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General Ophthalmology

Here at Silver State Ophthalmology, we are here to address and help with all of your eye needs. Our doctors are able to assist with any of your general ophthalmology problems, including dry eyes, macular degeneration, and blepharitis.

What is dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This tear instability leads to inflammation and damage of the eye's surface. This could mean your tears dry up to fast and your glands don't make enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

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Symptoms:

  • Stinging, burning or scratchy sensation

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Eye redness

  • Sensation of having something in your eye

  • Difficulty with night time driving 

  • Watery eyes

  • Blurred vision or eye fatigue

  • Itchy eyes

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Treatments:

Treatments for dry eye usually depends on what's causing your symptoms. There are a few different types of treatment that can ease your symptoms and help keep your eyes healthy.

  • At home treatments: Using a warm towel for about 5-10 minutes and washing your eyes with baby shampoo will help open your oil glands which will ease your eyes and improve your tear quality.

  • Over-the-counter eye drops: The most common treatment for mild dry eye are artificial tears. You can get these drops without a prescription.

  • Prescription Medications: If your dry eyes are more serious, your doctor may give you a prescription for eye drops called Cyclosporine (Restatsis), Xiidra, Miebo, Eysuvis, ect. Your insurance may or may not cover these.

  • Tear Duct Plugs: If tears are draining to quickly from your eyes, your doctor may suggest putting special plugs called punctal plugs in your tear ducts. These plugs help keep your tears in your eyes.

  • Amniotic Membrane: If you have tried every option and your dry eye is still severe, your doctor may suggest a Prokera or CAM360. These act as a protective barrier on the eye's surface, promoting healing and heal reducing inflammation.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition where eyelids become red, swollen, and inflamed. There are two types, Anterior Blepharitis and Posterior Blepharitis.

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Symptoms:

  • Itchiness

  • Burning sensation

  • Eyelid stickiness

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Blurred vision

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Causes:

Anterior and Posterior Blepharitis affect different parts of the eyes and are caused by different things.​

Anterior Blepharitis affects the front of eyelids where the eyelashes attach. Common causes are: 

  • Bacteria

  • Dandruff

  • Allergies

  • Mites

  • Dry eyes

Posterior Blepharitis affects the inside of the eyelids where the oil glands are located. Common causes are:

  • Rosacea

  • Scalp dandruff

  • Dry eyes

  • Meibomian gland disfunction

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Treatments:

There are different treatment options for your blepharitis depending on its severity.

  • At home treatments: Using a warm washcloth and applying it over your eyelids for 5-10 minutes a couple times a day can help soothe and clean the eyelids. Cleaning your eyelids with baby shampoo will help reduce dandruff and bacteria on your eyelids.

  • Antibiotics: Your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic ointment such as Erythromycin. If your eyelids are inflamed, your doctor can prescribe you a steroid eyedrop called Prednisolone that will help reduce inflammation.

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What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

The macula, which is in the back of the eye, controls our sharp, central vision. For some people with AMD, the macula slowly gets weak, with gradual vision loss. For others, the growth of abnormal blood vessels causing blood and fluid leakage can lead to sudden vision loss in one or both eyes,

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Symptoms:

People with AMD may not notice much change in their vision, especially if the disease only affects one eye. Some notice a blurriness that might improve with brighter light. As AMD gets worse, people may find it harder to see words or faces clearly. People with late AMD may notice that straight lines appear crooked and more of their central vision is lost.

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Treatment:

AMD cannot be cured, but it can be treated to keep it from getting worse. AREDS2 supplements may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Catching AMD early is important to protect your eyesight. If abnormal blood vessels develop, you may require drugs in the eye or laser surgery to help stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. 

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AREDS2 supplements may help with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or help to slow the progression of late AMD in one eye. However, AREDS2 will not correct vision damage, nor will it treat wet AMD. This supplement contains high doses off vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, lutenin, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. The typical dose is one soft gel taken twice a day with a meal. Side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or bloating due to the high levels of vitamins and mineral contained in AREDS2.

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