Orbital cellulitis refers to the inflammation and bacterial infection which affects the skin and tissues of eyes and its surrounding areas. The eyelids, eyebrows and cheeks may also get affected with this infection. One must never ignore this infection as if it is not treated on time, it may result in complete blindness and even death.

Symptoms:

• The localized symptoms occur at the location of the infected area, it includes immense pain, bulging of the eyes, reduced movement of affected areas, swelling of eyelids, red or purple appearance of eyelids, double and poor eye vision.
• The systematic symptoms include fever (mid-range or high), fatigue and a lot of discomfort.

Causes:

• Orbital Cellulitis is said to be caused by a number of bacteria. In adults, this infection is caused by bacteria in the genera Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
• In children, a bacterium named Haemophilus influenzae type B is associated with the causes of this infection.
• Risk Factors:
• It is said that there are various factors which can make a person susceptible to develop this infection. These factors include infections affecting the teeth, face or ear, trauma to the eye and sinus infections.
• Also, chronic infections are more likely to develop orbital cellulitis than the acute infections. This is because the acute infections be treated with antibiotic treatment unlike the chronic ones.

Treatment

• The first step involves a course of antibiotics. After treatment for several days with Intravenous antibiotics, oral antibiotic medications may be given. However, it is very important to let your doctor know if you have any drug allergies before undergoing the antibiotic treatment.
• In complicated cases, surgical intervention is necessary. This is done when the antibiotic treatment does not work, if vision is endangered or the person is facing severe problem with swelling due to the infection.

For more information about Orbital Cellulitis and its treatment or to know about any other eye disease, visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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Aniridia is a Greek word which means ‘without iris’. It is a genetic eye disorder which causes incomplete formation of the Iris of either one or both the eyes. It is an extreme form of Iris Hypoplasia which affects the eye vision to a great extent. A person having Aniridia has huge pupils which are also called ‘black iris’.  Aniridia can be in four forms AN-1, AN-II, AN-III and AN-IV.

Causes

• Inherited from the parents and affects the eye vision adversely.
• The gene responsible for the development of iris ‘PAX6’ does not function properly.

Symptoms

• Absence of iris.
• Opaque corneas.
• May even lead to blindness.
• Worsening of eye vision.
• Absence of muscle controlling the pupil.
• Results in Glaucoma, Cataract, Nystagmus, Stabismus, Micro Cornea etc.
• Leads to diseases like dysosmia, dysnomia, Gillespie syndrome, WAGR etc.

Treatments Involve

• Regular eye examinations.
• Eyeglasses (for glaucoma and cataract).
• If glaucoma develops, eye drops are used for treatment.
• In case the vision worsens due to cataract, removal of lens (with or without intraocular lens implant) may be required.
• A recent development is an artificial iris which can be placed after removal of cataract. It improves the eye vision by reducing the amount of light entering the eyes.

If you are searching for the best optometrist in Killeen, Killeen Eyecare Center is all you need.  We are a team of highly specialized Optometrists who diagnose, treat and manage a number of eye diseases. We use sophisticated and modern optometric instrumentation and therapeutic eye treatments to our patients.

We also provide complete information and guidance for various eye related medical conditions like keratoconus, glaucoma, dry eye therapy, ocular allergies/infections, corneal or conjunctival foreign body removal, eyelash removal, color vision disorders, learning-related vision disorders, amblyopia and strabismus.

To know more about various eye diseases or our services, feel free to visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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Contact lenses have made life simpler for millions of people across the globe. These are a great option for all those who do not feel comfortable wearing eye glasses. There are also majority of people who still hesitate to wear contact lenses, fearing the myth that these may damage their eyes.

With advancement in contact lens technology, a series of contact lenses like Silicone hydrogel lenses, high definition lenses, soft lenses have gained a lot of popularity. These lenses not just keep your eyes healthy but also make you enjoy crystal clear vision. The best part is that many of these contact lenses are available in a series of colors.

If you are interested in wearing colored lenses, you can choose from the following types as per your requirements:

• Visibly tint: These lenses are usually with tint of light blue or green color. This color is just for the sake of differentiating the lenses in case you drop it down. Slightly colored lenses also help you to see it better while inserting and while removing the lenses. They usually do not affect your original eye color.
• Enhancement tint: These lenses have a darker color tint than the visibly tint lenses. It does affect and enhance the original color of your eyes. These are best for people having light colored eyes.
• Opaque color tint: These are the ones with most solid colors. Being opaque they completely change your eye color. You get a variety of colors to choose from, like hazel, green, blue, violet, amethyst and gray.
• Costume or theatrical contact lenses: These are mostly used in the movies. These are often termed special-effect contact lenses and can give the wearer an alien or vampire look! These are often worn by people in Halloween parties too.

