AMD is a common eye disease associated with aging that gradually destroys clear, central vision. AMD occurs in two forms: Wet and dry. Only ten percent of people with AMD have wet AMD, which is the most severe type because of the growth of blood vessels at the macula, which often leak, and causes fluid under the macula. The dry form, which is thought to be a breakdown of the light-sensing cells in the macula, does not cause leaking vessels. Most cases of macular degeneration are age-related. Risk factors include having a family member with AMD, smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. The main symptom is central vision loss.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye's clear lens that typically occurs with aging. Cataracts are painless and often progress slowly. Therefore, many years may pass before a patient experiences symptoms. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, poor night vision, halos around lights and sensitivity to bright sunlight or glare at night. 

Cataracts surgery is one of the most commonly performed and effective surgical procedures in the United States. Cataracts cannot be prevented mostly because they are age-related. However, there are some things that can be done to slow down the progression or even prevent them. These include avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, avoiding smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol.

Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most common ocular conditions treated. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes. Dry eye can result when tear production is deficient or when tear drainage is compromised. Dry eye syndrome occurs as a part of the aging process. Dry eye is more common in women, possibly due to fluctuations in hormones that result in decreased tear or fluid production. Smoking can also contribute to dry eye syndrome. Medications such as diuretics, steroids, antidepressants, and antihistamines have all been linked to causing dry eye syndrome. Many find relief from using artificial tears on a regular basis. Sometimes too much moisture drains out of the eye through the tear ducts. Although sometimes the ducts need surgical blockage, usually plugs (temporary or permanent) solve this problem.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. People with Type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes are especially at risk for retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to sight loss when damage to the retina light sensitive cells occur as a result of retinal bleeding and leakage. When diagnosed early, diabetic retinopathy can be effectively managed. Annual eye examinations are a must in diabetic care to prevent permanent loss of vision.

An eye infection is any disease of the eyes caused by a harmful microorganism, such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus. Infections tend to occur in three areas of the eye: Eyelid. Cornea (the eye's clear outer surface)

Floaters are small spots, semi-transparent or cloudy specks within the vitreous (clear, jelly-like fluid in the eye). These floaters take on different shapes and sizes. These spots typically move as your eye moves making it virtually impossible to stare at them. The spots are often caused by protein or matter in the eye. They can result from deterioration of the vitreous due to aging. Most spots are harmless. However, suddenly seeing new floaters or floaters with flashes of light could mean something serious, like a retinal detachment which is an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention and surgery. Retinal detachments occur when the retina's sensory and pigment layers separate. You should see your doctor for a comprehensive examination when you notice sudden changes in floaters.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because there are no early warnings. While glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, it is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Glaucoma is more than six times more common in African Americans than Anglo Americans, and African Americans are more likely to go blind from glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) because of malformation of the eye's drainage structure. As the aqueous fluid is produced in the eye, proper drainage is needed. Left untreated, an elevated IOP can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in permanent vision loss. Detection and prevention are only possible with routine eye examinations. However, there are some types of glaucoma that do cause symptoms.

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes thin, and cone shaped. Patients with this condition are usually very nearsighted and have significant astigmatism. This condition may be inherited or possibly result from chronic eye rubbing. The first step in treatment is the fitting of rigid gas permeable contact lenses to create a smooth evenly shaped corneal surface. If the vision deteriorates to the point that contact lenses no longer help, a corneal transplant may be necessary.