preloader
DOCTOR REFERRAL

Evaluating Your Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

News

News

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, progressive eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 and is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Fortunately, there are ways to evaluate your risk factors for AMD and treatment options available to help restore vision.

At The Eye Center, P.A., our team of experienced ophthalmologists provides comprehensive care for patients with age-related macular degeneration. We understand how difficult it can be to cope with vision loss due to AMD and are dedicated to helping our patients maintain their quality of life by providing tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals.

Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

There are several risk factors associated with developing age-related macular degeneration, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, family history/genetics, smoking status, and lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity.

  • Age: People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop AMD than those who are younger.
  • Gender: Women tend to be more at risk for developing AMD than men.
  • Race/Ethnicity: Caucasians have a higher risk for developing AMD than other ethnicities.
  • Family History/Genetics: People who have a family history or genetic predisposition to AMD may be at an increased risk for developing the condition.
  • Smoking Status: Research has shown that smoking increases your risk for developing AMD by two times or more compared to non-smokers.
  • Diet & Physical Activity: Eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing AMD while regular physical activity can also help protect against this condition by reducing inflammation in the body which can lead to vision loss from AMD.
  •  
  • Evaluating Your Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

To evaluate your personal risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it’s important to speak with an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess your individual situation and provide personalized advice on how you can reduce your chances of developing this condition or slow its progression if you already have it. At The Eye Center, P.A., our doctors will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes testing visual acuity as well as assessing any signs or symptoms associated with AMD such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing details in objects near you or far away from you. During this exam they will also consider any personal risk factors to determine if you’re at an increased risk for developing this condition so they can provide tailored advice on how best to protect yourself from it going forward or slow its progression if already present.

Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

If you’ve been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of your condition and how much damage has been done to your retina already from it progressing over time without intervention from medical professionals like those at The Eye Center P.A. These treatments include lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking if applicable; dietary changes like eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids; medications including anti-VEGF

injections; laser therapy; photodynamic therapy; vitamins & supplements; stem cell injections; surgery & implants; low vision aids like magnifying glasses & telescopic lenses; and assistive technology like voice activated computers & smartphones designed specifically for people living with visual impairments due to diseases like AMD. Depending on what type(s) of treatment(s) you opt into, they may help slow down further progression of the disease, improve existing vision, restore some lost sight, prevent further damage, or even completely restore lost sight depending on how severe the case is.

At The Eye Center P.A., we understand how difficult it can be living with visual impairments due to diseases like age related macular degeneration (AMD). Our team of experienced ophthalmologists is dedicated to helping our patients maintain their quality of life by providing tailored treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals while also educating them about ways they can reduce their personal risks factors associated with this condition so they can better protect themselves going forward. To learn more about evaluating & treating your own risks associated with AMD please contact us today!

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

The Eye Center, P.A. Discusses the Latest Advances in Laser Vision Correction Technology

News

News

Columbia, S.C. – The Eye Center, P.A., a leading provider of eye care services in Columbia, S.C., is proud to announce the latest advances in laser vision correction technology. With the help of their experienced team of doctors and state-of-the-art equipment, they can provide the best possible care for their patients.

“At The Eye Center, P.A., we strive to provide our patients with the most advanced technology available so that they can get the best possible vision correction results,” said Dr. Matthew Clary, one of their board-certified ophthalmologists and corneal specialists. “We are proud to be at the forefront of laser vision correction and are excited to offer our patients this cutting-edge technology.”

The Eye Center, P.A.’s laser vision correction treatments include LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). LASIK is a popular procedure that uses a specialized laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK is similar to LASIK but instead of reshaping the cornea with a laser it uses an excimer laser to remove small amounts of tissue from the surface of the eye which can also correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Both procedures have been proven safe and effective for treating refractive errors when performed by an experienced doctor like those at The Eye Center, P.A.

The Eye Center, P.A.’s team of doctors have extensive experience performing laser vision correction procedures. They are committed to providing their patients with individualized care that is tailored specifically for each patient’s needs to ensure optimal results from their treatment plan. With their combined expertise in ophthalmology and corneal surgery they can provide comprehensive eye care services including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, diabetic retinopathy management as well as comprehensive eye exams for adults.

In addition to providing exceptional medical care with advanced technology, The Eye Center, P.A. also offers patient education resources on their website www.theeyecentersc.com. Patients can find information about common conditions such as dry eyes, macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts,

diabetic retinopathy, contact lenses, glasses, low vision aids, LASIK & PRK procedures & more. They also offer news articles & educational videos on topics related to vision health & eye care.