No matter which type of lens you choose, expert fitting and daily maintenance is very crucial task. We at Killeen Eyecare Center provide you with highest quality eye exam, training and follow up as required in the complete eye care plan. We will suggest you the right contact lenses as per your eye vision and social needs.

To know more about contact lenses or our services, visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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Eyes are the most sensitive part of our body. A person needs to give additional attention to maintain eye health and prevent any eye problems. Eye diseases affect not only the smooth functioning of the eye but it also hampers your vision. Eye tumors can be diagnosed through various eye examination and tests that also include CT scan, MRI and Ultrasound tests.

Some of the most common types of Eye Tumors that affect the eyes are given as under:

• Conjunctival Tumors: These are malignant cancers that grow on the outer surface of the eye. The most common of them are squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and lymphoma. These can be treated through surgery, cryotherapy or chemotherapy.
• Eyelid Tumors: Tumors of the eyelid may be benign cysts, inflammation, or malignant skin cancers. The most common is the basal cell carcinoma that can be removed with surgery.  Additional cryotherapy and radiation therapy can also be used sometimes, after surgery.
• Iris Tumors: Tumors can also grow within and behind the iris. Most of the pigmented iris tumors do not grow and if they do, then treatments like surgery or radiation plaque therapy or enucleation.
• Melanocytoma: It is a slow-growing tumor that is found on the surface of the optic disc. It is probably present at birth and typically, there are no symptoms. In the majority of cases, close observation is recommended. If malignant transformation does occur, enucleation, may be considered.
• Orbital Tumors: Tumors and inflammations can also occur behind the eye that push the eye forward causing bulging of the eyes called proptosis, caused due to thyroid eye disease and lymphoid tumors. Other tumors include hemangiomas tumors, lachrymal gland tumors, and growths that extend from the sinuses into the orbit.

According to a latest research published in Science Daily, ‘a specific small segment of RNA can play a key role in the growth of a type of malignant childhood eye tumor called retinoblastoma. The tumor is associated with mutations of a protein called Rb (retinoblastoma protein). Dysfunctional Rb is also involved with other types of cancers, including lung, brain, breast and bone.’

To know more about the various eye diseases and for seeking consultation or for any kind of information on eye care, feel free to visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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If your kid is suffering from frequent headaches or is having problem while trying to read, do not take it lightly as these are the signs of poor eye sight. The situation may get worsened, if not treated on time. As a parent you would never want your child suffer from any eye problem or disease. For this purpose, it becomes essential to get your kid’s eye checked at regular intervals of time.

A comprehensive eye examination is not just limited to checking eyesight or checking for requirements of eye glasses or contact lenses. During an eye exam, an optometrist also checks the eyes for common eye problems and diseases. He will check how your eyes work together and provide you with complete information about the overall health of your eyes. Eye exams can also show signs of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Eye examinations are important part of health maintenance for every age group, if there are any ailments, eye should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications at the later age. For kids, regular eye exams should be considered as an important feature as they tend to stress it a lot while studying, watching televisions and playing for long hours on computers. They do not relax when they are indulged in activity of their choice and can develop any eye related issue. Such issues can latter on develop into serious problems which can hamper child’s academic or professional career latter in life.

So if you see any signs of any eye related ailments in your child, you should get him/her examined by a renowned eye specialist. We at Killeen Eyecare Center are a team of highly qualified and experienced optometrists who offer a complete eye check up for all age groups. Our aim is to provide our patients with the best quality eye care utilizing modern optometric instrumentation and therapeutic treatments.

For more details, contact us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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Tears are important element of eye functioning as they help in protecting and lubricating the eyes. They flow down to the eye surface and then get drained into the tiny holes in the corners of your eyes called ‘puncta’. Tear ducts are the small tubes that stretch from the eyes to the nose, and are instrumental in tear drainage. If your tear ducts get blocked, they cannot be drained properly as they normally would do. In case tear ducts remain blocked for a long period of time, the sac gets filled with fluid and becomes swollen and inflamed. There is a higher probability of the eyes getting infected thereby leaving your eyes watery and irritated. 

