Ocular Disease Management

At Gulfcoast Eye Center, we are committed to helping our patients protect their vision and maintain healthy eyes through comprehensive ocular disease management. Our expertise ensures that your eye health is closely monitored, and personalized treatment plans are designed to meet your unique needs. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in all ocular conditions, many of which are asymptomatic until they become severe. This is why yearly routine eye exams are highly recommended - even if you’re not experiencing symptoms.

Glaucoma

Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings and early detection.

Treatment Options:

• Prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure
• Oral medications
• Laser therapy
• Surgical procedures, including trabeculectomy or drainage implants

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. While common with age, they can also develop due to diabetes or certain medications. Because cataracts develop gradually and may not initially affect vision, routine eye exams are essential for early detection and monitoring. Identifying cataracts in their early stages allows us to track their progression and intervene at the right time to preserve your vision.

Treatment Options:

• Monitoring and updated prescription eyewear in early stages
• Cataract surgery, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It’s a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 50. Many patients don’t notice AMD symptoms until the disease has advanced, making early detection through routine eye exams essential.

Types of AMD:

• Dry AMD: Gradual vision loss from thinning macula. Managed with AREDS2 supplements, a healthy diet, light protection, and low vision aids.
• Wet AMD: Rapid vision loss from abnormal blood vessel growth. Treated with anti-VEGF injections (Lucentis®, Eylea®, Avastin®), Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), and laser therapy.

​​​​​​​OCT imaging and retinal exams help monitor disease progression and guide treatment.

Blepharitis

A chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins caused by bacteria, clogged oil glands, or skin conditions. Symptoms include redness, itching, and crusting along the lashes. Left untreated, it can lead to dry eye and other complications.

Treatment Options:

• Warm compresses
• Lid scrubs and hygiene routines
• Medicated drops or ointments
• Oral antibiotics
• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
• LipiFlow®: In-office thermal pulsation treatment for blocked glands

Ocular Surface Disease

This group of disorders affects the eye’s surface and often overlaps with dry eye, MGD, and blepharitis. Since symptoms may be subtle or attributed to environmental factors, many cases go undiagnosed until they worsen. At Gulfcoast Eye Center, we use tools like TearLab® to evaluate tear quality and inflammation.

Treatment Options:

• Omega-3 supplements
• Prescription eye drops (Restasis®, Xiidra®, Cequa®)
• LLLT and IPL therapy
• LipiFlow®
• Scleral lenses
• Punctal plugs
• Autologous serum eye drops for severe cases

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. High blood sugar levels can damage these vessels, leading to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness.The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are often asymptomatic, making routine diabetic eye exams crucial for preserving vision.

Treatment Options:

• Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• Laser photocoagulation
• Anti-VEGF injections
• Vitrectomy for advanced stages

Diabetic Eye Care

People with diabetes face increased risk for multiple eye conditions, often without symptoms until later stages. That’s why early intervention through annual comprehensive eye exams is key.

Our approach includes:

• Advanced diagnostics: OCT, fundus photography, visual field testing
• Education on systemic disease management and eye care
• Customized, long-term treatment plans

Take Control of Your Eye Health

If you’re managing diabetes, experiencing changes in vision, or simply due for your annual exam, Gulfcoast Eye Center is here to help. Many serious eye conditions progress silently—but with yearly exams and timely care, we can preserve your vision for years to come. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and experience personalized care that puts your eye health first.