A cataract is a clouding of a part of the eye known as the crystalline lens. The lens is a clear tissue located behind the pupil - the dark, circular opening in the middle of the iris or colored part of the eye. The lens works with the transparent cornea, which covers the eye's surface, to focus light on the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, or cataractous, light cannot pass to the retina properly, and vision is blurred and decreased. Although cataracts result from many conditions, the most frequent cause is the natural aging process. However, some young patients develop cataracts as well. Injuries, diseases and certain medications can cause cataracts. Cataracts may also be hereditary. Other causes may include injury, chronic eye disease, and other system-wide diseases such as diabetes.

The ophthalmologists at Lindenhurst Eye Physicians & Surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all pediatric eye conditions. Children of all ages can be examined by the pediatric ophthalmologist. Even small infants can be examined if problems are suspected. Most serious eye conditions are identified in the preschool years. The earlier these conditions are caught, the better the outcome is likely to be during treatment.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration - What is it?
During an eye examination, your ophthalmologist checks the interior of your eyes for many conditions. Among these is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can affect the central part of the retina known as the macula. AMD causes blurred or distorted close vision, making it difficult to read, sew or do handiwork. Because peripheral vision is not affected, patients with AMD compensate by using magnifiers and "low vision aids." Dr. Sergiu Marcus, who serves as a consultant to patients with retinal conditions at Lindenhurst Eye Physicians & Surgeons, P.C., reports that early laser treatments can help some people with the "wet" or exudative form of AMD. "However," he says, "for most people with AMD who have the 'dry' or atrophic form, treatment is currently limited to making the best use of remaining vision."

Glaucoma is a "silent" disease that affects the eye long before the primary symptom - a loss of peripheral vision - appears. This is one of the most important reasons for people over the age of forty to have regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist, the eye care specialist most qualified to treat glaucoma. Normally, fluid drains through the eye continually. When this drainage is blocked, pressure builds up within the eye, causing glaucoma. Eye drops or oral medications that lower the pressure are usually prescribed for initial treatment. In cases where medication does not reduce the pressure, several laser treatments can restore normal drainage. Laser treatments are performed in the office, do not require anesthesia and cause little or no discomfort.

Our glaucoma specialists treat open angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, with an argon laser that makes numerous tiny burns in the drainage channels within the eye. This restores the free flow of fluid and reduces the pressure. For narrow or closed angle glaucoma, in which the iris blocks fluid drainage, we use a YAG laser to create a tiny opening in the iris that allows fluid to flow freely, equalizing pressure on both sides of the iris.

This is the internal layer of the eye that receives and transmits focused images. The retina is normally red due to its rich blood supply. It can be seen with an ophthalmoscope, which allows the examiner to see through the pupil and lens. Changes in color or appearance of the retina or its circulation may indicate disease. Some of the diseases that can be detected and treated early are Retinal Detachments, Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. Our specialists are trained to evaluate all patients for such conditions.