Causes of Blocked Tear Duct

Blocked tear ducts are generally caused by a partial or complete blockage in the tear drainage system. It is very common in the new born babies and gets cleared usually in the first year itself. They have a very sensitive thin tissue at the end of the tear duct that fails to open in the normal way which results in the blocked tear duct. It may also happen due to infections or abnormal growth of the nasal bone. Adults can also witness a blocked tear ducts in case of a severe infection, injury or a tumor in their eyes. It may also be caused due to the thickening of the tear duct lining, nasal or sinus problems, injuries to the bone and tissues around the eyes.

Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct

Among the various symptoms of the blocked tear duct, the first and foremost is the excessive watering of the eye. You may also witness redness and painful swelling around the eye or nose. The yellow colored mucus can build up in the corner of the eyes and in severe cases; the infection may also lead to blurred vision. These symptoms may get worse if you get an infection, such as a cold or sinus. These symptoms are more visible after getting exposed to wind, cold, and sunlight.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The blocked tear duct can be diagnosed through its symptoms and physical exam of the eye. Various tests of the eye can be used to measure the amount of tears and to see whether tears are draining normally from the eyes. Antibiotics are usually given if signs of infection appear. Probing is used for small babies and children and some people may need surgical treatment for structural problems for abnormal growths.

To know more about the various eye diseases and for seeking consultation or for any kind of information on eyecare, feel free to visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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Vision Therapy is a therapeutic program specifically designed to correct the motor and cognitive skills of the vision and enhance the brain’s control on eye alignment, visual processing and focusing abilities. It uses various specialized optical devices like lenses, prisms and filters to boost the visual skills of the eye. In simple terms, it helps in treating those problems which cannot be treated successfully with the help of eye glasses, contact lenses or even the surgery. 

Vision therapy has proved to be highly beneficial for different vision problems that are faced by people in their daily lives, for example, problems in efficient reading, eye strain due to increased sitting hours in front of computer and TV, etc. Vision therapy has also helped in improving the self confidence of the patients who have undergone vision surgeries earlier. Some of the major benefits of vision therapy are listed here as under:

• Vision Therapy helps in enhancing the visual skills of the eye and helps in effective reading, writing and learning abilities of the individuals. 
• Vision Therapy helps in developing better binocular vision and coordination of the two eyes which further helps the person in doing the daily chores of life.
• Vision Therapy improves the visual function of the eyes and helps in curing the Strabismus and Amblyopia eye disfunctionality. It can give better results than eye glasses or eye surgery.
• Computer Vision Syndrome has become very common these days due to the stress caused at the workplace. The work culture which includes technology and more sitting hours in front of the computer has adversely affected the vision of the people. Vision therapy helps in relaxing this stress and helps in balancing the work induced eyestrain and visual difficulties.
• Children who watch more of TV or play games on computer for long time also develop visual problems, which can be efficiently treated with the Vision Therapy programs.
• Vision Therapy helps in effectively treating the environmental stresses of the visual system like pollution in the air, harmful gases coming out of the vehicles, etc., which adversely affects the eyes and causes headaches along with other visual difficulties.
• Vision Therapy also helps in visual rehabilitation of many patients who have gone through accidents which might have traumatized their nervous system. This therapy immensely helps in treating the consequences of the trauma caused to their eyes.
• Vision Therapy is also used for the enhancement of the vision, specifically for the sporting activities. It helps in enhancing accurate vision and other sport-specific visual skills which are necessary for the better performance in the game.

To know more about the various programs of vision therapy that are essential to cure your vision problems or for seeking consultation, feel free to visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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High blood pressure is associated with several problems that can adversely affect your health and quality of life. Apart from causing minor and major ailments related to the kidneys and the heart, it can also result in hypertension that constricts the blood vessels thus restricting the free flow of blood. This can result in certain organs of the body being deprived of blood in some cases. Even eyes are also not immune to the effects of high blood pressure. Retinal area is the most affected part of the eyes that is popularly known as hypertensive retinopathy in medical circles. There can be permanent damage to the eyes in case this condition is left untreated over a long period of time.

There are different kinds of symptoms that may accompany eye problems caused as a direct result of high blood pressure. Some of them are frequent headaches and loss or reduction of vision. Frequent visits to your eye doctor can help diagnose this condition in its initial stages so that its onset can be prevented. A device known as an ophthalmoscope is generally employed by most doctors to measure the degree of progress of this ailment. Retinopathy is said to be present when any of the following symptoms occur:

1. Loss of fluids from blood vessels.
2. Swelling of the optic nerve.
3. Detection of white spots on the retinal area.
4. Internal bleeding in the eye.

