Due to the fear of infection and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant decrease in visits to physicians. Some patients have elected to skip their recommended appointments.
Unfortunately, as a result of skipping recommended office visits, serious eye diseases have continued to progress. At Atlantic Medical Eye Care, we are encouraging our patients to return to their regular eye exams to ensure their eyes remain in good health.
The Progression of More Advanced Eye Disease
There are a number of eye diseases that continually advance without proper care. This can greatly diminish a patient’s quality of life.
Glaucoma
Those who suffer from Glaucoma should never miss appointments because this disease needs regular monitoring and care. Furthermore, vision lost from Glaucoma can never be recovered.
AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy
Diseases including Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy also continue to progress when left untreated.
Cataracts
Cataracts can be corrected, but waiting on surgery to remove cataracts can make the procedure more complicated.
Advanced Eye Cancers
Tragically, Ophthalmologists have seen a dramatic increase in advanced eye cancers, such as Ocular Melanomas. There has been a trend toward more people requiring enucleation (surgical removal of the eye). This cancer is treatable if caught early.
Symptoms of Eye Cancer may include:
- blurry vision
- flashing lights
- the inability to see out of one part of the eye
The Bottom Line
We advise patients not to skip appointments or ignore eye or vision changes — even if they are not in pain. Your eye health is too important to compromise.
To set up or reschedule an appointment with us, contact us today.
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