Complete and comprehensive eye care - Smithtown, Long Island

In addition to LASIK, we provide treatment for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and more at our Smithtown (Long Island) office. We also offer comprehensive eye care appointments to ensure you maintain optimal vision for years to come.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma, commonly called "the silent thief of sight" is an eye disease that is caused by damage to or excessive pressure on the optic nerve and nerve fibers that form parts of the retina. Glaucoma typically has no symptoms in its early stages and can lead to blindness if left untreated. According to the National Eye Institute, nearly 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have the most common form of glaucoma (open–angle glaucoma) and almost half of these people are not even aware they have the disease!

There are several different types of glaucoma, but the two major types are primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and closed angle glaucoma, or angle-closure glaucoma. POAG is the most common form of glaucoma. With POAG, inner eye pressure rises as the canals that drain fluid from the eye become clogged. POAG can develop over several years and gradually reduce vision if it is not diagnosed and treated. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs less frequently than POAG and is much more serious. With this form of the disease, eye pressure rapidly increases to high levels before draining, causing damage to the optic nerve. Closed-angle glaucoma is an emergency, and needs immediate medical attention.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

One of the most frightening things about glaucoma is that there are usually no symptoms or warning signs in its early stages. Most people do not even realize that they have elevated pressure in their eyes or that their optic nerve is damaged. Peripheral vision is affected first, which means you could have 20/20 vision and still have glaucoma. People who have POAG may have excessive fluid in their eyes, while those with closed-angle glaucoma may experience painful, red eyes, blurred vision, headache, and nausea (closed-angle glaucoma is an emergency and does require immediate treatment). Other symptoms include halos, peripheral vision loss, inability to adjust vision in dark rooms, difficulty focusing on close work, and frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions.

Early detection of glaucoma is imperative to successful treatment and prevention of vision loss. Regular eye examinations are extremely important for everyone, even those who seem to have perfect vision. If you want to schedule an eye care appointment, contact our Smithtown office today.

How is Glaucoma Treated?

Treatment for glaucoma depends on the type of the disease and its severity. Patients who have primary open angle glaucoma are treated with eye drops that lower the pressure in the eye, helping to slow damage to the optic nerve. For closed angle glaucoma, eye pressure needs to be reduced quickly, either with eye drops or intravenously. If these treatments are ineffective, laser surgery may be needed to open the eye's drainage canal.

If glaucoma does not respond to these treatment methods, conventional surgery is usually recommended. Trabeculectomy is the most commonly used surgery to reduce intraocular pressure. During this procedure, a tiny flap is made in the sclera (the white of the eye), allowing fluid to drain. Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy or viscocanalostomy is a modification to the trabeculectomy procedure. With this surgical method, fluid is drained and eye pressure is lowered without the need for a full-thickness hole in the eye.

Another surgical option for glaucoma is valve implantation, in which a tube is placed in the eye to allow fluid to drain into a reservoir on the outside of the eye.

What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?

  • Age : Anyone who is over the age of 60 is at risk for glaucoma. The occurrence of glaucoma increases with age in all ethnic groups.
  • Family history : Anyone who has a relative, such as a sibling or parent, who suffers from glaucoma is at higher risk.
  • High intraocular pressure : People with elevated intraocular pressure are at a higher risk for glaucoma.
  • Ethnicity : African Americans are at increased risk for glaucoma, especially after the age of 40.
  • Diabetes : People who suffer from diabetes are at a higher risk of having glaucoma.

The best way to prevent this "silent thief of sight" from robbing you of your vision is to have regular eye exams. Early detection is imperative to successful treatment. Contact North Shore Eye Care, located in Smithtown, to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with one of our experienced doctors.

Back to Top

Diabetic Retinopathy

According to the National Institute of Health, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) are damaged. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in permanent vision loss.

People who suffer from diabetes have high levels of blood sugar. Over time, this condition can affect the circulatory system of the retina and cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina. In the earliest stage of the disease, known as background diabetic retinopathy, the weakened arteries begin to leak, forming small, dot-like hemorrhages. These leaking vessels usually lead to swelling of the retina (macular edema) and decreased vision.

The next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. During this stage, decreased blood flow causes the retina to become deprived of oxygen. New blood vessels are formed in an attempt to maintain sufficient oxygen levels in the retina, but these new blood vessels are weak and often break. When these newer, weaker blood vessels break, fluid leaks into the retina's center, causing vision loss that can range from slight to severe. Other serious conditions, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment, can also be a result of diabetic retinopathy.

