If detected early, and with appropriate treatment these and other conditions may be corrected or minimized, and the severity of potential vision loss can be reduced.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a leading cause of blindness in older people is a condition called age-related macular degeneration. Aging can cause the macula to slowly degenerate and reduce central vision in people over 50 years of age. It is estimated that 8.5% of individuals between 43-54 years and 36.8% of those over 75 years have some degree of macular degeneration.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes affects 34.2 million people in the United States, yet more than 7 million people are not aware that they have the disease. Diabetes is the leading cause for new cases of blindness among adults in the United States. The major cause of blindness in people with diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy.

Glaucoma

An estimated 1.6 million individuals over 40 years of age in the United States have glaucoma. Approximately half of these people don't know they have the disease. Almost every case of glaucoma develops without symptoms. Early detection and treatment can reduce the severity of vision loss.

Hypertension

The term ocular hypertension usually refers to any situation in which the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure, is higher than normal. Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal eye pressure ranges from 10-21 mm Hg. Ocular hypertension is an eye pressure of greater than 21 mm Hg.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a cancer that usually occurs on the skin. It develops from the cells that produce the dark-colored pigment melanin, which is responsible for our skin's coloring. These cells, called melanocytes, are also found in other places in our bodies, such as our hair, the lining of our internal organs, and our eyes. When melanoma does occur in the eye it is called ocular melanoma.

Retinal Detachment

When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled from its normal position. If not promptly treated, a retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. Anyone can get a retinal detachment; however, they are far more common in nearsighted people, those over 50, those who have had significant eye injuries, and those with a family history of retinal detachments.

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