Eye Disease & Surgery Co-Management

Have you noticed blurry vision, difficulty reading, or trouble seeing at night? Many eye diseases develop slowly and without symptoms, making them easy to overlook—until they start affecting your life. 

At Pico Rivera Optometric Center, Dr. Liza Dimarana provides comprehensive screenings and personalized care for conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic eye diseases. With over 50 years of trusted service in the community, she takes the time to examine your eye health, explain your risks, and create a customized plan to safeguard your vision. 

Happy family wearing their prescription eyeglasses
Woman wearing her eyeglasses from Pico Rivera Optometric Center

The Importance of Early Disease Detection 

Many severe eye conditions start developing long before symptoms appear. By the time noticeable vision loss occurs, irreversible damage may have already been done. That’s why routine eye exams are critical—they allow us to catch problems early and slow their progression before they impact your life. 

We use advanced diagnostic tools like retinal imaging and visual field testing to detect early signs of eye diseases. Whether you have a family history of eye conditions, diabetes, or are over the age of 40, regular screenings help ensure you get the treatment you need. 

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. It’s often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically develops without symptoms until vision is already lost. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blind spots, tunnel vision, and even total blindness. 

Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including being over 40 and having a family history of the disease. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high intraocular pressure (IOP) are also at higher risk. Additionally, Hispanic and African American populations face an increased likelihood of developing glaucoma. 

If glaucoma is detected, we provide customized treatment plans that may include: 

  • Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure 
  • Laser therapy or surgery referrals for advanced cases 
  • Ongoing monitoring to prevent further vision loss 
Eye drops from Pico Rivera Optometric Center
Elderly woman with macular degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or see fine details. 

AMD occurs in two forms: 

  1. Dry AMD (most common): Develops gradually, causing blurry or faded central vision. 
  2. Wet AMD (less common, more severe): Causes rapid vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth. 

While there is no cure, early intervention can help slow progression. Depending on the severity, we may recommend: 

  • Nutritional guidance, including supplements like AREDS2 vitamins. 
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as wearing UV protection and quitting smoking. 
  • Referrals for advanced treatments, including anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD. 

Managing Vision for Those with Diabetes 

Diabetes increases the risk of several eye conditions, including: 

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, and vision loss. 
  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Fluid buildup in the macula causes blurred and distorted vision. 
  • Increased Risk of Glaucoma & Cataracts: Diabetes doubles the risk of developing these conditions. 

For patients with diabetes, early detection is critical to preventing vision loss. At Pico Rivera Optometric Center, we provide: 

  • Diabetic eye exams with dilated retinal imaging 
  • Monitoring of blood sugar-related changes in the retina 
  • Referrals for advanced treatment, including laser therapy and anti-VEGF injections 

If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule a diabetic eye exam to protect your sight. 

Senior man wearing his eyeglasses and his wife

Take Control of Your Eye Health

Your vision is too important to ignore. Whether you’re at risk for glaucoma, experiencing changes in central vision, or managing diabetes, we’re here to help protect your eyesight with eye care in English and Spanish.