preloader
DOCTOR REFERRAL

Tackling Diabetic Retinopathy

News

News

Eye specialists providing hope and clearer vision for those with diabetes related eye conditions.

Columbia, S.C. — There are over 20 million diagnosed cases of diabetes in the United States alone; a condition that impacts the body in a variety of ways. Diabetes – a condition by which the blood sugar levels in the body are dangerously high – can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, pronounced hunger and thirst, frequent urination, and more. If left untreated, diabetes can result in loss of muscle, nerve damage, and even death. What most people don’t associate with diabetes is vision loss. However, eye disease resulting from diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in those ages 20-64.
 
“We see diabetic retinopathy, eye disease caused by diabetes, in approximately 25 percent of diabetics,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “This makes early detection so important for those with diabetes. Early detection is the only way we can successfully step in to reduce the risk of impaired vision and blindness.”
 
Preventing and Slowing Diabetic Retinopathy
When the blood vessels in the back of the eye weaken they can begin to leak fluid or allow abnormal vessels to grow on the surface of the eye’s retina; vessels that are prone to hemorrhage. This weakening of the blood vessels is considered diabetic retinopathy.

Some of the ways that patients with diabetes can slow or prevent diabetic retinopathy include:
 

  • Get regular eye exams. It is vital to set up regular eye exams to ensure that eyes are healthy. If diabetic retinopathy is discovered, surgery may be advisable during which lasers are used to shrink the blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Anything we can do to maintain a healthy blood sugar level in our body is beneficial to our eyes and our health overall. That includes eating a healthy diet and exercising.
  • Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check through healthy living, regular checkups, and medication when necessary.

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. To find out more about diabetic eye care or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.

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

Cataracts; clouding your vision

News

News

 Columbia, S.C — Findings of a recent study shows that more than 24.4 million Americans of age 40 and above suffer from cataracts. It is also estimated that more than half of all Americans will have cataracts by the age of 80.

When one’s vision starts to get cloudy and blurry, chances are that they may have cataracts. It is a condition in which the natural lens of the eye gets clouded/blurry. The chances of cataract increase with age. Although the exact reason for the development of cataracts is still not clear, some definite factors contribute to the cause, such as:
 

  • Direct exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun
  • Diabetes
  • Preceding eye surgery
  • Family history
  • Lifestyle aspects like smoking or amount of alcohol consumed

“The treatment for cataract is an outpatient procedure and is minimally invasive” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “It is one of the most common and widely available surgical procedures performed.”

People who suffer from cataracts are urged to discuss this condition with their eye doctors. While it’s possible to live with cataracts for a time, long-term exposure can dramatically impact vision and quality of life.  

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center, located in South Carolina, is dedicated to providing high quality and reliable eye care services. The clinic has skilled and experienced staff working under the supervision of highly qualified eye experts.

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

Advanced Surface Treatment: What to Expect

News

News

Columbia, SC – Many patients might have been told in the past that they don’t qualify for Lasik. These patients should know that they can now achieve excellent results with AST, especially with the experts from The Eye Center, P.A. This procedure is suitable for patients aged 21 and above who also don’t have certain medical conditions. The patient shouldn’t have had a major change in their prescription within the last 12 months.

“The conditions treatable by Advanced Surface Treatment include myopia, hyperopia, and those under or over corrected after cataract surgery or other refractive surgeries,” says an ophthalmologist at The Eye Center. “The procedure takes under 30 minutes and it’s totally painless.”

The Advanced Surface Treatment procedure:
 

  • Prepping the eye and reshaping the cornea– Once the eye is completely numb, the surgeon uses a micro polisher which helps in preparing the eye for the laser. Using the excimer laser, the surgeon removes the correct amount of tissue needed for reshaping the cornea and improving vision. The procedure doesn’t involve discomfort or pain.
  • After AST – After undergoing the procedure, the surgeon places a protective contact lens on the cornea. For the next three to five days, patients may experience some discomfort and blurry vision until the eye completely recovers. Final visual results will be seen after several days to a few months, depending on the healing tendencies of each individual.

“At The Eye Center, we use Visx Star S4 Excimer Laser with Iris Recognition and Customvue Technology for its safety profile and excellent results,” says an ophthalmologist. “This technology captures the picture of your exact eye shape, making it easy for our surgeons to provide an outcome that’s tailored to the patient’s visual needs.”

