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Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Diseases of the Retina and Vitreous
OPHTHALMOLOGY
We offer comprehensive ophthalmology services, including treatment of:
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Cataract and cataract surgery
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Glaucoma
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Dry Eye
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Stye/Chalazion
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Pterygium
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Refractive error
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Eyelid disorders (ectropion, entropion)
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Dr. Carly Seidman also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina and vitreous, including:
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Age-related macular degeneration
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Diabetic retinopathy
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Flashes and floaters
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Retinal vascular diseases
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Pathologic myopia
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Retinal tears
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**Please note that we will evaluate and treat medical conditions and complications related to contact lens wear. However, we do not fit contact lenses. Referrals to optometrists or opticians can be given for this purpose.
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EYE CONDITIONS
Glaucoma
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Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve of the eye. There are different types of glaucoma and the early stages are often undetectable. Different tests are performed to screen for and detect early signs of damage to the optic nerves. While no cure is available, different medications, laser procedures, and surgery can help halt the progression of this disease.
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Cataract
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A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in ones eye that can cause blurring or clouding of vision. Symptoms also can include trouble seeing colors, glare, haloes around lights, and trouble seeing at night. While the most common cause of cataracts is old age, other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, trauma, radiation exposure, or following eye surgery for other problems. Early on, symptoms of cataract may be improved with glasses but if this does not help, the only effective solution is surgery to remove the cataract and replace it with an artificial lens.
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Dry Eye​
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Dry Eye is a common condition that can cause a gritty sensation, itching, redness, and light sensitivity. In some patients, it can even cause excessive tearing (called reflex tearing). In many patients, the symptoms of dry eye can be alleviated by use of over-the-counter eye lubricants. In others, dry eye can be more chronic and require more advanced therapy. A number of different options are available.
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Stye/Chalazion
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Stye/Chalazion are lumps on the eyelid. A stye is more acute and closer to the eyelid margin; a chalazion is more chronic and tends to be larger. These conditions can cause the eyelid to swell. If a bump on the eyelid develops, apply warm compresses as frequently as possible and schedule an appointment. Different treatments are available.
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Pterygium
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A pterygium is a pink/red colored growth of tissue that may extend onto the cornea (clear part of the eye). It is often caused by excessive sun exposure. Milder cases may cause discomfort and itching and can be treated medically. Larger growths may cause cosmetic concern and visual distortion, and may require surgery.
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Entropion/Ectropion
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Entropion and ectropion are disorders of the eyelid margin. Entropion is a turning out of the eyelid and ectropion is a turning in of the eyelid margin. These may be congenital, age-related, or related to scarring of the eyelid margin. These conditions can cause ocular irritation and discomfort due to eyelid malposition/incomplete eye closure and/or misdirected eyelashes. Treatment usually requires surgical repair.
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration
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Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the eye's macula, the area of the retina responsible for the sharpest central vision. It is most closely related to aging and while some patients experience symptoms (distortion, loss of central vision), others are asymptomatic. There are two forms of macular degeneration--dry (drusen form underneath the retina) and wet (new blood vessels grow and leak). Early detection of this condition is important, as treatment is available.
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Diabetic Retinopathy
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Diabetes can cause potentially blinding eye disease. Problems are related to swelling, leaking blood vessels, and bleeding in the eye. Yearly (or more frequent) screenings are important to detect early changes, follow disease, and determine the need for treatment. Various laser and medical therapies are available.
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Flashes and Floaters
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As the eye ages, the vitreous jelly inside the eye liquifies and pulls away from the retina. Traction on the retina may cause symptomatic flashes of light and floaters may form. Floaters may appear as different shapes, including small dots, circles, lines, or cobwebs. Flashes and floaters become more common with age and are also encountered more frequently in patients who are very nearsighted, ofhave had eye trauma or surgery. It is important to notify your ophthalmologist if new symptoms appear, floaters dramatically increase, a dark shadow appears in the vision, or vision suddenly decreases. These can be a sign of retinal tear or detachment.
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Retinal Vascular Diseases
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Blockages in the veins or arteries of the eye can occur and cause significant vision loss. The presence of a "stroke" inside the eye warrants thorough systemic workup. Different treatments are available for complications in the eye related to vascular occlusive diseases.
Pathologic Myopia
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Patients who are very nearsighted are at increased risk of different retinal problems, including vitreous degeneration and retinal tears/breaks/detachment. Regular eye exams are important for the early detection of problems and to maintain eye health.
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