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At Dr. Tavel, we want to help you see better, look better, and feel better. When seeking out eye care, we want you to know that you’re in good hands. Our optometrists at Dr. Tavel have the technology and expertise to diagnose a wide range of common eye problems and health conditions. In addition, we accept all vision insurance, guaranteed. Ready to schedule your appointment? Check out our online scheduler to make prioritizing your eye health easier!
Amblyopia (also called lazy eye) is where abnormal vision development causes reduced vision in one or both eyes—often seen as one eye turning inward or outward. It usually develops before age 6 and early diagnosis increases the chance of a complete recovery.
Your eye doctor can treat and provide care and therapy for amblyopia. For children, this sometimes requires glasses and close monitoring of their vision as their eyes develop. It can also involve occlusion therapy with eye drops or a patch to help strengthen the poorer eye’s connection to the brain.
Anisometropia is where both eyes have very different prescriptions or vision quality, which leads the brain to suppress one image to avoid double vision. Anisometropia can cause amblyopia in young children.
In cases of Anisometropia, your eye doctor may find you have a concurrent condition called Amblyopia which may require more treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe specialty lenses to help minimize the thickness differences of the lenses.
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes blurred vision. Blurry vision occurs when the cornea (the transparent surface of the eye) is abnormally curved (usually shaped like a football) due to light being unevenly distributed on the lens of the eye. The cornea is normally spherically shaped. This allows light to enter the eye more evenly, making it easier to see clearly.
Your eye doctor will prescribe glasses to correct your astigmatism. Depending on the amount of astigmatism they may also recommend certain lens materials or coating to optimize your lens and reduce distortions.
Blepharitis is a recurring eyelid inflammation in which the eyelids become red, itchy, and flake-like scales can develop on the base of the eyelashes.
Your eye doctor can diagnose and treat blepharitis to improve eyelid comfort. They may prescribe a medication to the pharmacy or recommend some other over-the-counter treatment options depending on the severity.
Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye) is an inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane lining that covers the white part of your eye. Some cases of pink eye are extremely contagious and most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection but can also be caused by allergies.
Your eye doctor can diagnose, treat, and manage eye infections like conjunctivitis. We recommend all patients see an eye doctor for eye infections and see their primary care doctor only when an appointment with an eye doctor cannot be made. Your optometrists will prescribe oral or topical prescription medications to treat your eye conditions if needed.
Cataracts occur when the lens (the clear part of your eye that focuses light) clouds up from natural proteins that build up over time. Depending upon the size and location, they can interfere with normal vision.
Your eye doctor will diagnose your cataracts and let you know when they get to a level that requires surgery to remove them. Your doctor will refer you to a cataract surgeon and after the surgery handle any post-op care you may need.
A choroidal nevus is commonly identified as a dark-pigmented lesion found in the back of the eye. It is like a freckle or mole found on the skin. A choroidal nevus usually does not cause symptoms and is found during a routine eye exam. In some cases, one can occur under the center of the retina and cause blurred vision.
Your eye doctor will document and monitor your nevus. Often, they will take a baseline photo of the nevus for future comparison.
Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE) is a typically benign, pigmented spot composed of enlarged cells and is typically found on the inside, the back surface of the eye. It can vary in size but doesn’t show any symptoms.
Your eye doctor will document and monitor your CHRPE. Often, they will take a baseline photo of the CHRPE for future comparison.
A corneal abrasion is a cut or scratch on the cornea (the transparent surface of the eye). Corneal abrasion symptoms include eye pain, light sensitivity, and tearing with a possibility of infection.
Your eye doctor can diagnose and treat corneal abrasions. This sometimes involves prescription medication or the insertion and removal of a bandage contact lens to manage comfort.
A corneal ulcer (also known as keratitis) is an open sore on the cornea (the transparent surface of the eye). Corneal ulcers can result from an eye infection, severe dry eye, or other eye disorders.
