From Myopia to Low Vision

Comprehensive Care for Eye Conditions

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215

Eye conditions can range from mild irritations to severe diseases, impacting your vision and quality of life. Early detection and treatment are essential for maintaining your eye health and preventing complications. Our Bay Area eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and managing various eye conditions using advanced technology and personalized care.

Meet The Team

Dr. Shelsea Winkler, O.D.

Dr. Khanh Ngoc Tran, O.D.

Dr. Aruna Rajagopalan, O.D.

OUR SERVICES

Advanced Corneal Disease Management

Advanced Glaucoma Management

Dry Eye Treatment

LASIK

Common Eye Conditions

Eye Care Across the Bay Area

Our eye doctors provide comprehensive care for various eye conditions, serving patients in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, and Hollister.

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The girl looks at the glasses checking for dirt.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These conditions are among the most common causes of vision problems, but they are also easily treatable.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being evenly curved like a basketball, the cornea may be more oval, like a football. This irregularity causes light to scatter and prevents it from focusing on a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Causes:

Genetics: Often inherited and present from birth.
Eye Injuries or Surgery: Trauma or surgical alterations can change the shape of the cornea.
Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea.

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects can be seen clearly. It happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Causes

Genetics: A strong family history of myopia increases risk.
Environmental Factors: Prolonged near work, such as reading or screen time, may contribute to the condition.
Early Onset: Often develops in childhood and can worsen as the eye grows.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia, where distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby objects. This occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is not curved enough, causing light to focus behind the retina.

Causes

Genetics: Hyperopia is often inherited and can be present at birth.
Age: The condition may worsen slightly as the lens loses flexibility with age.
Eye Shape: A shorter-than-average eyeball or flatter cornea leads to the condition.

Treatment Options for Refractive Errors

Eyeglasses: A simple and effective way to correct vision for all refractive errors.
Contact Lenses: Offers clear, natural vision and is suitable for active lifestyles.
Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors permanently.
Specialized Lenses: Options like toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses for combined refractive errors.

Vision Development and Pediatric Eye Conditions

People often describe “seeing through the eyes of a child” as a uniquely beautiful view of the world. However, a child’s eyes don’t always provide that crystal-clear perspective.

Vision problems related to eye health, function, or visual acuity can interfere with your child’s ability to see clearly, learn effectively, and develop essential visual skills. That’s why early evaluation and treatment are so important.

How Your Child's Sight Develops

A newborn’s vision starts as a work in progress. In the first six months of life, the eyes and the brain’s vision center must learn to work together to develop clear, accurate vision. As your child grows, their eyesight plays a crucial role in developing hand-eye coordination, depth perception, physical balance, and the ability to succeed academically.

Common Pediatric Eye Conditions

Certain conditions can disrupt this development and impact your child’s learning, growth, and long-term visual health. These may include:

Strabismus: A misalignment of the eyes, commonly called “crossed eyes.”
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): When the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to reduced vision in the weaker eye.
Eye Diseases: Conditions like congenital cataracts or tumors that can limit vision.
Ptosis (Eyelid Droop): A drooping eyelid that partially obstructs vision.
Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that can affect a child’s ability to see clearly.

Our eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating pediatric eye conditions with the utmost care and expertise. Whether your child needs a routine eye exam or advanced treatment for a specific problem, we’re here to support their visual health.

Young child wearing blue glasses focusing on distant tree outside window, symbolizing myopia prevention and importance of outdoor activities

Glasses for vision correction reflecting an autumn road in the forest

Eye Irritation and Allergies

Irritated or itchy eyes are uncomfortable and can disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to focus on work, reading, or even spending time outdoors. Several common eye conditions can cause these symptoms, each requiring specific treatments.

Eye Allergies (Allergic Conjunctivitis)

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. These allergens trigger the release of histamines in the eyes, leading to inflammation and irritation.

Symptoms

Redness and swelling
Persistent itching
Watery or teary eyes
Sensitivity to light

Managing Eye Irritation and Allergies

Eye Exams: A thorough evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide treatment.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes, like improving eyelid hygiene or reducing exposure to allergens, can reduce symptoms.
Medications: Tailored treatments such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drops, or antibiotics can help manage discomfort and prevent complications.

Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

Eye infections and inflammatory conditions can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can affect one or both eyes and is highly contagious in certain cases.

