type of Newport Beach eye doctor, opticians use the prescriptions from your ophthalmologist or optometrist to fit and sell corrective eyewear, such as eyeglasses.
Should I see an optometrist, or an ophthalmologist first?
If you are not in need of eye surgery or specialized treatment, you can see either type of eye doctor for a routine eye exam. Both can perform the following:
- Eye exams.
- Detection, diagnosis, and management of eyes diseases that require non-medical as well as medical treatment.
However, if you currently suffer from macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts, receiving care from a specially trained ophthalmologist may be advisable. In addition, certain eye problems will require treatment by an ophthalmologist. This is especially true if the condition will need surgery or some other type of special care.
Only ophthalmologists are eye doctors licensed and qualified to perform eye surgery. Co-management can be achieved with an ophthalmologist performing the surgery, while an optometrist handles other services.
- The ophthalmologist will most likely define the original diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
- Usually the ophthalmologist manages the problem by performing surgery, with or without additional medications.
- After the ophthalmologist controls the condition or surgically treats it, he or she may refer you back to your primary care eye doctor. The primary care eye doctor will then treat your condition, or provide you with post-operative care as per the ophthalmologist’s instruction.
The physicians of Retina Associates of Orange County are available by appointment, if you would like to see a Newport Beach eye doctor about vision concerns.
How to Reduce the Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is more likely to develop in people with high risk factors. If those risk factors are reduced or eliminated, the likelihood of developing macular degeneration can be slowed or prevented. A qualified eye doctor Newport Beach residents choose for their eye care can review your lifestyle habits and recommend healthy changes. These changes can reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration and improve your overall health.
- Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, your chances of developing macular degeneration increase up to five times. If your family history includes macular degeneration and your genes have a complement factor, smoking increases your risk of developing it up to 200 times.
- Lower high blood pressure. The eyes have the highest blood exchange rate in the human body. High blood pressure can adversely affect the eyes and lead to many problems, including macular degeneration. To reduce high blood pressure, several lifestyle changes may have to be made, including diet, reducing stress, and possibly medication. A Newport Beach eye doctor with Retina Associates of Orange County can inform you if your blood pressure rate is a risk factor.
- Reduce high cholesterol. Medication and diet can decrease cholesterol levels and the likelihood of developing macular degeneration. Be sure to tell your Newport Beach eye doctor if you are taking cholesterol medication.
- Eat antioxidants. People whose diets include foods rich with antioxidants are less likely to suffer from macular degeneration. Antioxidants can be found in these foods:
- Fruits and vegetables with bright color such as peppers, corn, red grapes, mango, cantaloupe, and oranges.
- Spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, and other dark green leafy vegetables.
- Eat Omega-3s. Foods that are rich in omega-3 are beneficial to the eyes and heart. Fish such as wild salmon or sardines are particularly high in omega-3. Fish oil supplements are also effective.
- Avoid processed foods and unsaturated fats. Commercially baked goods are usually high in unsaturated fat. These foods convert to sugar in the body, which is detrimental to good health and can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration.
- The cardiovascular system requires regular exercise, which can help maintain a healthy weight. Macular degeneration is more common among people who are obese.
- Use eye protection. Blue light and ultraviolet light can damage your retina. It also increases the possibility of developing macular degeneration and other eye issues. Wear good quality sunglasses while outside to protect your eyes. Your Newport Beach eye doctor can recommend suitable sunglasses to reduce the risk of injury to your eyes from damaging rays.
Contact us today at Retina Associates of Orange County to make an appointment with a Newport Beach eye doctor that you can trust.