Patient Forms
For your convenience, here are a few forms to download before your appointment with ECP.
...
Read more...
What's New
Eye Care Professionals of WNY enhances patient comfort
with new, glaucoma testing instrume...
Read more...
For Physicians
Our Doctors are dedicated to developing mutually beneficial partnerships with area physicians...
Read more...
Location & Hours
- Locations Overview
- Amherst: 716-833-2020
- Buffalo: 716-835-1105
- Cheektowaga: 716-684-1622
- Lancaster: 716-656-2011
We have 4 locations conveniently located throughout Western New York. Please click on a location above or on the map below to see office hours, a map, and more... 
AmherstCrawford Furniture Plaza 3364 Sheridan Drive Amherst, NY 14226 716-833-2020 HoursMon. & Thurs. 10-7 Tues., Wed., & Fri. 8-5 Sat. 8-12
Buffalo2290 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 716-835-1105 HoursMon. 10-7 Tues., Wed. 8-5 Thurs. CLOSED Alternating Fri. & Sat. 8-12 (please call for details)
Cheektowaga750 Dick Road Cheektowaga, NY 14225 716-684-1622 HoursMon. CLOSED Tues. & Thurs. 10-7 Wed. 8-5 Alternating Fri. & Sat. 8-12 (please call for details)
Lancaster4703 Transit Road Depew, NY 14043 716-656-2011 HoursMon., Tues., & Thurs. 10-7 Wed. & Fri. 8-5 Sat. 8-1
|
|
 Just as most areas of our bodies decline with age, so does the performance of our eyes. Age-related eye changes are perfectly normal as we grow older. Most of us will notice more difficulty focusing on objects up close after we pass the age of 40. Known as presbyopia, this is due to the hardening of the lens inside the eye as we age.
As we continue to age through our 50s and beyond, presbyopia becomes more advanced. More frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions occur. You may also find that one prescription is no longer the best solution for all your visual needs. As an example, you may want to try bifocals and trifocals for added convenience.
Major Age-Related Eye Diseases
You will find more information in this section on the following diseases that are are prevalent among seniors. Click on the topic of interest to go to that information.
Diabetic Retinopathy
When a patient has diabetes, our doctors of optometry can periodically evaluate the retina to determine if and how diabetes is affecting the patient’s eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a possible complication of diabetes and can lead to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States in adults to age 70. We recommend all diabetics have a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated retinal exam, at least once a year.
How we can help manage diabetic retinopathy:
- Identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes
- Accurately diagnosing diabetic retinopathy
- Notifying primary care physicians of a patient’s retinal status after his or her dilated exam
Educating patients on the importance of:
- Regular dilated exams
- Controlling glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Potential ocular complications from diabetes
- Having a strategy for appropriate, timely follow-up
- Knowing when to refer to a retinal specialist for consultation and treatment, if indicated
Optometrists are an integral part of the front line of defense against diabetes. Eye Care Professionals' optometrists are experienced and accustomed to examining and advising patients with diabetes.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is much less common than cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, but if left untreated, can be the most visually devastating of these eye disorders. The general condition of glaucoma is made up of multiple entities with different causes, but all are associated with loss of visual field, secondary to optic nerve damage. Our optometrists are educated and trained to identify and treat glaucoma.
Risk Factors:
Our Role:
- Identifying patients at risk for developing glaucoma
- Diagnosing glaucoma
- Monitoring glaucoma suspects and glaucoma patients with appropriate testing and follow-up
- Consulting with eye physicians when necessary
- Knowing when to refer a patient to a retinal specialist
- Educating patients on glaucoma’s effect on vision, treatment options, if indicated, and the importance of follow-up testing
Detection
Since glaucoma can develop without any symptoms in many cases, a comprehensive eye examination is the best way to raise the suspicion of glaucoma.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common cause of visual impairment in the senior population though cataracts are found to a lesser extent in younger people. Vision problems due to cataracts can significantly affect a person’s everyday lifestyle. Fortunately, great strides have been made in cataract surgery.
Some causes of cataracts are:
- Aging
|
- Certain Medications
|
- Trauma
|
- Inflammation
|
- Ultraviolet radiation
|
- Hereditary Factors
|
Typical Symptoms include:
- Filmy, Cloudy, or blurry vision
|
- Lighting problems (glare,haloes)
|
- Color vision changes
|
- Difficulty with night vision
|
- Double vision
|
|
How we can help in managing cataracts:
- Awareness of patients at greater risk for developing cataracts
- Diagnosing cataracts
- Providing the best possible eyeglass prescription that often allows the patient to delay surgery
- Educating patients on what a cataract is and what could be expected as time goes on
- Having a strategy for appropriate follow-up to monitor cataracts
- Assisting a patient in deciding to pursue cataract surgery and being an advocate for quality surgery
- Resume being the patient’s eye care provider shortly after the surgery
Detection
A comprehensive eye examination, including a routine eye exam and a dilated retinal exam, will allow us to diagnose a cataract and the extent to which the cataract is interfering with vision and daily living.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common acquired retinal disease that can have a debilitating effect on vision. AMD is a deterioration of the macular area of the retina, which is responsible for our sharp, straight ahead, central vision. In the United States, AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness in the senior population. As people are living longer, more and more people will be affected by AMD.
Risk Factors:
How we can help in managing AMD:
- Accurately recognizing clinical signs of AMD
- Having a strategy for appropriate, timely follow-up
- Educating patients on vitamin supplements, home Amsler grid use, and environmental risk factors
- Recommending appropriate prescription eye wear
- Continuing to co-manage patients with retinal specialists
Detection
Since AMD may not cause any visual problem in its early stages and is painless, many patients are unaware of its presence. Therefore, an annual eye examination is the best way to detect AMD.
As a patient, you can talk to the doctors at Eye Care Professionals about eye health as we age.
|
|
