Eye Disease Diagnosis Specialist

Some of the most common eye diseases and disorders in America include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes (dry eye disease), amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (crossed eyes).

Most of these diseases are more common in adults, especially older adults. But, children can develop eye diseases as well. 

Eye disease symptoms can vary with the condition, but some symptoms that require attention include:

• Red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Eye pain
• Eye swelling
• Blurry vision
• Cloudy vision
• Difficulty seeing even with glasses or contact lenses

Some eye diseases are obvious, for example, amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) in children. Other eye diseases don’t cause symptoms until they’re in the late stages. 

While eye diseases are treatable, they’re generally not reversible. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the better you can slow or prevent damage within the delicate eye tissues.  

Early diagnosis can allow you to start treatment like medication or medical procedures that can save your vision.

Usually, optometrists diagnose eye diseases during comprehensive dilated eye exams. Eye dilation — which requires just a few eye drops to widen your pupils — is important in viewing the inside and back of your eyes very closely to make a diagnosis. 

Some of the different tests that can help in eye disease diagnosis include tonometry (eye pressure test), visual field tests, and visual acuity tests.