- GlaucomaGlaucoma is an eye disease in which pressure increases in the eye due to clogged or blocked passages. Fluid that normally drains through these passages begins to build up, and the increased pressure can damage the optic nerve. Open-angle glaucoma tends to develope without warning - often painlessly and with no symptoms. Because of this, it can cause damage and blindness more quickly when untreated. Risk factors for developing glaucoma include people over the age of 40; those who have a family history of glaucoma; those who are very nearsighted; diabetics; and African-Americans.
- OphthalmologyDr. Frank Hettiger, a Flora native, opened Hettiger Eye Care Center after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Millikin University and Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees from Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Hettiger has lectured throughout the country for ophthalmology and optometry groups and contact lens manufactures. Dr. Hettiger has earned the honor of being named a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and has been selected to receive the Optometric Recognition Award by the American Optometric Association annually since 1996. Additional honors include being named as one of America's Top Optometrists 2002-03 by the Consumer Research Council of America. Dr. Hettiger is co-owner of a patent on laser dyed contact lenses for night vision and for sunglass contact lenses. Working with the St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball Team, has been the highlight of his professional career. Dr. Hettiger is a member of the Illinois, Missouri, and Arizona Optometric Associations as well as being professionally licensed in all three states.
- Macular DegenerationMacular Degeneration is a condition in which the tissue of the macula, (a portion of the retina responsible for visual clarity), becomes thin. It is believed to be a natural part of the aging process. Aging, or systemic disease, causes the breakdown of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular region. As the disease progresses, central vision diminishes. It is believed that this breakdown may be due to a lack of nutrients being supplied to the region. Additional studies have found a genetic link to this disease.
- Laser Eye SurgeryMany patients find that when they age, their eyes begin to become more dry and discomfort is felt by the end of the day. Contact lenses can be a source of eye discomfort or a burning sensation. LASIK is another cause of dry eye along with systemic problems such as Sjogren's syndrome.
- CataractsA Cataract is a clouding of opacity of the natural internal lens of the eye which causes a visual imparment. The natural lens is located behind the iris, or "colored part" of the eye. The opacity may be a small dot or may involve the entire lens.
- Cataract Surgery"Blindness": Early cataracts may impair sight, but fortunately the "blindness" is only temporary. After the lens is removed and replaced with a new lens, sight is restored. See Cataract Surgery for a more detailed explanation.
- Eye ExamRemember that early signs of diseases, such as diabeties, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels can often be detected through an eye exam. Even patients with 20/20 vision can suffer from underlying health problems, you can seek early treatment, possibly improving your overall health along with your vision.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDIABETIC RETINOPATHY is the condition where a diabetic person's blood sugar gets too high. When this occurs, the high blood sugar level starts a series of events which end in damaged blood vessel walls.
- Chemotherapy90% of cataracts are due to the normal aging process affecting people over the age of 50. Not all cataracts, however, are due to age. Lens opacities can be present at birth, while others develop by another cause. Some factors that have been found to contribute to the formation of cataracts are: Age, Genetics, Injury, Nutritional deficiencies, Ultra-violet, (UV) radiation, Chemotherapy, Steroid Therapy, Diabeties, or Renal Failure.
- Allergies