Arlington Eye Physicians

Cataract is a clouding of the natural, crystalline lens of the eye. The natural lens is shaped with various layers and a central nucleus, and clouding may occur in any layer. Cataract formation can occur at any age. Systemic disease, trauma, medications, and natural age-related processes lead to cataract formation.

Dry eye syndrome is a common medical condition that affects 20 million people in the United States and 344 million people worldwide. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include stinging, burning, or scratching sensation of the eyes, light sensitivity, watery eyes, blurry vision that fluctuates throughout the day, eye fatigue, or a sensation of having something in the eyes. Dry eye syndrome can be a chronic condition that affects a person’s quality of life.

Glaucoma is a term used to describe different eye diseases that result in damage to the optic nerve with resultant vision loss. Most forms of glaucoma are associated with elevated pressure of the eye, however, this may not always be the case. Typically, eye pressure rises due to an imbalance of fluid production inside the eye (aqueous fluid) and inadequate removal through natural drainage systems. Different forms of glaucoma are differentiated by whether the fluid drainage pathway inside the eye is open (open-angle) or blocked (angle-closure). Internal diseases of the eye, prior trauma, or medications can affect the drainage systems of the eye. Glaucoma detection begins with an eye exam with your doctor; ancillary testing such as peripheral visual field and picture tests may aid in the diagnosis.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that is essential for vision. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there may be no noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, symptoms can include blurred vision, dark or empty areas in the field of vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sudden vision loss. If not treated in a timely fashion, diabetic retinopathy may result in permanent visual damage.