Common Eye Conditions Treated in Our Las Vegas Offices

At Abrams Eye Institute, we diagnose and treat common eye conditions in our Las Vegas offices. Our board-certified ophthalmologists, led by Dr. Jack Abrams, perform comprehensive eye exams to diagnose your condition accurately. Many of the most common eye conditions can be treated easily, and its symptoms can be managed. However, if left alone, these conditions can worsen and trigger more severe

Uveitis 

What is Uveitis? 

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the pigmented middle layer of the eye. Although, the term may also refer to any inflammation of the interior of the eye. Uveitis is an extremely serious condition. It is estimated that it is responsible for approximately 10 percent of all blindness cases in the United States. It requires urgent medical attention from an eye doctor or ophthalmologist.

The majority of uveitis cases have no known cause, but diseases in other parts of the body, such as multiple sclerosis or arthritis, can lead to uveitis. An infection inside the eye, such as brucellosis, leptospirosis, syphilis, tuberculosis or herpes, may also lead to uveitis because the immune system responds to the infection. Thus it’s essential to regularly undergo a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose these infections early on.

Symptoms of Uveitis 

Some common symptoms of uveitis include blurry vision, sensitivity to light, severe redness of the eye, and eye pain. Some patients also experience floaters, which are dark spots that appear to float in your vision. If you have any of these symptoms, and they don’t seem to go away, we recommended that you see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Uveitis Treatment

Uveitis can be treated, and it should be diagnosed and treated right away. If left untreated, serious complications such as cataractsglaucoma or even permanent vision loss can occur. Uveitis is typically treated with glucocorticoid steroids, administered either as eye drops or oral tablets. Topical cycloplegics, such as homatropine, may also be used.

 

Ocular Rosacea 

What is Ocular Rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a condition where a person’s eye becomes inflamed. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically manifests itself in a person’s face, forehead and nose. People who suffer from rosacea have a higher chance of developing ocular rosacea.  The condition has rarely been known to manifest symptoms in people who do not suffer from rosacea. The condition is typically found in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more likely to show up in people who have fair skin.

Symptoms of Ocular Rosacea

The most common symptoms of ocular rosacea are dry, burning, itchy and red eyes. People may also experience blurred vision and sensitivity to light. If you notice that your eyes are always red from visibly dilated blood vessels, then it might be time to visit your eye doctor.

Sties, excessive tearing and red eyelids are also signs that people notice. People often ignore the symptoms of ocular rosacea; they think that they are suffering from allergies or an adverse reaction to dry weather. A dry area like Las Vegas can cause people’s eyes to become dry and red. Thus, it’s not uncommon for people in this area to ignore the symptoms of ocular rosacea.

Ocular Rosacea Treatment

The first step you must do to be treated for this condition is to come to our Las Vegas offices for a comprehensive eye exam. If you’re diagnosed as suffering from ocular rosacea, one of our doctors will prescribe antibiotics. Typically, tetracycline, doxycycline or erythromycin is prescribed to manage the symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids to help control redness and inflammation.

Using artificial tears can help with the redness and dryness that are associated with ocular rosacea; using these too often can make the condition worse. It is important to use the drops sparingly; your eye doctor can let you know how often they should be used.

 

Trichiasis (Ingrown Eyelashes)

What Is Trichiasis (Ingrown Eyelashes)? 

Trichiasis is an eye condition in which a person’s eyelashes grow the wrong direction on their eyelids. Instead of the eyelashes fanning out away from the eye, the person’s eyelashes grow in towards the eye. Trichiasis is a condition that people can be born with and that they can develop later on in life. It is most common in adults, though anyone can have it. People who are born with Trichiasis have the eye disorder Epiblepharon. Those who were not born with Trichiasis can develop it due to a disease such as Herpes zoster eye disease or a condition such as chronic blepharitis. It can also be caused by an infection such as Trachoma or a skin and mucous membrane disorder such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or cicatricial pemphigoid. Eye trauma, including burns, can also cause Trichiasis.

Symptoms of Trichiasis

People suffering from Trichiasis often experience eye irritation as their eyelashes rub against their eyes. They may feel as though they have something stuck in their eye. People suffering from Trichiasis often have eye pain, irritation and redness. They may experience tearing or scratching of their eye or sensitivity to bright lights. If Trichiasis is left untreated, it may result in a corneal abrasion or a corneal ulcer.

Trichiasis Treatment

People suffering from Trichiasis should see their ophthalmologist for treatment. There are several options available that our board-certified ophthalmologists can present to patients. They can pluck a few offending lashes or surgically remove them permanently. More severe cases can be solved with ablation (using lasers to remove lashes), electrolysis (using electricity to remove lashes permanently) or cryosurgery (removing lashes by freezing).

 

Blepharitis 

What is Blepharitis? 

Blepharitis is a fairly common eye condition that we can treat in several ways in our Las Vegas offices. It is a type of eyelid inflammation. It affects the part of the lid where eyelashes grow, causing the eyelids to become swollen, irritated and itchy. A crusty scale may appear at the base of the eyelashes. This can make the lids stick together, making it hard to open the eyes when waking from sleep.

