MEDICAL EYE CONCERNS

Learn More About Your Area of Concern

Allergies? Dry Eyes? Watery Eyes?

Dr. Oevermann can help! As a therapeutic optometrist, he can prescribe topical antibiotics and steroids for a wide variety of eye diseases and infections.

Ask about new therapy for dry eyes!

Cataracts

Causes

Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes discolored or cloudy, causing blurred or distorted vision. This blurring is the result of a chemical change within the eye, most often occurring after the age of 55. The direct cause of cataracts is not known, although heredity, injury, and/or disease might be factors. Additional factors that may contribute to the development of cataracts include exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, and certain prescription drugs.

Symptoms

Indications that cataracts may be forming include:

  • blurred/hazy vision
  • spots in front of the eyes
  • increased sensitivity to light and resulting glare
  • feeling of “film” over the eyes
  • a temporary improvement in near vision
  • decreased vision in low illumination (night driving)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Although there is currently no known method to keep cataracts from developing, Dr. Oevermann can diagnose and monitor cataracts, and also prescribe glasses or lenses that may improve your vision. Ultimately, most cataracts should be surgically removed. Dr. Oevermann can co-manage your cataract surgery with Slade & Baker.

For additional information on cataracts visit the American Optometric Association and Eye Center of Texas websites.

Corneal Abrasions

The clear, protective “window” at the front of your eye is called the “cornea.” The most common types of eye injuries involve the cornea. A corneal abrasion is a superficial scratch to the cornea. Don’t let the “superficial” term fool you, corneal abrasions can be painful. If you have ever experienced a scratch to your eye, you can attest to this!

In case of a corneal abrasion, seek medical attention promptly. Some corneal abrasions can become infected and result in a corneal ulcer, which is a serious complication. Corneal abrasions can be caused by contact with dust, dirt, sand, wood shavings, metal particles and even the edge of a piece of paper. Plant matter (tree branches, pine needles, etc.) can sometimes cause a delayed inflammation inside the eye.

How can you tell if you have a corneal abrasion?

  • Feel like you have sand in your eye
  • Excessive tears
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Redness around the eye

Steps YOU CAN take before seeing Dr. Oevermann

  • Blink multiple times. This action may remove small particles of dirt or dust.
  • Rinse your eye with clean water or saline solution. Rinsing your eye may remove the irritant.
  • Pull the upper eyelid over the bottom lid. Your lashes on the lower eyelid can brush the irritant from the under surface of your upper eyelid.

Steps to AVOID before seeing Dr. Oevermann

  • Don’t rub your eye after an injury: Pressing or touching your eye after a corneal abrasion can make the injury worse.
  • Don’t try to remove the object if it is embedded in your eye. Do not try to remove a large object that makes closing your eye difficult. Removal of the object should be done by Dr. Oevermann.
  • Don’t touch your eyeball with tweezers, cotton swabs or other instruments.

Foreign Body Removal

If you feel like there is something in your eye, blink a few times and see if it will come out. Sometimes small particles (like eyelashes, dust, etc.) can feel larger than they are and irritate the eye.

However, sometimes foreign bodies can be lodged in the eye tissue. In this instance, you should never try to remove the object.

The foreign object could be imbedded in the delicate tissues of the eye, and removal at home could cause serious injury to your eye. Dr. Oevermann uses specialized tools to perform this procedure.

Safety Tip!

When participating in activities such as cutting wood or grinding metal, wear safety glasses to prevent this type of injury.

These activities can create projectile objects that could fly into your eyes at a very high rate of speed. Safety glasses are a must in these situations.

Call our office at 281-550-4141 for additional details.

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