- ArthritisMany factors contribute to dry eye. The treatment is aimed at restoring the delicate balance with in the tear layer. Dry eye is caused by age, activities, medications and medical conditions. As we age our bodies produce fewer tears. For instance a 60 year old produces 60% fewer tears than an 18 year old. Everyday activities including, reading, writing, watching TV and driving, all require an increase in concentration and a decrease in the blink rate. More tears evaporate and dry eye develops. Medications often times decrease the volume of tears produced. Anti-histamines and B-Blockers are commonly used examples. Environment plays a large role in evaporation rates. A dry, air-conditioned environment, filled with dust and pollen pollutes the tear layer and decreases its efficiency. Medical conditions including collagen/vascular diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogrens, etc. all cause a decrease in tear production.
- Primary CarePlease be aware that some insurance companies require an authorization for you to see a specialist. It is imperative that you contact your primary care provider so that they can fax the authorization to us prior to your appointment. If you do not have a prior authorization, you may be asked to reschedule.
- GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it. Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. There is no cure for glaucoma—yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease. It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure or IOP, is the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with “normal” levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.
- OphthalmologyDr. Durrett is a native of Florida and returns to the Gulf coast to practice Ophthalmology. Dr. Durrett provides comprehensive management of eye care including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, emergency and routine eye care. He offers some of the most advanced cataract solutions available.
- Macular DegenerationFew people are aware that macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease and that it is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans.
- CataractsCataracts are a common cause for poor vision. The prevalence of cataracts increases with age; more than 50 percent of people over age 55 have these lens opacities and over 70 percent of those over age 75 have this condition.
- Cataract SurgeryMost cataract surgeries are now performed using microscopic size incisions, advanced ultrasonic equipment to fragment cataracts into tiny fragments, and foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) to maintain small incision size. Cataract surgery today is the result of extraordinary technological and surgical advancements that allows millions of people to once again enjoy crisp and clear vision. A true marvel of modern medicine, cataract surgery may restore vision to levels you may have never thought possible.
- Eye ExamDiabetes is a disease affecting small blood vessels. The long-term effects of high blood sugar levels cause these blood vessels to become leaky which can be viewed during an eye exam.
- Mental HealthIn the mid- and late 1990s, numerous medical studies were conducted to help us understand how cataract surgery affects the quality of life of older people. One study, conducted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, found that patients who had cataract surgery enjoyed an improvement in their quality of life, reflected in their driving skills, community activities, home activities, and mental health.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyThe most serious consequence of diabetic retinopathy is new blood vessel growth, called neovascularization. Compromised blood flow leads to poor oxygenation of retinal tissues. Consequently the retina grows new blood vessels to bring more oxygen. Unfortunately these blood vessels are fragile and often times break and bleed. Scars form as the retina heals and the retina can detach as the scar tissue contracts.. The result is a retinal detachment and blindness. That is why you can go blind from diabetes.
- UltrasoundCataracts in the early stages can be treated by changing your eyeglass prescription. However, as the cataract becomes more advanced, surgery may be indicated. The cataract procedure is a simple 10 minute surgery where the cloudy lens is removed with an ultrasound machine and replaced with an artificial lens implant, an intraocular lens like the lens to the left. The implant has the patient's glasses prescription already built in resulting in much less reliance on glasses than beforesurgery.More importantly, the problems induced by the cataract are gone for good. The implant requires no maintenance and performs its job for the rest of the individuals life.