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About
Stones River Eye Center | What
is an Eye M.D.? | Appointments
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Dr. Ranz, a board certified Eye M.D., is a medical doctor uniquely trained in the diagnosis and treatment of all disorders and diseases of the eye, including, but not limited to the following: |
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RETINAL
DISEASES |
DISEASES
OF THE LIDS & LASHES |
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Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries the image from the eyes to the brain. Anything causing damage to the optic nerve will adversely affect vision. A normal eye circulates a clear liquid, called aqueous humor, inside the eye. It is a continuous process, with fluid being constantly produced and drained from the eye. In people with glaucoma, something causes the drainage system to be blocked, resulting in a build-up of fluid pressure within the inner eye. This pressure can damage delicate optic nerve fibers, causing blind spots to develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. There are two types of glaucoma. The most common form is chronic open-angle glaucoma, and accounts for about 90% of glaucoma in adults. The angle of the drainage system becomes less efficient as part of the aging process, and pressure within the eye gradually increases. This happens so gradually and painlessly that most people are not aware that it is happening until the optic nerve is badly damaged. Because the damage is irreversible, early detection and treatment are very important. The second type is angle-closure glaucoma. In this form the drainage angle of the eye becomes completely blocked. When eye pressure builds up suddenly, it is called acute angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms of this include blurred vision, severe eye pain, headache, seeing haloes around lights, and nausea and vomiting. These symptoms should never be ignored and are reason to be seen by an ophthalmologist immediately. Without timely treatment, blindness can result. Regular eye examinations by an Eye M.D. are important for the detection of glaucoma. Your intraocular pressure will be measured, and the drainage angle of your eyes will be evaluated. Your Eye M.D. will look at your optic nerve for signs of nerve damage. If damage is suspected, a GDX nerve fiber analysis may be done. This is the latest technology available to detect damage to the optic nerve at its very earliest stage. SREC has had this technology available to our patients since 1999, and is the only eye center in Rutherford County to offer it. A visual field test may also be performed to assess visual loss. Your Eye M.D. will treat your glaucoma according to the type and severity of the disease. Eye drops are the most common treatment, and work by either slowing the production of aqueous fluids within the eye, or by improving the flow through the drainage angle. Sometimes laser surgery is needed to either modify the drain or improve the flow of fluid to the drain. In some cases operative surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to leave the eye. Dr. Ranz is experienced in all of these treatments, and will know which one is right for your eyes. |
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AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION The tissue lining the back of the eye is called the retina, and is responsible for sensing light and sending images to the brain, where seeing takes place. The macula is the center of the retina and is responsible for all clear, central vision. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a process where the macula breaks down, therefore central vision is affected. Peripheral, or side vision is still retained, so people with AMD can still “get around”. AMD is the most common cause of visual loss over the age of 60. There are two types of Macular Degeneration, “wet” and “dry”. Only 10% of AMD is the “wet” type, called wet because abnormal blood vessels form at the back of the eye, then leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. This vision loss can be rapid and severe. The “dry” form is the result of the tissues of the macula aging and thinning. Vision loss is usually gradual. Symptoms of AMD include:
Your Eye M.D. can diagnose AMD by doing a detailed eye examination. A special test called a fluorescein angiogram may be ordered to aid in diagnosis. Fluorescein dye is injected into the arm, then photographs are taken as the dye passes through the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Dr. Ranz and his staff perform this test in our office. There is no cure as of yet for “dry” AMD. The National Eye Institute recently conducted a study that indicated certain nutritional supplements may slow the progress of macular degeneration. Dr. Ranz will prescribe these vitamins for AMD patients. In its early stages “wet” macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery to seal the leaking blood vessels that damage the macula. If Dr. Ranz thinks you would benefit from this or any other special treatments for “wet” AMD, he will refer you to a retina specialist. Despite much research, people with AMD will experience some vision loss. However, there are many vision aids available to help people maintain a satisfying lifestyle in spite of visual loss. Magnifying devices, closed-circuit television, and large-print reading materials are a few of the items available, as well as support services and rehabilitation programs. Vickie, here at SREC, has a special interest in Low-Vision, and she and Dr. Ranz will prescribe optical devices and services to help patients cope with this disease.
