Proactive Disease Care at South Coast Optometrists

We believe in the power of proactive and collaborative care when managing ocular diseases. Understanding the impact of eye diseases on your overall health, we partner with specialists to offer co-management services that ensure comprehensive care. This approach allows for early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing management of conditions such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Diabetic Eye Disease

What Are Diabetic Eye Diseases?

Diabetic eye diseases are a group of eye problems affecting individuals with diabetes. These include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, with diabetic retinopathy being the most common.

Symptoms

• Blurred vision or vision changes
• Floaters and spots in your vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Difficulty perceiving colours

Managing Diabetes-Related Eye Problems

Early detection through comprehensive eye exams is critical. We work closely with diabetes specialists and ophthalmologists to monitor your eye health, recommending treatments like laser therapy or injections when necessary. We aim to control the progression and minimise the impact on your vision.

Glaucoma Care

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye and can lead to vision loss if not treated.

Symptoms

Glaucoma is often known as the 'silent thief of sight' because it frequently progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Common symptoms of advanced glaucoma include:

• Blurred vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headache
• Rainbow-coloured halos around lights
• Nausea
• Sudden visual disturbances

Glaucoma Care to Protect Your Vision

Glaucoma requires lifelong management. We co-manage with ophthalmologists to provide regular pressure checks, visual field testing, and monitoring of the optic nerve. Treatment often includes prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery to lower eye pressure, helping to slow the progression of the disease.

Managing Macular Degeneration

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that can blur your central vision. It occurs when the macula, the part of the eye responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight, is damaged.

Symptoms

• Blurred or reduced central vision
• Need for brighter light when reading or doing close work
• Difficulty adapting to low light levels
• Increased blurriness of printed words
• Decreased intensity or brightness of colours

Safeguarding Your Sight Against AMD

For macular degeneration, our co-management focuses on monitoring the condition’s progression and implementing lifestyle changes or supplements that might slow it. In more advanced cases, we coordinate care with specialists for treatments like anti-VEGF therapy to help preserve vision.

Eye Health Co-Management in Seaford

Managing ocular diseases is a team effort that requires careful coordination and comprehensive care. At South Coast Optometrists, we’re committed to working alongside you and your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively. Schedule an appointment if you're living with or at risk for these ocular diseases.