Medical Eye Exam

Cataracts

Cataract is one of the most common causes of vision changes as people age. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing vision to become blurry, hazy, or less vibrant. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and can eventually interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

At Riverdale Vision Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams to detect cataracts early and help you understand the best options for maintaining clear vision.

What Causes Cataracts?

The lens of the eye is normally clear and helps focus light onto the retina. Over time, proteins in the lens can begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing cataracts, including:

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunlight
• Smoking
• Certain medications, such as long-term steroid use
• Previous eye injuries or eye surgery

Although cataracts are most associated with aging, they can sometimes develop earlier due to these risk factors.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts often develop gradually, and symptoms may become noticeable as the condition progresses.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Increased sensitivity to light or glare
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded or yellowed colors
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Halos around lights

How Cataracts Are Diagnosed

Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. During the exam, your eye doctor will evaluate the clarity of the lens and check the overall health of your eyes.

Tests may include:

• Visual acuity testing
• Slit-lamp examination to examine the lens and other eye structures
• Retinal evaluation to assess the back of the eye

Cataract Treatment

In the early stages, cataract symptoms can often be managed with updated eyeglasses, brighter lighting, or anti-glare lenses. However, as cataracts progress, they may begin to significantly affect vision.

When cataracts interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery may be recommended. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Cataract Surgery is one of the most performed and highly successful surgical procedures, often restoring clear vision and improving quality of life.

At Riverdale Vision Care, we will monitor your cataracts and refer you to a trusted surgical specialist if surgery becomes necessary.

Protecting Your Vision

While cataracts cannot always be prevented, certain habits may help reduce your risk or slow progression:

• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays
• Maintain good control of diabetes
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants
• Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams

Routine eye exams allow your doctor to detect cataracts early and recommend the best care for your vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma Screening & Treatment

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure inside the eye. It is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss, and early detection is key to preserving your eyesight.

At Riverdale Vision Care, our experienced eye doctors provide comprehensive glaucoma screenings and personalized care to protect your vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) and damaging the optic nerve. This damage can lead to peripheral vision loss and, if left untreated, permanent blindness.

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:

• Age over 40
• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• History of eye injury or eye surgery
• High intraocular pressure
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid medication

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma often develops gradually, making early detection critical. Common symptoms include:

• Loss of peripheral (side) vision/bumping into objects
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Severe eye pain or headache (acute angle-closure glaucoma)
• Nausea or vomiting (acute cases)

Because glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs, annual eye exams are essential, especially for at-risk individuals.

Glaucoma Screening & Diagnosis

At Riverdale Vision Care, our doctors use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate eye health and detect glaucoma early. A glaucoma exam may include:

• Measuring intraocular pressure
• Examining the optic nerve
• Assessing the drainage angle of the eye
• Visual field testing to check peripheral vision
• Imaging tests to detect optic nerve damage

Glaucoma Treatment Options

While glaucoma cannot be cured, treatments can help control intraocular pressure and preserve vision. Options include:

• Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
• Oral medications in select cases
• Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage
• Surgical procedures for advanced or resistant glaucoma

Our doctors work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and provide ongoing monitoring to protect your eyesight.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a common eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed vision used in reading, driving, and recognizing faces. When the macula is damaged, central vision may become blurry or distorted, making daily tasks challenging.

At Riverdale Vision Care, our experienced eye doctors provide comprehensive macular degeneration screenings, diagnosis, and treatment options to help preserve your vision.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that primarily affects adults over 50, though early signs can appear earlier. There are two main types:

• Dry Macular Degeneration – The most common form, caused by gradual thinning or atrophy of the macula. Vision loss is usually slow and gradual.
• Wet Macular Degeneration – Less common but more severe, caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid or blood into the retina. Vision loss can occur rapidly if untreated.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration