Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed and colour vision, deteriorates. Caused by the natural ageing of the eye, AMD is a progressive disease that results in vision loss, distorted vision, and blind spots.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people living in North America over the age of 55. At Dr. Zargar Eyecare, although there is no cure, we can diagnose and manage both dry and wet AMD.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that occurs when the optic nerve, responsible for sending visual information from the eyes to the brain, becomes damaged. This typically happens when fluid in the eye does not drain, causing extreme intraocular pressure on the optic nerve. However, glaucoma can develop even when your eye’s internal pressure is within normal ranges, a condition called normal-tension glaucoma.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canadians over the age of 60. Without treatment, it can lead to complete vision loss within a few years of diagnosis.

If you are over the age of 60, it is imperative to have an annual eye exam as glaucoma can manifest without warning and usually progresses quickly once you begin to experience symptoms.

Cataracts are a normal part of the ageing process, and form as the lens in our eye starts to age – becoming thicker, less flexible, and less transparent over time. Eventually, the tissues in the lens begin to break down and cluster together, resulting in cloudy and hazy spots that can impair vision.

Luckily, cataracts can be cured with a simple surgery. It is a quick and pain-free procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

If you are preparing for cataract surgery, we may recommend specialized treatment, like the Lipiflow Thermal Pulsation System. This treatment applies gentle warmth and massage to the glands in your eyes, promoting healthy tear film. Having healthy robust tears before and after cataract surgery can make your eyes more comfortable throughout the process.

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an eye condition that results in red, irritated and bloodshot eyes. It occurs when the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the white portion (sclera) and the inner eyelid, become irritated or infected. This irritation causes the blood vessels contained in the conjunctiva to dilate, causing red or “pink” eyes.

Although considered minor, some forms of conjunctivitis may become more serious if not diagnosed early and treated properly. Depending on what type of conjunctivitis you contract, your optometrist may prescribe antibiotics.

Keratoconus is a progressive disease that affects the cornea, thinning it out and causing it to bulge into a cone-like shape. This results in poor vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses. However, in some cases, contact lenses, and especially scleral lenses have been known to manage keratoconus.

Keratoconus forms when antioxidants levels in the eye are low, which causes the collagen to weaken and the cornea to bulge out. Keratoconus is a genetic condition, so it is critical to have your family tested regularly.