To learn more about Glaucoma diagnosis & treatment at The Eye Centers visit www.theeyecentersc.com or call 803-256-0641 today!

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy? And How Is It Treated?

News

News

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects people with diabetes. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.

At The Eye Center, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diabetic retinopathy. We understand how important it is for people with diabetes to have regular comprehensive eye exams to help detect any changes in their vision or health.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling and leaking of fluid into the surrounding tissue. These changes can cause blurred vision and dark spots in your field of view, as well as an increased risk of developing other vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma.

The most common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are blurred vision or floaters (tiny specks that move around in your field of view). If you experience any changes in your vision, it is important to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced ophthalmologists right away so we can diagnose and treat any potential issues before they become more serious.

At The Eye Center, we offer a variety of treatments for diabetic retinopathy depending on its severity. In mild cases, laser surgery may be used to seal off leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling. For more advanced cases, we may recommend medication injections into the eye or a vitrectomy (a procedure that removes scar tissue from inside the eye).

Our team also works closely with patients to help them manage their diabetes so they can reduce their risk for developing complications like diabetic retinopathy. We provide education on healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking if applicable, and keeping stress levels under control. We also recommend regular comprehensive eye exams so any changes in your vision or health can be identified early on before they become more serious complications down the road.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it due to family history or other factors, please don’t hesitate to contact The Eye Center today for an appointment with one our experienced ophthalmologists who will provide you with personalized care and treatment options tailored specifically for your needs. Our team is here to help you keep your eyes healthy and maintain clear vision now and into the future!

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

The Eye Center discusses How to Spot the Early Signs of Glaucoma

News

News

The Eye Center, a leading provider of vision care in South Carolina, is proud to announce that their team of doctors is now offering advice on how to spot the early signs of glaucoma and discuss treatment options for those affected by this condition. Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. It is estimated that over 3 million Americans are living with glaucoma, yet only half are aware they have it. The Eye Center’s team of doctors wants to help educate people on how to spot the early signs of glaucoma and discuss available treatment options.

“Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Dr. Matthew Clary, ophthalmologist at The Eye Center. “Early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision and quality of life for years to come. We want our patients to be informed about the signs and symptoms so they can get the help they need as soon as possible.”

Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain. It is often associated with increased pressure in the eye, but there are other factors that can contribute as well. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness. That’s why it’s so important for patients to be aware of the early signs and symptoms so they can seek treatment as soon as possible.

Early signs and symptoms of glaucoma include:

  • Blurred vision

Seeing halos around lights
Tunnel vision
Loss of peripheral (side) vision
Red eyes
Pain in or around your eyes

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away for further evaluation and treatment options. It’s also important to have regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist or optometrist, even if you don’t have any noticeable symptoms yet. This will help them catch any potential problems before they become serious issues.

At The Eye Center, patients receive comprehensive eye exams from experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating various eye diseases such as glaucoma. During an eye exam, doctors use advanced technology such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans or visual field tests to detect any changes in the optic nerve or retina that may indicate glaucoma or another serious eye condition.

If an exam reveals signs of glaucoma, The Eye Center offers several treatment options depending on the severity and type of glaucoma present. These treatments include medication such as eyedrops or oral medications; laser therapy; or surgery such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt implantation which can help reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).

“At The Eye Center we understand how important it is for our patients to get access to quality care quickly when dealing with serious conditions like Glaucoma,” said Dr. Peter Koerner, optometrist at The Eye Center “Our goal is always providing our patients with personalized care tailored specifically for their individual needs.”

In addition to providing diagnosis and treatment services for Glaucoma, The Eye Center also offers comprehensive vision exams including contact lens fittings; cataract screenings; diabetic retinopathy evaluations; dry eye evaluations; macular degeneration screenings; pediatric vision care; pre- & post-operative care for LASIK & other refractive surgeries; sports vision training & testing; specialty contact lenses; tinted lenses & sunglasses fitting services & more!

To learn more about Glaucoma diagnosis & treatment at The Eye Centers visit www.theeyecentersc.com or call 803-256-0641 today!

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

Understanding Macular Degeneration and Its Treatment Options

News

News

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 65. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, a small area in the center of the retina, becomes damaged or deteriorates. This can lead to blurred vision, difficulty reading, driving and even recognizing faces.

Fortunately, there are treatment options available for macular degeneration. The Eye Center PA is a leading provider of eye care services with expertise in treating macular degeneration and other eye conditions. They offer a variety of treatments that can help slow down or even stop progression of the condition.

The first line of defense against macular degeneration is lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking are all important steps to take to reduce your risk for developing macular degeneration or slowing its progression if you already have it.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to prevent or slow down macular degeneration, The Eye Center PA offers several treatments to help improve vision and reduce symptoms associated with this condition.