RETINAL DETACHMENT The retina is a layer of nerves lining the back of the eye which senses light and transmits images through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina is pulled out of its normal position, it is called a retinal detachment. This is a very serious condition, causing blurring of vision and possibly leading to blindness if left untreated. As the eye ages, the vitreous gel that fills the eye may pull away from the retina. If it pulls away hard enough, this may tear the retina, allowing fluid to pass through the tear. Symptoms of a retinal detachment may include flashing light or new floaters in the visual field, or a gray "curtain" moving across the visual field. These symptoms do not always indicate retinal detachment, however a complete exam by Dr. Ranz will determine the cause of the problem. Retinal tears can be treated with laser surgery to seal the retina to the back wall of the eye. This is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in our office. There are several surgical options for treatment of a retinal detachment. Dr. Ranz will explain the options and refer you to a retinal specialist if it is determined that surgery is needed.
RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary diseases which cause a progressive loss of vision, as the nerve cells in the retina are destroyed. Common symptoms of this condition are loss of peripheral vision and night blindness. In the early stages of RP, daily administration of specific amounts of Vitamin A under a medical doctor’s supervision may slow progress of this disease. Regular eye exams by an Eye M.D. will ensure early detection and allow for treatments to begin as promptly as possible.
CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA Cystoid macular edema is a condition characterized by cysts that form on the macula (the central area of the retina) as a result of retinal swelling (edema). This may occur after cataract surgery, causing decreased vision. Symptoms develop slowly and include blurred or decreased central vision. Any change in vision after cataract surgery should be evaluated by an Eye M.D. One treatment method having a high rate of success is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Research is still being conducted, which hopefully will lead to prevention and improved treatments.
FLOATERS & FLASHES Floaters are small specks in the visual field. They are actually tiny groups of cells floating in the clear fluid (vitreous gel) that fills the eye. Although they appear to float in front of the eye, they are inside the eye, and can have different shapes. Floaters can be caused by a thickening of the vitreous gel, and are more common as people reach middle age. As the vitreous gel thickens, it can pull away from the back wall of the eye. This is known as posterior vitreous detachment, and can cause the retina to tear. A torn retina can lead to retinal detachment, and should be treated by your Eye M.D. immediately. If new floaters appear suddenly, it is important to see your Eye M.D. as soon as possible to determine whether the retina is torn. Flashes, or flashes of light in the visual field, are caused by the vitreous gel rubbing or pulling on the retina. These are more common as the eyes age, but can also be caused by a torn retina. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY People with diabetes mellitus are not able to process sugar properly. When diabetes is not controlled, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy and can be sight threatening. Diabetes also increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. Because of the potential for loss of vision, it is very important for diabetics to have yearly eye exams. A dilated exam by an Eye M.D., using special lenses to evaluate the condition of the retina, is necessary for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. If found early enough, the progression of this disease may be arrested with treatment. |
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DRY EYE Dry eye is a condition which results when not enough tears are produced to lubricate the eyes. Tears are produced constantly in healthy eyes. As the eyes age, tear production may decrease, causing dry eye in older people. Certain medications may also cause dry eye. Symptoms of dry eye include: scratchiness, burning and eye irritation. Contact lens wearers may begin to experience discomfort. There are many treatments for dry eye. Artificial tears can be used to lubricate the eyes. Humidifying the environment, avoiding exposure to smoke, wind and overly warm rooms may also alleviate the symptoms of dry eye. One treatment with a high success rate is the insertion of punctal plugs to close the tear drainage ducts to conserve the eye’s own tears. This is a procedure Dr. Ranz can easily perform in our office. |
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PTOSIS (Drooping Eyelids) Ptosis, or drooping eyelids, is a condition which affects both children and adults. It may be an inherited condition caused by poor development of the muscles that lift the eyelids (the levator muscles). Treatment of severe congenital ptosis is required in order to allow normal visual development. This involves surgery which tightens the levator muscles. Adult ptosis is a separation of the levator muscle tendon from the eyelid. This may be the result of aging, eye surgery, or injury. Dr. Ranz has a great deal of experience in the surgical correction of drooping lids. This may be done for cosmetic and/or functional reasons. If the drooping lids are interfering with a person’s field of vision, then surgery may be covered by insurance. Dr. Ranz and his staff will be happy to evaluate your drooping lids and discuss the procedure that can help vision and take years off your appearance.