There are several treatments available for curing this condition. Taking effective steps to bring down the blood pressure helps restore regular vision to a significant extent. The ailment can also be prevented from occurring in the first place by following certain measures to keep hypertension in control. Maintaining a healthy and stress free lifestyle is the key to keeping high blood pressure problems at bay. However, if you are already a patient of high blood pressure, there are several over the counter medications and dietary changes that may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce the effects of blood pressure and gradually eliminate it.

For more information on eye care contact us at Killeen Eyecare Center, 416 North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, Downtown Killeen or call us at 254-634-7805.

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Refractive Errors can be referred to as the spherical or the cylindrical errors that may be present in the eyes, which hampers the focusing of the light by the eyes. In simple terms, when the shape of the eye prevents the light from focusing directly on the retina, it causes a refractive error. Generally, the vision occurs when the light is bended through the cornea and the lens, focusing on the retina. But, the refractive error hampers the creation of the final image thus formed.

Majority of the people usually suffer from refractive errors of either one type or the other. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 153 million people all around the world are living with visual impairment due to the uncorrected refractive errors.

Refractive errors are a common type of eye disorders. They may lead to blurred vision and visual impairment, only if, not treated properly at the right time. The most common types of refractive errors that can be found among various age groups are described as under:

• Myopia: Generally referred to as the Short-sighted Vision, it is a condition where the objects placed far away from the person, appear to be blurred. This happens due to the light focusing ‘in front of’ the retina and not ‘on’ the retina.
• Hyperopia: Also known as the Long-sighted Vision, it deals with the condition where the far away objects appear more clear, and the closely kept objects appear blurred. 
• Astigmatism: Basically referred to as the Distorted Vision, it is a condition where the objects appear to be blurred whether placed near or far away.
• Presbyopia: It is also known as Age-related Vision problem. As the person ages with time, the ability to focus becomes complex and even the lens does not allow the eyes to focus on the objects clearly.

Refractive errors are treatable, if recognized at an early age. Early treatment may save your eyes from getting visually impaired. Refractive errors can generally be treated in three major ways, that include the Eyeglasses, the Contact Lenses and the Refractive Surgery if need be. These are simple and safe ways to correct the refractive errors and correct the eye vision altogether. 

Refractive Surgery becomes necessary in some severe cases, which helps in changing the shape of the cornea permanently. To know more about the various eye diseases and for seeking consultation, feel free to visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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Our eyes are very sensitive and need special protection and care from the harmful rays or dirt. It is important to do proper eye exercising, along with regular check up ensures the longetivity of the eye vision.

The middle part of the eyes, called the uvea or the uveal tract, mainly comprise of three parts

• Iris is the colored part of the eye which acts as a diaphragm and controls the amount of light that enters the eyes. It lies between the cornea and the lens. 
• Ciliary body is that part of the eye which lies between iris and choroid. It holds the lens and accommodates the water/tear production. 
• Choroid are the layers of blood vessels that are located between the sclera and the retina of the eye. They provide blood supply to the retina.

What is Uveitis?

Uveitis is referred to inflammation of the uvea or the uveal tract of the eye. The uvea is responsible for the transportation of the blood through veins and arteries, which is very important for the eye vision.
 
There are mainly four types of Uveitis, depending on the specific part of the uveal tract being affected. These types are:

• Anterior Uveitis: It is also known as Iritis. In this type of Uvetis, inflammation of iris takes place.
• Intermediate Uveitis: It is also known as cyclitis. In this type the ciliary body of the uveal tract suffers inflammation. It also may affect the muscle that focuses the lens. 
• Posterior Uveitis: It is also known as choroiditis as the inflammation of the choroid of the uvea takes place.
• Diffuse Uveitis: It is the inflammation of retina and swelling happens in most of the areas of uvea. It is also known as retinitis or panuveitis.

Uveitis and its various forms can be caused due to many reasons. It may be caused from a viral infection or the infection from fungus, bacteria or parasite. It usually happens to the middle-aged people, but small children are also easily infected. If your eyes are light sensitive and suffer from eye pain or irritation, get your eyes checked urgently.  Eye floaters or blurred vision is also symptom of Uveitis.

It is important to get your eyes diagnosed and treated immediately if you come across any inflammation or swelling inside your eyes. To know more about the various eye diseases and for seeking consultation, feel free to visit us at Killeen Eyecare Center 416, North Gray Street, Killeen, TX 76541, and Downtown Killeen. You can also call us at 254- 634- 7805.

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