One such treatment is anti-VEGF therapy, which involves injecting medications into the eye that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from forming new blood vessels in the retina that can damage vision if left untreated. Anti-VEGF therapy has been shown to be effective in slowing down progression of macular degeneration in some patients.

Another treatment option is laser photocoagulation therapy. This involves using laser energy to seal off leaking blood vessels under the retina that can cause vision loss due to macular degeneration. Laser photocoagulation therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with this condition and improving vision in some patients as well as slowing down its progression for others.

Finally, The Eye Center PA also offers nutritional supplements as part of their comprehensive approach to treating macular degeneration. These supplements contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin which have been shown to help protect against damage caused by free radicals which can contribute to development and progression of this condition as well as other age-related eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.

No matter what stage you’re at with your macular degeneration diagnosis, The Eye Center PA has treatment options available that can help slow down its progression or even improve your vision if caught early enough. With their expertise in treating this condition combined with lifestyle modifications such as eating right, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking you can be sure you’re taking all necessary steps towards protecting your eyesight for years to come!

About Author
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full-service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

The Eye Center, P.A. Discusses the Benefits of Regular Eye Exams for Adults

News

News

The Eye Center, P.A., a leading eye care provider in South Carolina, is encouraging adults to take advantage of the benefits of regular eye exams. With more than 20 years of experience in providing quality vision care services to the community, The Eye Center is committed to helping adults maintain their vision health and prevent potential vision problems from occurring.

“At The Eye Center, we understand how important it is for adults to have regular eye exams,” said Dr. Matthew T. Clary, MD., Ophthalmologist at The Eye Center. “Our team of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services that can help adults maintain their vision health and prevent potential vision problems from occurring.”

Regular eye exams are essential for adults as they can detect a variety of common vision issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can help reduce the risk of permanent damage or loss of sight in some cases. In addition, regular eye exams can also help detect signs of diabetes or high blood pressure which may be otherwise undetected by other medical tests or screenings. 

The Eye Center offers a wide range of comprehensive eye care services designed to meet the needs of all patients including: 

  • Comprehensive eye exams
  • Diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma
  • Cataract surgery
  • Retinal imaging
  • Diabetic retinopathy screening
  • Ocular allergy testing 

Treatment for dry eyes 

The Eye Center also offers a variety of specialized treatments such as corneal reshaping therapy (CRT) which helps correct nearsightedness without glasses or contact lenses; laser-assisted cataract surgery which is an advanced surgical technique that enables surgeons to treat cataracts with greater precision; and refractive lens exchange (RLE), an alternative procedure for correcting farsightedness that does not involve wearing glasses or contact lenses after surgery.  

Dr. Clary added: “At The Eye Center we strive to provide our patients with the best possible care available so they can enjoy clear comfortable vision throughout their lives.” He continued: “We believe that regular comprehensive eye exams are one of the best ways for adults to protect their vision health now and into the future.”

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full-service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

The Eye Center: Providing Comprehensive Eye Exams to Improve Eye Health

News

News

Columbia, SC – The Eye Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye exams and treatments to improve eye health. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, The Eye Centers offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, laser eye surgery, and vision care. With multiple highly trained and experienced doctors on staff, The Eye Center is equipped to provide patients with the best possible eye care.

When it comes to eye health and vision care, the importance of comprehensive eye exams cannot be overstated. Comprehensive eye exams can help detect problems in the early stages, when they are most treatable. Early detection of eye diseases can help to prevent vision loss or other eye issues. These exams can also help identify vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and more. By identifying these issues, we can provide the proper treatment to help improve your vision.

During a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will perform a series of tests to evaluate the patient’s vision, eye health, and overall physical health. Some of the tests include an in-depth look at the retina, a scan of the cornea, and a visual acuity test. The doctor will also check for signs of glaucoma and cataracts and can provide treatments to help slow the progression of these diseases.

In addition to comprehensive eye exams, The Eye Centers SC also offers laser eye surgery and vision care services. Laser eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. The doctors at The Eye Center have years of experience performing laser eye surgery and are dedicated to providing the best possible outcome for each patient.

The Eye Center provides comprehensive eye exams and vision care services to improve eye health. The team of highly trained and experienced doctors is committed to providing the highest quality of care for each patient. With comprehensive exams, laser eye surgery, and vision care services, The Eye Center can help patients maintain their eye health and improve their vision.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full-service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

The Link Between Diabetes and Eye Health

News

News

Diabetes is a serious health condition which can have devastating effects on a person’s overall health, including their eyes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, and it can lead to other eye issues. To help protect yourself from diabetes-related eye problems, it’s important to understand the link between diabetes and eye health.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eye problems, including glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can cause several changes in the eye, including damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. This damage can cause vision loss, which can range from mild to severe. The most common symptom of diabetes-related vision loss is blurry vision.