BLEPHARITIS Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Its symptoms include irritation, itching, redness, and inflammation. It is usually a chronic condition resulting from overactivity of the oil glands in the eyelids, low grade infection, or seborrheic dermatitis. Blepharitis may not be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled by cleaning the eyelids following specific instructions in conjunction with use of an antibiotic ointment.
ROSACEA Rosacea is a chronic condition affecting the skin of the face, and the eyelids. Symptoms may include redness (like a blush or sunburn), pimples, broken or enlarged blood vessels, enlarged and bumpy nose. When rosacea affects the eyelids it can result in redness of the eyes, burning, tearing and irritation. Symptoms may come and go, and their severity may fluctuate. This condition cannot be cured, but can be brought under control with the application of topical medicated creams and gels, or oral antibiotics. The eyelids often have to be treated with a special cleansing routine and the use of antibiotic ointment. Results should be seen within three to four weeks, with significant improvement in two to three months. HEADACHE Headache, one of the most common health complaints, is not usually caused by eyestrain or by vision problems. Most headaches fall into one of three groups: muscle contraction, migraine, or disease of the head, eyes, ears, or teeth. Muscle contraction headaches, the most common type, are caused by pain from contraction in the muscles of the neck and base of the head. This muscle tension , usually temporary, and usually caused by stress, leads to pain in the forehead, temples, and around the eyes. Migraine headaches are caused by constriction of the blood vessels in the head. Symptoms can include: several severe headaches in close succession, visual display of jagged flashing lights (with or without headache), more severe pain on one side of the head, or pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Migraines may be caused by or exacerbated by stress. Diseases are the least common cause of headache. A headache with this cause is usually felt on the side where the disease occurs. Symptoms may include blurring of vision, extreme light sensitivity, numbness, dizziness, or weakness. Pain may appear suddenly, or increase dramatically over weeks or months. A thorough medical exam by your family physician is recommended in cases of recurrent headaches. An eye exam may be helpful. The treatment depends on the diagnosed cause of the headache. Eyestrain over a long period of time can cause headaches, but eyestrain is rarely the sole cause of headaches.
UVEITIS A red eye is not always as minor as it may seem. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the wall of the eye. This layer contains many blood vessels and provides nourishment to the eye. Inflammation of the uvea can cause damage to eyesight in several different ways: by restricting blood flow, by scarring of the pupil, by causing swelling of the retina, by causing elevated eye pressure, or by inducing a cataract to grow. The symptoms of uveitis include eye redness, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. There are many different causes of uveitis, including some diseases that effect other areas of the body. Examination by an Eye M.D. will determine whether a red, irritated eye is uveitis. Sometimes a detailed physical exam and blood work are needed for diagnosis. If it is determined to be uveitis, it should be treated immediately to prevent damage to the eye. Treatment with eye drops will reduce the inflammation, and other medications may be needed to treat more severe symptoms. |
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About
Stones River Eye Center | What
is an Eye M.D.? | Appointments
& Office Procedures | Meet Our
Staff Web site design by Mind's Eye Presentations. Copyright Mind's Eye Presentations. All rights reserved. Disclaimer
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David O.
Ranz, M.D.