Our doctors can diagnose and treat corneal ulcers and provide resources to prevent future ulcers. Corneal ulcers can badly damage your vision and even cause blindness if they are not treated. Treatment generally involves prescription eye drops and frequent follow-up visits. If necessary, Dr. Tavel will refer you to a corneal specialist.
Dermatochalasis describes the presence of loose eyelid skin. It is often seen in middle-aged and elderly people. Although more dramatically seen in the upper eyelids, dermatochalasis can also affect the lower eyelids as well.
Our eye doctors can diagnose and manage this condition. If your doctor feels eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty, is warranted and you are interested in that surgery, Dr. Tavel will make the referral for you to an oculoplastic specialist.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and develop abnormal new vessels which can cause vision loss. It’s crucial that people with diabetes get regular eye exams to prevent vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that should be monitored regularly by your eye doctor. Dr. Tavel can refer you to a retinal specialist and communicate with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist if further treatment is needed.
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears to properly lubricate your eyes, or when your tears don’t work correctly. This can make your eyes feel irritated and uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can also cause vision problems.
Dry eye is a chronic complicated condition that may take your eye doctor several approaches to manage. At Dr. Tavel, your doctor may discuss over-the-counter options, prescription eye drops, and lifestyle changes. Often moderate-severe dry eye management requires follow-up visits. For more severe cases, we will refer you to a dry eye clinic or dry eye specialist.
Eyelid conditions include any type of inflammation, infection, benign and malignant tumors, and structural problems that affect the eyelid.
Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyelids as part of your annual exam, if there are any concerning lesions that need a biopsy, Dr. Tavel will make a referral, contact your primary care doctor, or recommend a dermatology appointment.
Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous (clear gel that maintains the shape of the eye) that look like small specks, dots, circles, lines, or cobwebs in your field of vision. Flashes can look like flashing lights or lightning streaks in your field of vision. Flashes happen when the vitreous rubs or pulls on your retina.
If you are experiencing flashes or floaters, your eye doctor will most likely dilate your eyes in order to thoroughly evaluate your retina. Some conditions that cause flashes can be monitored by Dr. Tavel. Others, like retinal tears or detachments, require immediate referral to a retinal specialist.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve.
Your eye doctor can diagnose, manage, and treat your glaucoma. This involves special testing to determine the progression of the disease. Treatment for glaucoma usually involves monitoring eye pressure and treatment with eye drops. If glaucoma progression cannot be slowed or maintained with eye drops alone, Dr. Tavel will refer to an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma and glaucoma surgeries.
Certain prescription medications require additional testing to monitor for toxicity in your eye. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is the most common oral medication that requires annual monitoring and special testing by your eye doctor.
Histoplasmosis is a disease you can get when you breathe infected airborne Histoplasma spores into your lungs. These spores can enter the air when people disturb soil when plowing fields, sweeping chicken coops, or digging holes. If you have histoplasmosis, the infection can move from the lungs into the eyes (Ocular histoplasmosis), leading to vision loss.
The Histoplasmosis virus is particularly common in the Ohio River valley and our eye doctors are well-versed in monitoring it. Presumed ocular histoplasmosis rarely reactivates, but it is still important to have it monitored annually by your doctor.
Your eye doctor will do special testing to look for dendrites (findings on the eye’s surface) that are evidence of a flare-up of the virus. Oral and topical treatment is often prescribed. If it is Shingles, your doctor will also communicate with your primary care doctor.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen more clearly than close ones.
Your eye doctor will prescribe eyeglasses or contacts to correct for the blur caused by hyperopia. Your doctor will work with you to fine-tune your prescription and will recommend the best lens choices for you to see your best.
Ocular hypertension occurs when the pressure in your eyes is above the range considered normal. Hypertensive Retinopathy occurs when the retinal vessels get damaged due to elevated blood pressure.
Our eye doctors are trained to monitor the vascular changes that occur in the retinal vessels as a result of high blood pressure. If Hypertensive retinopathy occurs and requires additional treatment like laser or injections, then Dr. Tavel will refer you to a retinal specialist.
