Eye Conditions We Diagnose and Treat

Many of the most serious eye diseases cause no pain and no change in vision until damage has already happened. Glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, early macular degeneration and medication related retinal changes can all progress quietly. A careful exam with modern imaging finds them early, when treatment protects the vision you have.

At San Gabriel Valley Eye Institute, Dr. Atalie Liu, our optometrist, and our ophthalmologists look beyond your glasses prescription. We examine the optic nerve, retina and eye pressure, and we use imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field testing to compare your eyes over time. This page is a guide to the conditions we diagnose, monitor and treat.

Conditions that are often silent

• Glaucoma slowly damages the optic nerve, starting with side vision you do not notice is missing.
• High eye pressure raises the risk of glaucoma before any nerve damage shows.
• Diabetic retinopathy can leak or bleed inside the eye while your vision still seems normal.
• Early macular degeneration shows up on exam years before central vision blurs.
• Plaquenil toxicity damages the retina without symptoms until it is advanced.

Because lost vision from these conditions usually cannot be restored, the goal is to find them before you notice anything. That is why we may ask you to return on a schedule even when you feel your eyes are fine.

Explore eye conditions

• How often should you have an eye exam?Recommended exam schedule by age and risk
• GlaucomaNo early symptoms, permanent vision loss if missed
• High eye pressure and glaucoma suspectMonitoring before damage starts
• Diabetic eye diseaseYearly exams even when vision is clear
• Macular degenerationEarly changes found before central vision fades
• Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) screeningDetecting retinal toxicity before you notice it
• High nearsightednessHigher lifetime risk of retinal and optic nerve disease
• Retinal tears and detachmentWarning signs that need a same day visit
• KeratoconusProgressive thinning of the cornea in teens and young adults
• CataractsGradual clouding, treated with surgery when it affects daily life
• Dry eyeBurning, grit and fluctuating vision

Common questions

If my vision is clear, do I still need an eye exam?

Yes. Clear vision only tells you that your glasses prescription is right. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and early macular degeneration are usually found on exam before they affect how you see.

What happens at a medical eye exam?

We check your vision and eye pressure, examine the front of the eye and, in most cases, dilate your pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve. Depending on what we find, we may add imaging such as OCT or a visual field test.

Is a medical eye exam covered by insurance?

When you have an eye condition or a risk factor such as diabetes, the exam is usually billed to your medical insurance. Routine vision exams may be covered by a vision plan. Our staff can check your benefits before your visit.