Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management

Maintaining Healthy Vision Through Proactive Eye Care

We want to help our patients enjoy clear, comfortable vision through every stage of life. Regular eye exams are the first step in maintaining good eye health, and they allow us to monitor subtle changes over time that may indicate underlying disease.

With detailed diagnostic technology, we can provide personalized eye care that empowers you to take a proactive approach to preventing potential vision-related issues.

Let us be your trusted partner in preserving your eye health, enhancing your vision, and supporting your overall well-being. Visit our clinic today.

Request Appointment

Your Eye Health Is a Direct Line to Overall Health

Routine eye care is an essential part of preventative healthcare. During eye exams, we can closely examine blood vessels, nerves, and tissue, revealing valuable insights about underlying health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders.

Detecting these conditions early through an eye exam can lead to timely, effective treatment.

Our Approach to Managing Your Eye Health

Drs. Kadziolka, Spataro, Smart, & Wen can effectively diagnose and manage a wide range of eye conditions. Our practice strives to deliver exceptional patient care through comprehensive evaluations and professional guidance. Our technology complements our attentive and personalized in-clinic diagnostics and care.

We collaborate with ophthalmologists to offer specialized services like our regular cataract clinic. When necessary with complex cases, we’re committed to working closely with our patients, advocating for them, and providing appropriate treatment referrals.

Your eye health is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Cataracts

A cataract occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to varying degrees of vision impairment as it gradually grows. Although cataracts generally affect older adults, they can develop earlier due to factors like UV exposure or eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

While prescription glasses may provide some initial improvement, cataract surgery is typically recommended to restore clear vision in advanced stages. We proudly offer cataract clinics throughout the year so local patients can receive specialized care.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes. Although the early stages of diabetic retinopathy typically don’t have symptoms, patients can experience decreased vision or dark spots in the later stages.

Regular diabetic eye exams can help detect tissue changes early, so that timely treatment can help slow progression and reduce the risks of permanent vision loss. Treatment options include injections, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the vision impairment.

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes produce too few tears or evaporate too quickly. Patients can experience blurry vision, scratchy or gritty sensations, and sensitivity to light.

Minor symptoms can be alleviated by making lifestyle changes, like reducing screen time, using eye drops, and taking omega-3 supplements. However, severe symptoms can be challenging to manage and potentially lead to frequent infections or vision impairment.

We offer personalized dry eye treatment to help patients restore tear quality and experience lasting comfort.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve. In the early stages, patients often don’t experience symptoms. Instead, vision loss is gradual, and it’s one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada.

The disease commonly develops because of increased pressure inside the eye which presses on the optic nerve. As the optic nerve degenerates over time, the amount of visual information sent to the brain decreases.

Common treatments include medication and surgery to manage intraocular pressure (IOP) levels.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when cells in the macula (responsible for detailed colour vision) deteriorate over time. If untreated, the damage can result in significant visual impairment, including blurred central vision, muted colours, or complete blindness.

Often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the disease is the leading cause of blindness among North Americans over 55. Early stages of AMD can be managed with lifestyle and diet changes, such as prioritizing eating leafy greens. During the later stages, treatment options include medicated injections, laser therapy, and eye surgery.

Cataract Clinic

Since 1990, our practice has partnered with ophthalmologists (eye doctors specializing in medical and surgical treatments for eye conditions). Together, we’ve been running cataract clinics to serve the people of the South Peace River Regional District, offering comprehensive, specialized care without the inconvenience of long-distance travel.

Our Dawson’s Creek location hosts 6 clinic days per year, allowing local patients to consult with visiting ophthalmologists. While our friendly staff and facilities remain the same, these specialist professionals conduct the examination and consultation.

Our Diagnostic Technology

Zeiss Humprey Field Testing

Visual field testing evaluates a person’s complete range of vision, including peripheral (side) vision. The Humphrey Field Analyzer displays brief flashes of light while the patient maintains a straight-ahead gaze. The patient presses a button on a handheld remote each time they observe a light.

This examination plays a crucial role in early detection, as it aids in identifying vision loss and blind spots, which can indicate underlying eye diseases like glaucoma.

Nidek RS-330 OCT

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technology that captures quality cross-sectional retinal images. OCT testing can generate detailed 3D scans that allow us to measure tissue thickness and examine layers within the retina.

The images can help detect and support treatment for various conditions, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. With Nidek RS-330 OCT, the scan can be completed quickly and comfortably.

Eye Exams Can Protect Your Vision: Book Yours Today

At our practice, we’re dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy eyesight. We treat our patients with individual attention and tailor treatment to their needs. So if you’re noticing changes in your vision or it’s time for a routine checkup, get in touch with us.

Visit our office for personalized eye care that puts your and your family’s eye health first.

Request Appointment