UBMD Ophthalmology at the Ross Eye Institute

A loss of central vision in both eyes caused by deterioration of the retina and can severely impair vision; it's usually age-related.

Symptoms of macular degeneration may include: straight lines start to appear distorted, the center of vision becomes distorted, dark, blurry, or white out areas appear in the center of vision, and/or color perception may change or diminish.

Cataracts occurs when the lens of the eye becomes clouded. The cloudiness is caused by a buildup of a protein, which then hinders the passage of light through the lens.

Cataracts usually form slowly overtime with few symptoms until they noticeably block light.

Cataracts symptoms can include:

• Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy
• Changes in the way you see color because the discolored lens acts as a filter
• Double vision
• Sudden changes in glasses prescription.
• Problems with driving at night such as glare from oncoming headlights
• Problems with glare during the day
• Progressive nearsightedness (or progressive myopia)

Mild cases of cataracts may be able to be corrected through prescription glasses or contact lenses. More progressive cases of cataracts will need to be treated by surgery in which the damaged intraocular lens is removed and replaced. UBMD Ophthalmology offers both fixed-lens cataracts surgery and adjustable-lens cataracts surgery.

A fixed intraocular lens is a lens that is selected based on your current prescription before the surgery. Light Adjustable Lenses can be adjusted after surgery through an in-office procedure that takes about 90-seconds. 

UBMD Ophthalmology at the Ross Eye Insitute is the only team in the area providing this revolutionary surgery.

In addition to refractive surgeries, which can change the shape of the cornea to correct a person's vision, our specialists provide for all conditions related to the health of the cornea.

• Cornea transplants
• Cornea diseases
• Corneal abrasion
• Corneal biopsies
• Corneal ulcer
• Dry eye

For disesases and conditions affecting the cornea, our cornea specialists treat:

• Bacterial infections
• Basement membrane dystrophy
• Eye tumors
• Fuhs endothelial dystrophy
• Herpes infection
• Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE syndrome) 
  
• Keratoconus
• Pink eye (conjunctivities)
• Pterygium
• Seasonal allergies affecting the eyes
• Stromal dystrophys and stromal degenerations
  
• Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy
• Posterior polymorphus dystrophy

The eye care professionals at the Ross Eye Institute treat several types of eye infections and causes of inflammation, including but not limited to:

• Blepharitis: an eye condition that causes eyelids to become red, swollen, irritated and itchy; some may experience crusty, dandruff-like flakes on the eyelashes. Blepharitis can be uncomfortable, but it isn't contagious, and it usually doesn't cause any lasting damage to your eyes. Treatments include may include a combination or cleaning the eyelids, antibiotic or steroid eyedrops.
  
• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye): is the inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball, (the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball) and the inner eyelid. It can be caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious, and is spread by contact with eye secretions from someone who is infected. Symptoms include redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes, as well as discharge or crusting around the eyes.
• Optic neuritis: when swelling (inflammation) damages the optic nerve — a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. Common symptoms of optic neuritis include pain with eye movement and temporary vision loss in one eye.
  
• Stye: an inflamed oil gland on the edge of the eyelid, where the eyelash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple and is often tender to the touch.
  
• Uveitis (iritis): inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea). The most common type is an inflammation of the iris called iritis (anterior uveitis). Symptoms include redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision and dark floating spots in the field of vision. Uveitis may just be the inflammation, but it could also be a result of an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medication may be prescribed.

Glaucoma is caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye that slowly, over time, reduces vision. Peripheral vision is lost first, which can often going undetected for years if not seeing an eye care professional.

By seeing an eye care professional every one-to-two years, glaucoma can be identified in its early stages.

Glaucoma treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment or microsurgery, depending on the severity of the case.

Refractive surgery is a corrective surgery that can improve eyesight, reducing or eliminating the need for prescription glasses or contacts. 

Refractive surgery involves reshaping the cornea through a variety of surgeical approaches to correct or adjust your eye's focusing ability. Other procedures may involve implanting a lens inside your eye. 

Types of refractive surgeries offered at the Ross Eye Institute are: PRK, LASIK, SMILE and phakic IOLs.

Refractive surgery can help people with:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia