Eye Disease Management FAQs

Since many eye diseases aren’t evident to the patient until they reach an advanced stage, we administer comprehensive eye exams to check for a variety of common eye problems. These may include slit-lamp testing to check for cataracts, eye pressure testing to catch glaucoma, and retinal examinations to look for diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Treatment for conjunctivitis (the acute inflammation is otherwise known as “pinkeye”) depends on its cause. We can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis, while viral conjunctivitis may respond to some certain anti-viral drugs. Allergic conjunctivitis is best treated by avoiding the allergen responsible. In the meantime, we can recommend various soothing home remedies to help you feel better.

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your tear film isn’t adequate for hydrating and protecting your eyes. It can lead to corneal scarring and recurring eye infections if left untreated. We can isolate its causes and recommend the appropriate eye drops, lifestyle/medication changes and other treatments to control it.

Most cataracts are a natural part of aging, but they can also be caused or accelerated by steroid drugs, smoking, and excessive UV exposure. We can monitor your cataracts and prescribe corrective lenses to compensate for some of the vision changes that occur. If you need cataract surgery, we will refer you to an eye surgeon and then co-manage your recovery process.

Since glaucoma is typically caused by excess fluid pressure inside the eye, your Austin optometrist at our clinic will aim to regulate that pressure. Medications can reduce the fluid produced by the eye and/or enhance the drainage of that fluid. If necessary, your eye doctor can also co-manage an outpatient procedure to optimize eye drainage even further.

Retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy tend to progress in stages. Your eye doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments and medical treatment of underlying causes in the diseases’ early stages. An advanced retinal disease that creates abnormal blood vessels may call for injected medications that arrest blood vessel formation.