Best Ophthalmologists and Eye Surgeons in Lebanon, PA

Are you looking for the best ophthalmologists and eye surgeons in Lebanon PA? Look no further than the comprehensive eye care provided at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania in Lebanon and several other convenient locations.

Choosing an eye doctor

You have most likely seen an optometrist for most of your eye care appointments. At some point, you may need an ophthalmologists or eye surgeon. All of these professionals are at all of our eye care locations. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who attend medical school for four years, followed by a four-year residency program as well as a fellowship program to specialize in a certain area such as glaucoma or cataract surgery. Here are some of the reasons you may need an ophthalmologist.

Cataracts Older Eyes

Cataracts usually form in one or both eyes by age 75. Cataracts are not a disease but an accumulation of proteins that naturally break down with age. Many of our patients who have cataracts describe their vision as cloudy, or they say that colors have become more muted. Cataracts progress slowly but when the buildup is significant enough, driving and reading may be more difficult. Eventually surgery is needed to remove the cataract. The eye surgeon will then replace it with an artificial lens, which can be clear or contain a prescription to correct your vision.

Glaucoma and Other Eye Diseases

Many patients develop eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, and require an ophthalmologist for eye care. Glaucoma affects older individuals and is caused by elevated internal eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. People rarely experience symptoms until glaucoma is in the later stages. Older individuals should get regular eye exams to detect these problems. During the exam, we perform simple tests to measure the eye’s internal pressure.

Older individuals can also have macular degeneration, characterized by loss of central vision due to damage to a part of the retina called the macula. Patients over age 60 should be particularly consistent with eye exams. Early detection is important; the disease usually starts in one eye but can quickly progress to both eyes. Again, we can perform simple tests to detect this condition.

Pediatric Eyes

Older adults are not the only ones who need an ophthalmologist. Children can have several eye conditions that require specialist treatment. For example, strabismus is a condition of improper eye alignment, often characterized by one eye that cannot focus on the target. Strabismus can just be characterized by weak eye muscles but it can also indicate serious underlying neurological issues. School eye exams are great but they are just screenings, so it is best that your child have regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist. Amblyopia, or “lazy eye” is a brain-eye coordination issue that affects about two percent of children. Basically, the brain does not properly work in conjunction with the eyes, and the condition must be treated in children because it could lead to further issues if left untreated to adulthood.

Come See Us

Regardless of your age, eye exams are important. You may find at some point that you need a specialist for you or someone in your family. Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania has the best ophthalmologists and eye surgeons in Lebanon PA. Come see us in the new year if it’s been a while since your last exam. Our expert staff will take care of all your eye care needs, so call us today to schedule your appointment.