Dr. Randleman received his BA degree from Columbia University in New York City. He earned his MD degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his residency training at Emory University, serving as Chief Resident in his final year. He then completed a fellowship in Cornea/External disease and refractive surgery at Emory University.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
"Anyone who is facing cataract surgery has nothing to fear! I was petrified at the thought of having anything done to my eyes but had no choice when the cataracts appeared. I was extremely near-sighted with a high degree of astigmatism prior to the cataract development. I'd worn glasses since the 3rd grade and could not see clearly more than 3 inches from my
eyes. The cataract surgery was like a miracle to me. There was no pain during or after the surgery. The area around my eye was tender, but never hurt. When the eye pad came off the next day, I could see! My vision is now 20-60 in the right eye and 20-15 in the left. I don't have to wear glasses for anything, not even to read the paper. I can see the clock in the morning without putting on glasses. Don't fear this surgery; it does not hurt and the results are life changing!"
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What is a cataract?
A cataract is an eye disease in which the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, causing a decrease in vision. The lens is important for focusing light onto the back of the eye (the retina) so that images appear clear and without distortion, and the clouding of this lens during cataract formation distorts our vision. Cataracts are usually a very gradual process of normal aging but can occasionally develop rapidly. They commonly affect both eyes, but it is not uncommon for a cataract in one eye to advance more rapidly. Cataracts are very common, affecting roughly 60% of people over the age of 60, and over 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States each year.
Precisely why cataracts occur is unknown; however, most cataracts appear to be
caused by changes in the protein structures within the lens that occur over many
years and cause the lens to become cloudy. Rarely, cataracts can present at
birth or in early childhood as a result of hereditary enzyme defects, other
genetic disease, or systemic congenital infections. Severe trauma to the eye,
eye surgery, or intraocular inflammation can also cause cataracts to develop
more rapidly. Other factors that may lead to development of cataracts at an
earlier age include excessive ultraviolet light exposure, exposure to ionizing
radiation, diabetes, smoking, or the use of certain medications, such as oral, topical, or inhaled steroids. Other medications that are more weakly associated with cataracts include the long-term use of statins and phenothiazines.
Experts have estimated that in the United States, visual disability associated with cataracts accounts for over 8 million physician office visits a year. This number will likely continue to increase as the
number of people over the age of 60 rises. When people develop cataracts, they begin to have difficulty doing activities they enjoy. Some of the most common complaints include difficulty driving at night, reading, or traveling. These are all activities for which clear vision is essential.
What are the symptoms and signs of cataracts?
Cataract development is often equated to looking through a dirty windshield of a car or smearing grease over the lens of a camera. Cataracts may cause a variety of complaints and visual changes, including blurred vision, difficulty with glare (often with bright sun or automobile headlights while driving at night), dull color vision, increased nearsightedness accompanied by frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, and occasionally double vision in one eye. A change in glasses may initially help once vision begins to change from a cataract; however, as the cataract continues to become more dense and cloudy, vision also becomes more cloudy, and stronger glasses or contact lenses will no longer improve sight.
Cataracts typically develop gradually and are usually not painful or associated with any eye redness or other symptoms unless they become extremely advanced. Rapid and/or painful changes in vision raise suspicion for other eye diseases and should be evaluated by an eye-care professional.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal detachment include flashing lights and floaters. Highly nearsighted young adults and those who've had cataract surgery are at higher risk for retinal detachment.
Eye floaters are deposits or condensation that forms in the eye's vitreous humor. These deposits cast shadows on the retina, and as the eye moves, the deposits shift position, making it appear as though the shadows are moving or floating.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic illnesses, hyperparathyroidism, atopic dermatitis, and certain medications. Symptoms and signs include a decrease in vision and a whitish color to the affected eye. Treatment depends upon the patient's specific visual needs and may involve cataract surgery.
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an eye-care OTC product.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic condition that causes retinal degeneration and eventual vision loss. Symptoms include night blindness and tunnel vision. Visual field testing and electrophysiological testing are essential in diagnosing RP. Though there is no cure for RP, vitamin A therapy and an omega-3-rich diet may be recommended for patients to slow disease progression.
eye. Read about symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Coats' disease is a rare eye condition that typically progresses to vision loss or blindness in one eye. Gradual vision loss is usually the first symptom, followed by a cloudy white or yellow pupil due to the presence of a cataract. Treatment focuses on limiting the blood vessel progression and may involve cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation.
Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common of a
group of hereditary progressive retinal degenerations or dystrophies. There is
considerable variation and overlap among the various forms of retinitis
pigmentosa. Common to all of them is progressive degeneration of the retina,
specifically of the light receptors, known as the rods and cones. The rods of
the retina are involved earlier in the course of the disease, and cone
deterioration occurs later. In this progressive degeneration of the retina, the
peripheral vision slowly constricts and central vision is usually retained until
late in the disease.
What causes retinitis pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited condition which involves both eyes. If
it starts in one eye, the other eye usually develops the same condition in a
number of years. Most cases are familial, inherited in a variety of ways,
including dominant, recessive, and...
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