The surgeons at The Eye Center have the experience and expertise to deliver successful Advanced Surface Treatment for their patients. Call 803-256-0641 to schedule an appointment.
 
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 Various Treatment Options at The Eye Center, P.A.

News

News

Colombia, SC – There is a wide array of eye ailments, including dry eyes, Glaucoma, Cataract, Red Eyes, Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Diabetic Eyes, and many more. Each of these conditions requires a unique treatment method, which only high-qualified ophthalmologists can provide.  The Eye Center provides the highest level of quality medical care and ensures that its patients achieve an excellent clinical outcome using the latest cutting-edge techniques.
 
“Our patients come first,” say the ophthalmologists at The Eye Center. “We offer a superior level of experience and expertise. Our focus is to offer excellent care to the patients we serve.”
 
Here are some of the treatment options offered for eye conditions at The Eye Center:

  • Advanced Surface Treatment-The ophthalmologists at the center use the Iris Recognition and Customvue Technology variety of Visx Star S4 Excimer Laser because of its safety profile and the ability to give excellent outcomes. Customvue takes an accurate picture of the eye, making it easier for physicians to provide customized treatment for each patient’s specific visual requirements.
  • Cataract: Modern Cataract Surgery produces excellent results. Usually, it is unproblematic and takes under 20 minutes. In most cases, patients achieve vision improvement within 1 to 3 days.
  • Lasik: If you require glasses or contact lenses to see clearly due to myopia, hyperopia or presbyopia, The Eye Center can help eliminate these problems through Refractive Surgery. Refractive Surgery is an excellent option if you want to eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses.
  • Visian ICL: An alternative to Lasik for correcting Myopia, delivers a super crisp and stable vision to patients rapidly and painlessly. The physicians use Visian ICL during Refractive Surgery to correct myopia. Patients will regain the capacity to see brilliantly after surgery.

 
“We are here to meet your eye care needs,” say the ophthalmologists. “At The Eye Center, a patient will always come first.”
 
Whether you have Dry Eyes, Cataract, Diabetic Eye Disease, Nearsightedness or another eye condition, call The Eye Center at 803-256-0641, for the right treatment.
 
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

3 Things to Know About Laser Cataract Surgery

News

News

Columbia, S.C – People who are diagnosed with cataracts in one or both eyes are likely to feel just a little intimidated by the only known remedy for this condition that can lead to blindness if left to its own devices. Surgical intervention, after all, is something most would prefer to avoid. In the case of cataracts, that may simply not be avoidable. There is good news, however, in that modern, laser surgery provides patients with many benefits those diagnosed only a few decades ago did not enjoy.

“Laser surgery has dramatically improved the treatment process for this once devastating eye disease,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “What once involved hospitalization and a long surgical procedure is now performed on an outpatient basis.”
Cataracts arise when the eye’s natural lens begins to cloud over or turn yellow. Although often associated with age, cataracts may also result from injury. In some cases, children are born with the condition. If left unchecked, the clouding may cause permanent blindness. The only cure is the complete removal and replacement of the damaged lens.

“Laser techniques enable eye surgeons to quickly and effectively address cataract-damaged lenses,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “This procedure is very easy for patients to tolerate and has a tremendously high success rate.”

Here are a few things the doctors want people to know about this alternative to the surgical procedures once performed:
 

  • Laser surgery takes only minutes an eye – While patients will need to report to the surgical facility to prepare, the actual procedure only takes a few minutes an eye. During the procedure, doctors remove the cataract-damaged lens and replace it with a synthetic intraocular lens. This lens may include a patient’s prescription, which may enable patients to avoid the need for glasses after surgery.
  • Laser surgery is not painful – Most patients report only a little bit of pressure and discomfort during laser cataract surgery.
  • Laser surgery has an incredibly fast recovery time – Most patients are back at their normal routines within a few days following surgery. While antibiotics will be required, healing time is minimal.

To find out more about laser eye surgery or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.
 
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 Expands Dry Eye Treatment Options with Xiidra

News

News

Columbia, S.C. — The Eye Center is pleased to offer its patients access to a new prescription treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Xiidra, a simple eye drop used two times a day, may provide the relief so many patients find elusive.