Viral Infections: These are commonly caused by adenoviruses, which can also cause respiratory infections. Viral conjunctivitis often spreads in schools and workplaces. It usually resolves on its own within 7-14 days. Cool compresses and artificial tears can provide relief.
Bacterial Infections: Caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is more likely to result in thick, yellow, or green discharge. It can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Allergic Reactions: Triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and occurs seasonally. Management includes antihistamines, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and avoiding allergens.

Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye)

A benign, wedge-shaped growth of fleshy tissue on the cornea's surface, often extending from the inner corner of the eye toward the center. It is commonly called "surfer’s eye" due to its association with outdoor activities and UV exposure.

Causes

UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without adequate eye protection.
Environmental Irritants: Chronic exposure to wind, dust, and sand can irritate the eye and contribute to the development of pterygium.
Dry Eye: Lack of sufficient tear production may exacerbate irritation, increasing the risk of pterygium.

Treatment

Early Stages: Lubricating eye drops or ointments can reduce irritation and dryness.
Advanced Cases: Surgical removal may be necessary if the growth affects vision or causes persistent discomfort.

Structural and Cosmetic Concerns

Issues affecting the structure or appearance of the eyes can impact not only their function but also a person’s comfort and confidence. Two common concerns include eyelid lesions and blepharitis.

Eyelid Lesions

Eyelid lesions are abnormal growths that can appear on or around the eyelids. They may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and range in size and appearance. Some are purely cosmetic concerns, while others require medical intervention.

Types of Eyelid Lesions

Chalazion: A painless lump caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid.
Stye: A red, painful lump often caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicle of an eyelash.
Xanthelasma: Yellowish patches of fatty deposits that form on the eyelids, often linked to high cholesterol.
Malignant Tumors: Includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which require prompt evaluation and treatment.

Treatment Options

Medications: Antibiotic ointments or drops for infectious lesions.
Surgical Removal: Minor procedures to excise growths, often with a biopsy to rule out malignancy.
Cryotherapy or Laser Treatment: For certain benign lesions or cosmetic concerns.

Blepharitis (Inflammation of the Eyelids)

A chronic inflammation of the eyelids, typically affecting the edges where the eyelashes grow. It can lead to redness, swelling, and irritation, often making the eyes feel gritty or sore.

Types of Blepharitis

Anterior Blepharitis: Affects the outside edges of the eyelids near the base of the eyelashes.
Posterior Blepharitis: Involves the inner edges of the eyelids, where the Meibomian glands (oil glands) are located.

Treatment Options

Eyelid Hygiene: Regular cleaning with warm compresses and lid scrubs to remove debris and unclog oil glands.
Medications: Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory eye drops and ointments.
Therapeutic Devices: Devices like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can improve gland function and reduce inflammation.

Low Vision Care

Low vision refers to visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. This condition interferes with daily activities like reading, recognizing faces, or navigating familiar spaces.

Low vision often results from underlying eye diseases or conditions, including:

Macular Degeneration: A progressive condition that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
Glaucoma: A condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye, which damages the optic nerve and leads to peripheral vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss.
Cataracts: Advanced cataracts that are untreated or difficult to remove can also lead to low vision.

Advanced Approach to Vision Impairment

Spectrum Eye Physicians is committed to helping patients manage serious vision impairments through advanced treatments and personalized care plans:

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics

Our cutting-edge technology allows us to identify and monitor conditions causing vision loss or low vision accurately.

Vision Rehabilitation Services

We work with low vision specialists to help patients adapt to their visual limitations and regain independence.

Preventative and Ongoing Care

By addressing the underlying causes of vision impairment early, we can help prevent further damage and improve quality of life.

Start with an Eye Exam

Discover how our comprehensive eye exams can be the first step toward identifying and addressing eye problems, helping you maintain clear, healthy vision.

Eye Exams

LASIK for Better Vision

Learn more about LASIK eye surgery, a cutting-edge solution to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

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Addressing Your Eye Care Needs at

Spectrum Eye Physicians

Our eye doctors combine their expertise with compassion to deliver exceptional care for all eye conditions. Here’s what sets us apart:

Comprehensive Services: From routine eye exams to advanced treatments, we provide care for patients of all ages.
State-of-the-art technology: We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatment methods to ensure precision and effectiveness.
Personalized Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes.

Schedule an Appointment

Your Partner in Vision Health

Early detection is the key to protecting your vision. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Spectrum Eye Physicians to address your concerns and keep your eyes healthy. With expert care and convenient locations across the Bay Area, we’re here to help you!

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215