Chronic Disease Management

Managing chronic diseases is an essential part of protecting your long-term health and that includes proactive eye care. At Casey Optical Co. in Albuquerque, Dr. Christine Kniffen and our dedicated team are proud to offer comprehensive care that goes beyond vision correction. We provide medical eye care and urgent care for eye emergencies, as well as ongoing chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Medical Eye Urgent Care for Eye Emergencies

Whether you're dealing with an eye infection, eye pain, redness, or foreign objects in the eye, our medical eye urgent care is here to provide timely evaluation and treatment. Prompt attention is critical when it comes to eye emergencies to prevent permanent vision damage. Dr. Kniffen offers same-day appointments whenever possible to ensure urgent concerns are addressed without delay.

Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina. This disease can progress without any symptoms in its early stages, making regular dilated examinations eye exams essential. We monitor for signs of retinopathy, macular edema, and other complications, offering early intervention to slow progression and protect your eyesight.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision and is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. We screen for AMD during every medical exam and monitor existing cases closely to recommend appropriate treatments, lifestyle changes, or referrals to specialists when needed.

Glaucoma

Known as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma typically causes vision loss without warning signs. Early detection through regular testing of intraocular pressure and optic nerve health is key to preventing irreversible damage. We tailor glaucoma management plans based on each patient’s needs, often using a combination of medication and co-managed procedures with our ophthalmology partners.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a natural part of aging but can significantly affect quality of life if not monitored and addressed. We track cataract development over time and provide guidance on when surgery may be beneficial, ensuring patients maintain clear vision for as long as possible.

The Difference between Primary Wellness Eye Exam and Medical Eye Exam

Many eye diseases begin with no noticeable symptoms, which is why proactive care is so important. You may not realize there’s an issue until the disease has already progressed, making early detection and routine monitoring essential for protecting your long-term vision. Our primary wellness exam includes an update of your glasses and contact lens prescription, a screening visual field, alignment testing, screening retinal photo, and undilated exam.
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If a condition is suspected at a primary eye exam, a dilated medical eye exam with ordered testing will be scheduled for further evaluation and treatment. These medical eye exams play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy in their earliest stages - often before symptoms arise, allowing for timely treatment that can prevent further vision loss.

In addition to managing eye-specific issues, your eye health can reflect broader systemic conditions. The eyes often provide early signs of health problems that may not yet be diagnosed elsewhere in the body. For example, conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, autoimmune disorders, and even certain types of cancer can manifest signs in the eyes before other symptoms develop

Protect Your Vision at Casey Optical Co.

Whether you're managing a chronic condition or seeking preventative care, Dr. Kniffen at Casey Optical Co. offers expert, compassionate eye care designed to support your overall health.

Schedule your medical eye exam today at Casey Optical Co. in Albuquerque and take a proactive step toward lasting eye health.