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Eye Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. David M. Girardi uses advanced diagnostic tools to catch these conditions early, when treatment is most effective. Regular exams at See Sharp Eyewear support long-term vision health through early detection and ongoing care.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear, central vision used for tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Early AMD may not cause symptoms, but once it progresses, vision changes can impact daily life.
Common symptoms of AMD include:
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Blurry or distorted central vision
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Trouble reading or seeing fine details
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Straight lines appearing wavy or bent
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Difficulty seeing in low light
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A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
Early detection gives you more options to manage AMD and slow its progression.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes gradual damage to the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure in the eye. It is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss in older adults. Because early stages are symptom-free, many people don’t know they have it until damage has already occurred.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
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Loss of peripheral (side) vision
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Blurred vision
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Eye pain or pressure
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Halos around lights
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Headaches
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Nausea or vomiting (in cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma)
Routine eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma before vision loss begins.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. It often progresses silently and can lead to serious vision problems if not monitored.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may include:
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Blurry or fluctuating vision
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Dark spots or floaters
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Trouble seeing at night
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Colors appearing faded or washed out
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Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
Annual eye exams are critical for anyone with diabetes, even if vision seems stable.
Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial
Most vision-threatening eye diseases don’t cause pain or early symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking your prescription, it includes detailed screening for conditions like AMD, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and more.
What a comprehensive eye exam may include:
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Retinal imaging
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Visual field testing
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Eye pressure checks
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Dilated eye exam
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Optic nerve and blood vessel assessment
This full-scope evaluation helps detect early signs of disease and supports proactive treatment when it matters most.
Prescription Updates & Ongoing Monitoring
Dr. Girardi not only provides accurate prescriptions, but also monitors changes in your eye health over time. If you’ve already been diagnosed with an eye condition, consistent care helps track progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed, so you can stay ahead of changes before they affect your daily life.