Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Charleston, SC

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects central vision. Our central vision includes what we can see directly in our line of sight. It’s crucial for perceiving and focusing on visual details.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet.

Dry is the more common type. It typically progresses slowly, following a gradual thinning of the macula. It contains three stages, early, intermediate, and late. Management and treatment options depend on the stage, with the greatest vision protection available in the early stage.

Wet progresses faster and occurs when the growth of abnormal blood vessels damages the macula. Wet AMD develops from dry AMD, typically in the later stages.

Symptoms vary depending on the stage of degeneration, but include:

• Blind spots
• Blurry vision
• Crooked or wavvy vision
• Poor low-light vision
• Dimmer color vision

Blepharitis is caused by bacteria found in the skin around your eyes. A buildup of bacteria at the base of your eyelashes or clogged oil glands around your eyelids can lead to blepharitis.

The common symptoms include:

• Inflammation
• Itchy eyes
• Foamy tears
• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Redness
• Dry eyes
• Unusual eyelash growth
• Eyelashes falling out
• Crusty eyelids or eyelashes

The best prevention method is to keep your eyelids and skin clean. Warm compresses can help alleviate the early symptoms. However, if the symptoms continue or progress, it’s advisable to book an appointment with an eye doctor.

A cataract is a cloudy or blurry area that appears in the lens of your eye, usually occurring as a result of aging. Typical cataract symptoms include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Faded color vision
• Poor night vision
• Halos around lights
• Double vision
• Frequent prescription changes

The minor symptoms of cataracts can be managed with prescription lenses and adjustments to your routines. Severe symptoms might require other treatment options, such as laser eye surgery

Flashes are streaks or flashes of light in your field of vision and can often occur alongside migraines. The strange sight is caused when the vitreous of your eye rubs or pulls against your retina.

Floaters are unusual shapes that appear in your vision, such as clumps, strings, specks, dots, or lines. Although the shapes might seem to be on your eye or in front of your vision, it is actually caused by cells floating inside the vitreous area of your eye.

Although most flashes and floaters on their own can be harmless, they are often an indicator of other serious conditions. If you experience flashes or floaters frequently, an increasing occurrence, or a change in vision, you should call your eye doctor immediately to assess your eye health.

Any of the many types of glaucoma result from damage to the optic nerve. Located in the back of the eye, the optic nerve is responsible for the brain-eye connection that allows us to interpret what our eye sees.

As the disease progresses, more vision loss occurs, beginning with peripheral (side) vision. Changes typically occur slowly, which can make it challenging for individuals to detect. Regular eye exams are the best option to diagnosing glaucoma and preventing blindness.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of conditions that affect your eyes if you are living with diabetes. Some of the associated conditions are cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy.

Many of the symptoms can be managed or treated if diagnosed early. Often symptoms of diabetic eye disease include:

• Blurry vision
• Flashes of light
• Poor color vision
• Vision loss
• Dark areas

Your eyes produce a constant layer of moisture to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of infection. When you’re unable to produce enough tears or quality tears, you notice the difference.

Dry eye disease can be managed, but it starts with diagnosing your eye health.

Some symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Dry eyes
• Burning eyes
• Redness
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision
• Excess watering
• Scratchy or irritated eyes
• Stringy eye mucus