Macular Degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye), causing loss of central vision.
Macular degeneration will be monitored by your eye doctor. You may be required to be seen more frequently than annually to monitor for the progression of wet macular degeneration which includes bleeding in the back of the eye. Dr. Tavel will refer you to a retinal specialist for additional treatment options including injections to stop bleeding if needed.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) occurs when the glands in your eyelids are obstructed or clogged and aren’t creating the necessary oils that keep your eyes healthy and protected.
Your eye doctor will help you diagnose and treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This may involve over-the-counter options or prescription medication.
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision condition in which people can see close objects clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred.
Your eye doctor will prescribe eyeglasses or contacts to correct the blur caused by myopia. Your doctor will work with you to fine-tune your prescription and will recommend lens choices for you to see your best. For young children with high levels of myopia, your doctor may suggest a referral to specialists to try to help slow the progression of myopia.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the voluntary muscles of the body, especially those that control the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the voluntary muscles of the body, especially those that control the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs. Your eye doctor can help diagnose it. Usually, this involves teamwork with your primary care doctor, rheumatologist, or additional healthcare team. Eye findings and symptoms can help aid in this diagnosis. Conversely, if already diagnosed, Dr. Tavel can monitor ocular complications that can occur with this systemic disease.
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. This typically becomes more noticeable in the mid-40s and worsens until around age 65.
At Dr. Tavel, your eye doctor will prescribe bifocals or reading glasses to help correct your presbyopia. Your doctor will go over lens options such as progressive lens vs lined bifocals and recommend what would work best for your prescription and lifestyle. You can also ask your doctor to see if you would be a good candidate for multifocal contacts or monovision as well.
Ptosis is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. The eyelid may droop a little, or so much that it covers the pupil, blocking vision.
Your eye doctor will be able to determine if you would benefit from eyelid surgery and will refer you to a specialist if needed.
At Dr. Tavel, your eye doctor will examine your retina during an eye exam to determine and treat any retinal diseases diagnosed. Many retinal diseases are congenital (born with them) or hereditary from gene mutations.
A torn retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball) occurs when the retina has a tear or a hole, making your vision blurry. A torn retina is a serious issue, but often leads to a more serious condition called a detached retina. This occurs when the retina is lifted away from the back of the eye. A torn retina must be treated right away to avoid further vision problems or blindness.
A torn or detached retina condition often warrants an immediate referral to a retinal specialist. Your eye doctor can diagnose a tear or detachment, determine the level of urgency, and know where to send you.
Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition in which both eyes do not look at the same place at the same time. It usually occurs in people who have poor eye muscle control or are very farsighted. Strabismus usually develops in infants and young children, but older children and adults can also develop the condition.
Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose and often manage strabismus with eyeglasses. If vision therapy or surgery is needed, your doctor can refer you to the right specialist. Managing strabismus and monitoring for amblyopia (lazy eye) may require more frequent visits and specialty lenses.
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an eye disorder caused by an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms include inflammation and damage to the tissues around the eye, including muscles, fatty tissue, and connective tissue. TED is often related to Grave’s disease which affects the thyroid, eyes, and skin.
Knowing your history of thyroid conditions will help your eye doctor monitor complications that can arise from high or low thyroid activity. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Your optometrist will refer you to a specialist if needed.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection in the eye caused by a parasite and can cause blurred vision, mild eye pain, and lead to vision loss.
Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose evidence of any current or previous infection from toxoplasmosis and monitor it for any reactivation during a comprehensive eye exam.
Xanthelasma are yellow growths that appear on or near the eyelids. They can be flat or slightly raised. They form when deposits of cholesterol (lipid or fat) build up under the skin. Xanthelasma are not harmful, but they can be a sign of heart disease and should be monitored closely.
At Dr. Tavel, your eye doctor can diagnose this xanthelasma during a comprehensive eye exam. Appropriate communication with your primary doctor and recommendation for cholesterol monitoring will be made if needed.