In most cases, no treatment is needed during the first three stages of diabetic retinopathy (unless you have macular edema). Proliferative retinopathy and macular edema are most commonly treated with laser surgery. During the procedure, the laser shrinks abnormal blood vessels and stops their growth. This laser treatment, which can be done in less than 30 minutes, can improve your vision and prevent further vision loss.

Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, floaters and flashes, and sudden loss of vision. In some cases, no symptoms are noticed at all, even when considerable damage has already been done. That is why everyone with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.

Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy is essential to protecting your eyesight. Don't wait for symptoms, call us today to schedule a comprehensive eye care appointment at our Smithtown office.

Back to Top

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that damages the macula (the central part of the retina), which is responsible for central vision. When the macula is damaged, it becomes difficult to see detail, such as small print or small objects. Symptoms include blurred vision, seeing objects that seem to fade or disappear, seeing wavy lines that are actually straight, and impaired color vision. If left untreated, macular degeneration can lead to total blindness.

There are two different types of the disease: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. In dry macular degeneration, material builds up in the tissues underneath the macula, reducing blood flow to the retina. With wet macular degeneration, newer, weaker blood vessels grow in or under the retina. When these fragile blood vessels break, they leak fluid into the space under the macula.

There are currently no medical or surgical treatments for dry macular degeneration; however, there are two laser treatments for wet macular degeneration: photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy. During photocoagulation, a hot laser is applied to slow the progression of abnormal blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy involves using a cold laser and intravenous drugs to slow the progression of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

Wet macular degeneration is treated most commonly with intraocular injections.  There are several medications currently available that have been shown to reduce the abnormal blood vessel formation that occurs in wet macular degeneration.  These injections often need to be repeated, but are relatively painless and work better than other treatments to date

Regular eye care appointments are imperative to the early detection and successful treatment of macular degeneration. Don't wait until you have symptoms. Contact us in Smithtown today to schedule an exam.

Back to Top

Eyelid Disorders

Eyelid disorders are any abnormal conditions that affect the eyelids. Some common eyelid conditions include:

  • Styes: A stye is an infection of one of the eyelid glands, which are located at the base of the lashes. Styes are usually caused by bacterial infections, and can be treated with hot compresses or antibiotics. Symptoms include pain and inflammation near the eyelid margin.
  • Blepharitis: Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis can lead to eyelash loss or styes, and more serious conditions such as corneal damage. Symptoms include burning, itching, eye irritation, and inflammation. Blepharitis can be treated with hot compresses and antibiotics.
  • Entropion and Ectropion: Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid, frequently the lower one, is turned inward; conversely, ectropion is a condition in which the eyelids turn outward. Entropion and ectropion can both result from aging, but they can also be the result of spastic eyelid muscles or a scar on the inside of the lid. Both can corrected with surgery.
  • Chalazion: A chalazion is an enlargement or clogging of the oil-producing gland in the eyelid (meibomian gland). A chalazion can be treated with hot compresses and injectable medication. If these treatments are ineffective, the chalazion may need to be excised. Symptoms include inflammation and a painful round lump in the eyelid.
  • Eyelid edema: Eyelid edema is a condition in which the eyelids contain excessive fluid. It is most often caused by allergic reactions; however, it can be caused by more serious conditions, such as infection, that can threaten vision. Symptoms include pain, redness, itching, and swelling.

If left untreated, these eyelid disorders can lead to serious vision problems. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact us in Smithtown today to schedule an eye examination.

Back to Top

Total Eye Care for Adults and Children

LASIK and cataracts are our specialties, but we also offer comprehensive eye care for the entire family. If you need prescription eyeglasses, we can prescribe them for you, or, if you prefer, we can help fit you with contact lenses. During your comprehensive eye exam, we will assess eye movement, test for glaucoma and cataracts, and thoroughly examine the inner workings of the eye, including the retina, cornea, and optic nerves. If you have an injury or need emergency eye care, we can provide the appropriate treatment.

Good eye care is essential to maintaining good eye health and vision. Contact North Shore Eye Care in Smithtown to schedule an appointment.

Back to Top

BOTOX® Cosmetic

As the years progress, repeated facial expressions and the aging process create some lines and wrinkles that we would like to erase. BOTOX® Cosmetic facial rejuvenation allows North Shore Eye Care’s doctors to help improve facial appearance. BOTOX® injections can be performed in the examination suite right here in our Smithtown office.

Would you like to know if BOTOX® can help freshen your appearance? We can tell you everything you need to know. Call us for a free consultation with a specially trained North Shore Eye Care physician. We can't turn back the clock, but BOTOX® Cosmetic may be the next best thing!

If you are suffering from conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts, contact North Shore Eye Care in Smithtown (Long Island). Our doctors are also available to help you with all of your general eye care needs.

Back to Top