Detecting & Diagnosing Eye Diseases
An eye exam is an important part of preventive healthcare. Not only will your optometrist assess if your eyewear prescription is providing the vision you want, they’ll also check for the development of eye diseases.
Many eye diseases can damage your vision permanently and many progress without any noticeable symptoms, particularly in the beginning. Early identification is crucial to the treatment and management of eye diseases. If your optometrist spots them early enough, they may be able to slow down progression or prevent vision loss.
Your sight is precious. Safeguard it today with a comprehensive eye exam.
Book AppointmentDiabetic Eye Diseases
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of eye diseases. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and, like many eye diseases, may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. Diabetic macular edema is quite serious and can impact the ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces.
Both conditions can be identified early with a comprehensive diabetic eye exam. If you have diabetes, book your appointment now.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases generally characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often because of high intraocular pressure.
Pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and causing irreversible vision loss. Often, the progression of glaucoma is slow and symptom-free, earning the disease the nickname "the silent thief of sight."
There are several types of glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Fluid buildup caused by blockage of the eye’s drainage channels can increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause open-angle glaucoma. Generally, peripheral vision is the first thing impacted, followed by central vision.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the space between the iris and cornea narrows, trapping fluid in the eye. When the pressure rises as a result of this fluid, angle-closure glaucoma occurs.
It can appear suddenly (acute) or progress gradually (chronic). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Sudden onset headaches, blurry vision, eye redness, or halos appearing around lights mean you should call your optometrist immediately.
Other Types of Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure is caused by eye trauma, injury, or infection.
When the optic nerve is damaged but intraocular pressure remains within normal range, normal-tension glaucoma may be the cause.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Glaucoma risk factors may include:
- A family history of glaucoma
- Past eye injury or trauma
- Use of certain medications
- Heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Being over 60 years old
Cataracts
As you age, the clear lens of your eye can harden and become opaque. This is called a cataract. They are often the result of the normal aging process, though they can appear congenitally in children.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts generally develop without pain or redness. Some symptoms of cataracts include:
- Foggy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Muted color vision
- Sensitivity to light
Preventing Cataracts
Cataract growth can be slowed by protecting the eyes from UV rays. A great pair of sunglasses can help. Eating foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, apples, artichokes, and dark green veggies like kale and broccoli may also help to prevent cataracts.
Cataract Treatment
Often, obstructions to vision as a result of cataracts can be remedied through corrective lenses. But, cataracts can increase in size and may get to a point where glasses or contact lenses no longer provide the vision you want. In this case, we may recommend surgery.
If you’re having a difficult time driving or performing your job safely, are struggling to watch television or read, or are experiencing challenges with daily activities that are decreasing your quality of life, it might be time to explore surgery.
Cataract surgery is safe and effective. We can help you understand the procedure and your options.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration causes the breakdown of the macula, the area of the eye responsible for central vision. Damage to the macula can lead to central vision loss.
Central vision is responsible for reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces, so any loss of vision in this area may make day-to-day tasks difficult.
People with AMD may not experience any pain or symptoms as the disease progresses. If straight lines begin to appear wavy or your central vision blurs in a way that cannot be corrected by glasses, it’s time for an eye exam.
There are 2 types of AMD, dry and wet.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common type of AMD, accounting for the majority of cases. It occurs when parts of the macula become thinner due to aging and accumulate tiny clumps of protein.
We’re on the Lookout for Early Signs of Eye Disease
Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defense against eye diseases that can cause irreversible vision loss.
Book your appointment today and let us examine your eyes for early signs of eye disease.
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Why Monarch Bay Optometry?
A Personalized Experience
We prioritize your well-being with extended appointments. Our goal is to provide a thorough and unrushed examination.
Fashion &
Function
Welcome to an elegant eye care & eyewear experience. We proudly showcase local art alongside our frames in our optical boutique.
Dedicated
Care
Our experienced doctors provide comprehensive eye care for your whole family. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond.
We Can’t Wait to See You
Where to park?
We are located in Monarch Bay Plaza, which has plenty of parking. We look forward to welcoming you!
Our Address
- 32932 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 13
- Dana Point, CA 92629
Contact Information
- Phone: 949-487-3937
- Fax: 949-487-3913
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Our Brands
Our Google Reviews
“I just had my first visit here with Doctor Kobayashi. I am happy to say that the great reviews are deserved. I have found my new eye doctor. She was thorough in testing and evaluating, straightforward, and very personable. I look forward to trusting her with my vision.”
Frank P.
“Both my husband and I received great service from Dr. Lin and Dr. Kris. Professional advice, patience with our questions and very friendly.”
Dianne A.
“Today I had Dr. Kris Kobayashi for the first time and I was very impressed! Knowledgeable of course but also answered questions I didn’t know I had. Personable and funny too. I came away thinking about optometry school. At my age!! Ten thumbs up!”
Kendall C.
“Both doctors are extremely kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. I always feel very welcomed and well taken care of, highly recommend it to anyone. The office is very comfortable and has very warm and friendly office staff. Very grateful for Monarch Bay Optometry!”
Nancy M.
“By far, the most painful injury I have ever received was at the hands of my two-year-old daughter. While picking her up from preschool the tiny little nail on her tiny little index finger poked me directly in the eye while running to hug me. At the time it hurt, but it wasn’t much more painful than what you would normally expect from getting poked in the eye. What I didn’t understand at the time was that she had given me a corneal abrasion and things were about to get worse, a lot worse. That night, I tossed and turned as my eye continued to get worse. Every blink I took further tore at my cornea and aggravated this abrasion.
I woke in the morning and literally could not open either eye from the pain I was in. It was so painful that I was crawling around the house on all four fumbling for things with my hands. I thought I would have to go to the hospital’s emergency room. Luckily for me, my wife was a long-time client of Kris’. She phoned Kris and explained the situation. Despite not being at work, Kris didn’t hesitate to volunteer to see me and even arranged to see me at a friend’s optometry office next to my house knowing it would be difficult for me to travel to the Marina Del Rey or Dana Point offices in my current condition.
The immediate relief as Kris applied medical contact to my eye after assessing the damage was overwhelming. I would have cried except that my eyes were already streaming from the injury. Kris gave me an entire plethora of care, advice, and information to go along with the contact and medication. She informed me that toddlers commonly cause their parent’s eye abrasions. The hospital, where I think most regular people on their day off would have sent me, would have simply put some lubricant on my eye, given me an eyepatch, and prescribed antibiotics. Instead of spending a week in pain with half my vision, I was given immediate relief and the full use of both eyes.
You might think this level of care cost me an arm and a leg but no, Kris charged me for a regular eye exam visit and the normal cost for the contact while prescribing me a prescription with a follow-up visit later that week. All of which was mostly covered by my vision insurance anyways.
Truly, I will always be grateful for this response and while I hopefully won’t be seeing Kris again for an eye abrasion I can’t recommend her and her business enough to both my family and friends for her professionalism, courtesy, and obvious care for her clients well being.”
Matt S.
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Monarch Bay Optometry
- 32932 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 13
- Dana Point, CA 92629
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P: 949-487-3937
[email protected]