Cataracts & Diabetic Retinopathy
Bloom Eye Associates offers innovative sight-saving solutions
At Bloom Eye Associates, we offer state-of-the-art diagnosis of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. For patients that require surgical intervention, we offer the latest most effective procedures.
Cataracts.
Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide; almost 20 million people are blind because of the condition. Many people think of cataracts as alarming, assuming that if they get them, they will become blind. However, advanced cataract surgery can restore lost sight in most cases. In the United States, more than one million cataract surgeries are performed annually.
What Causes Cataracts?
The aging process is most directly associated with cataracts. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to ultraviolet light contributes to the formation of cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking and high blood pressure may contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Cataract Surgery
Since there is presently no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they develop, the only treatment for cataracts is surgical removal. At Bloom Eye Associates, Drs. Bloom, Antonello and Pesce perform the state-of-the-art "no-stitch" method of cataract surgery. With this safe and effective outpatient procedure, your cloudy lens is gently removed through a microscopic-sized incision. A selected lens implant is then carefully implanted to restore bright clear vision. We are proud to offer our patients the option of the latest astigmatism correcting intraocular lenses for those with preexisting astigmatism. Cataract surgery is quick, safe and effective. Most patients can return to their normal activities the very next day.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes affects cells and organs throughout the body, and the retina is particularly vulnerable. This disease damages the retina, which is the crucial part of the eye that converts light energy into nerve impulses the brain can interpret as images. Over time, diabetes attacks the small blood vessels of the retina. Damage to these vessels can cause swelling and bleeding in the retina or the growth of abnormal vessels. This is called diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss.
If you have diabetes, you are likely to develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Studies show that 25% of people with diabetes had some form of retinal changes after three to four years. After 15 years, an astounding 80% of people with diabetes showed signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Advanced Laser Treatment
Although diabetic retinopathy often presents with no symptoms, certain signs should be concerning. These include persistent blurry vision, fluctuating vision or a sudden onset of new floaters. Dr. Bloom offers advanced diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, and he can treat it using laser technology.
Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount to preserving your vision, particularly when it comes to cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Call and schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Bloom Eye Associates today. Our office is located directly across from Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Bloom Eye Associates proudly serves Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Cataracts & Diabetic Retinopathy
Bloom Eye Associates offers innovative sight-saving solutions
At Bloom Eye Associates, we offer state-of-the-art diagnosis of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. For patients that require surgical intervention, we offer the latest most effective procedures.
Cataracts.
Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss worldwide; almost 20 million people are blind because of the condition. Many people think of cataracts as alarming, assuming that if they get them, they will become blind. However, advanced cataract surgery can restore lost sight in most cases. In the United States, more than one million cataract surgeries are performed annually.
What Causes Cataracts?
The aging process is most directly associated with cataracts. As the body ages, the normally transparent lens begins to harden and becomes cloudy. There is increasing evidence that lifelong exposure to ultraviolet light contributes to the formation of cataracts. Over half of all people aged 65 or older have some degree of cataract development. In addition, eye injuries, certain medications, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking and high blood pressure may contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Cataract Surgery
Since there is presently no medical treatment to prevent cataracts or reverse them once they develop, the only treatment for cataracts is surgical removal. At Bloom Eye Associates, Drs. Bloom, Antonello and Pesce perform the state-of-the-art "no-stitch" method of cataract surgery. With this safe and effective outpatient procedure, your cloudy lens is gently removed through a microscopic-sized incision. A selected lens implant is then carefully implanted to restore bright clear vision. We are proud to offer our patients the option of the latest astigmatism correcting intraocular lenses for those with preexisting astigmatism. Cataract surgery is quick, safe and effective. Most patients can return to their normal activities the very next day.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes affects cells and organs throughout the body, and the retina is particularly vulnerable. This disease damages the retina, which is the crucial part of the eye that converts light energy into nerve impulses the brain can interpret as images. Over time, diabetes attacks the small blood vessels of the retina. Damage to these vessels can cause swelling and bleeding in the retina or the growth of abnormal vessels. This is called diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss.
If you have diabetes, you are likely to develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Studies show that 25% of people with diabetes had some form of retinal changes after three to four years. After 15 years, an astounding 80% of people with diabetes showed signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Advanced Laser Treatment
Although diabetic retinopathy often presents with no symptoms, certain signs should be concerning. These include persistent blurry vision, fluctuating vision or a sudden onset of new floaters. Dr. Bloom offers advanced diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, and he can treat it using laser technology.
Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount to preserving your vision, particularly when it comes to cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Call and schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Bloom Eye Associates today. Our office is located directly across from Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Bloom Eye Associates proudly serves Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Philadelphia and surrounding areas.