Blepharitis Symptoms

Itchy eyelids that are red and swollen are the typical symptoms. Some people also experience a gritty or burning sensation in their eye. The eye may water, and the skin around the eye may flake. Crusty eyelids and sickly eyelids, especially upon waking, are also common symptoms. The condition may cause some people to lose their eyelashes.

Blepharitis Treatment

Because it is a chronic condition, it is difficult for an eye doctor to treat. Fortunately, it usually does not cause permanent damage to the eye or vision. There are still several treatments that our board-certified ophthalmologists might recommend for blepharitis. The first involves cleaning the affected area regularly. Often, self-care measures, and instilling good eyelid hygiene habits can prevent a visit to the eye clinic. Applying a warm compress can help alleviate the symptoms. The eye doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops or antibiotic ointments to control inflammation. Eye drops with antibiotics are recommended when it is caused by a bacterial infection. Lubricating eye drops can create artificial tears to relieve dry, irritated eyes. When a skin condition causes blepharitis, treating the underlying condition may clear up the eyelid inflammation. Many skin disorders are treated with antibiotics and other prescription medications. When dandruff contributes to the condition, your ophthalmologist may recommend a dandruff shampoo.

 

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

What is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Conjunctivitis (pink eye), is the result of irritation of the conjunctiva, or the clear lining of the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye. It has a variety of causes, many of which result in a mild case that will clear up on its own. Allergens and irritants are the most common sources, but some cases are caused by bacteria or viruses and may require special treatment at a clinic with an ophthalmologist.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

There are many symptoms related to conjunctivitis, including:

  • Redness or swelling of the inside of the eyelid or the white of the eye
  • Itchy or burning eyes
  • Gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Yellow or green discharge
  • Crusting of the eyelids or lashes
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Increased tears

Conjunctivitis Treatment 

If the infection does not clear up without treatment, consult your eye doctor. Ophthalmologists typically prescribe a special antiviral medication if the source of the infection has been determined as caused by either the herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses, which are the most dangerous. Severe cases of bacterial infection may be treated with prescription antibacterial eye drops or ointments.

Most cases of pinkeye, regardless of cause, will clear up within several days. Signs that you need to seek professional care include:

  • Moderate to severe eye pain
  • Blurred vision or intensely acute sensitivity to light
  • Intensely reddened eyes
  • Individuals who suffer from diseases and disorders that render them immunocompromised, such as those with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Symptoms that become worse or fail to improve
  • Bacterial pink eye that does not improve after 24 hours of treatment
  • Pre-Existing eye conditions that put you at risk for severe infection or complications

 

Chalazion (Stye) 

What is a Chalazion (Stye)? 

A chalazion is a rather common problem with the eye. A cyst forms around the eyelid, which is caused by a blockage in a meibomian gland in the upper portion of the eyelid. Often a chalazion looks very much like a pimple only with a larger head. In most cases, they are painless, but they can become infected and inflamed.

Chalazion (Stye) Treatment 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists offer a variety of different treatments to rid you of a chalazion. For smaller chalazions, a topical antibiotic eye drop is often prescribed. However, eye drops are only able to reduce the appearance of the chalazion without actually removing it.

To remove a chalazion and prevent it from coming back you’ll need your eye doctor to cut and remove it from your eyelid. A local anesthetic is applied to the patient’s eyelid to prevent them from feeling any pain. A small cut is made and then pressure is placed on the wound to prevent any bleeding. The cut is small enough that stitches aren’t even needed. A large one may require stitches after being removed, but they will barely be visible to anyone. The removed cyst will be sent to a lab following the procedure to check for harbored cancer cells, but this is typically very rare.

 

Pterygium Conjunctiva 

What is Pterygium Conjunctiva? 

Pterygium (conjunctiva) is a noncancerous growth on the white of the eye that can extend to the pupil and affect vision. If left untreated, a pterygium can continue to grow and result in an increase in symptoms.
Diagnosing and treating pterygium (conjunctiva) to prevent damage to patients’ vision and comfort level.

Pterygiums are believed to occur due to excessive exposure to sunlight, wind, and other outdoor elements, so it is more common to see them with individuals who spend large amounts of time outdoors.

Pterygium Symptoms 

The symptoms of pterygiums include: eye redness, irritation, itching, burning, inflammation, blurring vision, and feeling like a foreign object is in the eye. If left untreated and growth continues, possible symptoms can include blindness, the restriction of eye movement and decreased vision.

Pterygium Treatment 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists can diagnose a pterygium through a simple eye exam, but treatment can be more complicated, depending on the growth of the pterygium. Usually, a pterygium does not need treatment and can be handled in a way to limit growth so that it does not affect the cornea. Ophthalmologists from our clinic often prescribe artificial tears or mild steroids to keep the eye from becoming inflamed in an effort to avoid stimulating growth. Most patients are recommended to see their ophthalmologist once a year after diagnosis to monitor growth so that if treatment is required, it can occur before vision is affected. The only permanent solution for pterygium is to have it removed. A pterygium only needs to be removed if it is growing on the cornea and affecting vision.