Glaucoma is a condition where too much pressure builds up inside the eye, which can lead to vision loss. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and it can have serious consequences if it’s left untreated.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision or a decrease in vision. Diabetes can increase a person’s risk of developing cataracts.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease, and it’s caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This damage can cause swelling and leaking of fluid, which can lead to vision loss. The most common symptom of this condition is blurred vision, but it can also cause blind spots or floaters.

People with diabetes should have regular eye exams to ensure that their eyes are healthy. An eye doctor can check for any signs of diabetes-related eye issues, and they can also check for any other eye issues that may be present.

At The Eye Center, our team of experienced ophthalmologists can help you protect your eyes and vision from diabetes-related problems. Our doctors offer comprehensive eye exams and screenings to help diagnose and treat any issues that may be present. We also offer treatments such as laser therapy, injections, and surgery to help correct any vision problems that may be caused by diabetes.

About Author
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
Contact Us

The Eye Center Offers Upper Blepharoplasty

News

The Eye Center Offers Upper Blepharoplasty

Columbia, SC – At The Eye Center, an ophthalmology practice committed to providing their patients with top-notch care and outcomes, men and women of any age can now benefit from upper blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the upper eyelids. The team of specialists at The Eye Center are dedicated to providing superior care and results.

Dr. Clary of The Eye Center emphasizes the significance of providing comprehensive eye care services, which now includes blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that can help improve vision impairments and give patients a more youthful and alert appearance. “We understand how important it is for our patients to look their best, but more importantly to get the help they need for vision impairments. We are proud to be able to offer this treatment,” said Dr. Clary.

Blepharoplasty can also have health benefits beyond just improving your appearance: severely sagging skin around your eyes can impair your peripheral or side vision making it much more challenging to perform your daily activities such as driving or reading small print on labels or signs. One of the main risks is inability to see your blind spot when driving due to sagging eyelid skin that covers part of the eye’s field of vision. Blepharoplasty can reduce or eliminate such impaired vision while also making you look younger and more vibrant at the same time!

The blepharoplasty procedure itself typically takes about one hour per eyelid depending on the amount of tissue being removed and requires only local anesthesia with minimal discomfort during recovery time afterwards. The results are usually visible within two weeks after surgery with full results visible within six weeks after surgery as swelling subsides completely.

At The Eye Center, we strive for excellence in all aspects of eye care including procedures such as blepharoplasty. Our team provides our patients with safe and effective treatments that will help them look their best while also improving their overall well-being!  For more information about blepharoplasty at The Eye Center, please visit www.theeyecentersc.com or call us at 803-256-0641 for an appointment today! 

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full-service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

How Do You Take Care of Your Eyes After LASIK Surgery?

News

How Do You Take Care of Your Eyes After LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a popular and effective procedure for correcting vision problems. It can provide a long-term solution to many vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it is important to take proper care of your eyes after LASIK surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

The first step in taking care of your eyes after LASIK surgery is to follow all the instructions given by your doctor or surgeon. This includes taking any prescribed medications, wearing protective eyewear when outdoors, avoiding strenuous activities for at least one week, and getting plenty of rest. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor or surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that everything is healing properly.

It is also important to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes during the healing process. This can cause irritation and potentially damage the delicate tissue around the eye that was operated on. Additionally, you should avoid swimming pools or hot tubs for at least two weeks after LASIK surgery since these environments may contain bacteria that could lead to infection.

In addition to following instructions from your doctor or surgeon and avoiding certain activities, you should also make sure you are taking steps to protect your eyes from further damage during everyday activities. This includes wearing sunglasses when outdoors as well as protective eyewear when engaging in activities such as sports or working with power tools. You should also make sure you are eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants that help protect against eye damage from free radicals caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation from the sun.

Finally, it is important to make sure you are getting regular eye exams even if you have had LASIK surgery since this can help detect any potential problems early on before they become more serious issues that could require further treatment or corrective measures.

Taking proper care of your eyes after LASIK surgery is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome from the procedure and maintaining good vision over time. By following instructions from your doctor or surgeon, avoiding certain activities while healing takes place, protecting your eyes during everyday activities, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and getting regular eye exams even after having had LASIK surgery; you can help ensure that you maintain good vision for years to come!

About Author
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.