Skip to main content

Ocular Disease and Special Testing

Diagnosis, treatment and management of disease

Patients diagnosed with an eye disease can be managed at the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health. Using the most advanced technology and informed by cutting edge research, the ocular disease team provides diagnosis, treatment and management of disease and anomalies that affect the eye and vision.

An example of what our team of specialists can diagnose, treat or manage:

  • Cataract
  • Chalazia and styes
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Curtains, flashes and floaters (retinal detachment vitreous)
  • Diabetic eye disease
  • Dry eye
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration

Ophthalmology Services

As an example of our commitment to interprofessional education, in collaboration with our ophthalmology partners, we provide co-management of the following:

  • Laser/medical treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration
  • Laser treatment for retinal defects and retinal vascular disorders
  • Laser/medical treatment for all types of glaucoma
  • Minor surgical treatment for lid disorders
  • Laser/surgical treatment for corneal disorders
  • Laser treatment of post-operative cataract complications
  • Biopsy of possible cancers of the lids and adnexa
  • Medical and topical treatment of uveitic disorders
  • Treatment of ocular trauma

Common Ocular Diseases

At the University Eye Center, you will have access to the most advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and the expertise of top clinicians. Additionally, the convenience of multiple specialists located all under one roof makes referral visits and co-management as easy as walking down the hall.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. Pink eye treatment is usually focused on symptom relief, cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth and applying cold or warm compresses. In some cases, medication is prescribed.

Chalazia And Styes are two common eyelid conditions. A chalazion results from a blockage of one or more of the small oil producing glands that are found in the upper and lower  eyelids. A stye is a red, painful lump caused by an infection of oil glands in the eyelid. Both chalazia and styes can be treated using warm compresses and ointments. Severe cases may require in-office treatment.

Dry Eye is most often a result of the eyes’ natural aging process, but can also be a result of health, environmental or other factors. This condition is chronic, and typically progressive. Unfortunately dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes’ sensitivity can be lessened with over-the-counter or prescription eye drops and other therapeutic treatments to manage the underlying cause.

Curtains, Flashes And Floaters usually appear when the eye’s vitreous break loose. It is normally not cause for worry, but any sudden onset of many new floaters, flashes of light or a curtain should be promptly evaluated by your eye doctor to determine if a torn retina or retinal detachment has occurred. Treatment options may include laser treatment and surgery through co-managment with our ophthalmologist.

Diabetic Eye Disease can seriously affect vision and if left untreated can cause blindness, making early diagnosis and treatment essential. Moderate to severe diabetic retinal disease treatments range from lasers to intravitreal injections.

In collaboration with your primary care provider, our clinicians may assist with medication reconciliation, as well as helping you make healthy diet and nutrition choices.

Glaucoma is actually a group of related disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve. In its early stages you may not notice any symptoms. The exact cause of glaucoma is not known, it cannot currently be prevented and it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. But, if detected at an early stage and treated promptly with eye drops or minor surgical procedures, glaucoma can usually be controlled with little or no further vision loss.

Macular Degeneration is the deterioration of the part of the eye that controls visual acuity or central vision — affecting your ability to read, recognize faces, drive and any other visual task requiring you to see fine detail. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but some treatments can help delay progression. The best treatment is preventative, including vitamin supplements, eating healthfully and not smoking.

Cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. At first, the cloudiness in your vision may affect only a small part of the eye’s lens, but as the cataract grows larger, it clouds more of your lens and distorts the light passing through the lens. This may lead to more noticeable symptoms. When prescription glasses or contact lenses can’t clear your vision, the next step in treatment for cataracts is surgery.