Recent Research is Providing Answers for Hereditary Eye Diseases

September 30th, 2020

Eye conditions, especially hereditary ones, can feel inevitable. Taking action and coming to one of our Colorado offices can be the start of diagnosis and treatment that will change your perspective. Some conditions, like glaucoma, can be easily identified and treated, with little damage if they are caught early. During pandemic times, we have to make a lot of choices. Preserving your vision shouldn’t be something you postpone. The best eye doctors in Colorado are ready to help you get treatment for many hereditary eye conditions.

How Do You Know if You’re At Risk?

At your routine eye exam, we screen for several common hereditary eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. We ask about your family history and follow up on any other risks we identify. In some cases, you may also decide to get genetic testing. With a few more tests and questions, such as whether you have problems with night vision, we can get you on the road to better eye health with the latest care and treatment.

Glaucoma

Damage to the optic nerve is a common outcome of unmanaged glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in those over 60. At regular eye exams we test internal eye pressure, one of the signs of glaucoma. Treatment can be as simple as eye drops. Glaucoma can be caught and treated by your eye doctor long before you experience vision problems.

Cataracts

Cataracts, cloudiness in the lenses of your eyes, causes gradual vision problems. Cataracts are more likely for you if others in your family have had them, but they are also a common part of aging. When necessary, simple cataract eye surgery can be performed to remove the cloudy lens and restore vision.

Macular Degeneration

If you’ve had a relative who could not see well directly ahead, that could be from macular degeneration. It’s a progressive condition with loss of vision due to damage at the center of the retina. It’s usually aging-related but can occur earlier in life. Routine eye exams can uncover this condition. Treatments include medications, laser therapy, and vision aids.

Other Hereditary Eye Conditions

If your family history includes retinitis pigmentosa, keratoconus, conditions that cause light sensitivity, color vision loss, or cornea problems, we can help you monitor your eyes and provide treatment as needed. There are many other conditions, including vision problems that occur in developing children, that we treat as well.

See Your Eye Doctor at ICON for Annual Hereditary Eye Disease Screening and Treatment

We have answers for your hereditary eye condition concerns. Experience and advanced training give our eye doctors the edge in addressing hereditary eye conditions including performing cataract eye surgery and providing early glaucoma care. Make an appointment with the best eye doctors in Colorado at ICON Eyecare now. We’ll help you understand what your situation is and provide expert treatment.