“The stinging, burning, redness and pain often associated with dry eye disease can be difficult to successfully treat in some cases,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “Xiidra is the first prescription eye drop that’s received FDA approval for treating both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.”

Developed by Shire, Xiidra is a 5% prescription eye drop that is used twice a day to treat symptoms associated with dry eye disease. Available in single-dose containers, the medication is specifically packaged to help ensure proper dosing and sanitary delivery. Suitable for contact lens wearers, the medication does require the removal of lenses before application and for 15 minutes after.

Dry eye disease is a common condition that arises when the eye does not produce tears properly or when tears are not of the correct consistency. This can give rise to painful symptoms, including redness, inflammation and burning. If left unchecked, dry eye may lead to ulcers on the cornea in extreme cases.

“Chronic dry eye can interfere in daily life by making it difficult for sufferers to perform normal activities that require sustained use of the eyes, such as reading or working on a computer,​” the doctors say. ​”Xiidra is designed to treat these symptoms so patients can enjoy their normal activities without discomfort.​”

The Eye Center specializes in the treatment of dry eye disease and a host of other common vision complaints. It also offers such cutting-edge treatments as LipiFlow for the treatment of dry eye brought on by Meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD for short.

To find out more about Xiidra or other dry eye treatments, consult with the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.

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 1st in South Carolina to Offer TECNIS Symfony IOL

News

News

Cataract patients have a new lens replacement option available to them that can help them see more clearly up close and far away. The Eye Center’s Dr. R. Brian Huff became the first doctor in South Carolina to implant the new TECNIS Symfony IOL. This advanced intraocular lens (IOL) offers an extended range of vision when compared with other IOLs.

The TECNIS Symfony IOL is a relatively new development in lens replacement technology. It is designed to provide outstanding distance vision while also offering a continuous range of quality vision up close. The new lenses also present no increase in nighttime halos when compared with standard IOLs.

“The most exciting aspect of this new technology is we are now able to provide the high quality distance and near vision that the TECNIS Multifocal family of lenses achieves to patients with astigmatism,” says Dr. Huff. “This opens up a whole new frontier in our ability to give patients the best vision possible.”

Lens replacement using IOLs goes hand-in-hand with modern cataract removal procedures. When an eye’s damaged lens is removed to clear the field of vision after cataract development, a synthetic replacement must be used to protect the eye. While IOLs have long been available to correct vision concerns after cataract surgery, many patients found they still required prescriptive lenses for reading and other up close tasks.

“Thanks to this advancement, cataract patients have an option that can help them avoid the need for glasses after surgery,” says Dr. Huff. “Being able to help patients enjoy the best vision possible after cataract surgery is a goal this new technology is making attainable.”

To find out more about cataract removal and the new TECNIS Symfony IOL, consult with the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.

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

Diabetic Eye Care: What Patients Need to Know

News

News

Columbia, S.C. – Diabetes is a condition that is on the rise across the United States, spiking right along with obesity levels. Those newly diagnosed will find there are many steps they can take to help improve or maintain health. One of them involves adhering to a strict eye care program.

“Vision loss is one of the many potential complications diabetics may face in their lifetimes,” explain the doctors at The Eye Center. “When proper care for the condition couples with a strict routine of eye care, however, it is possible to help preserve sight.”

Diabetics will find that one of the biggest eye-related concern they face is a condition called retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood sugar levels run too high for too long, causing tiny blood vessels in the retina to burst. As time passes, the breakage may lead to vision loss and eventual blindness. In addition, diabetics may find themselves at higher risk for glaucoma, cataracts and other serious eye conditions.

It is typically recommended that diabetics undergo eye exams each year. If vision problems have presented or other concerns exist, doctors may recommend more frequent visits. These appointments will likely include routine vision screening tests along with the use of digital retinal photography to enable ophthalmologists to check for signs of retinopathy.

“Diabetes is strongly linked to blindness,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “Keeping tight control over blood sugar levels, exercising, eating right, quitting smoking and following through on routine eye checkups can make a difference.”
People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are urged to make an appointment with their vision care providers. Getting started with a strict routine of care may prevent serious complications from arising.

To find out more about diabetic eye care or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.
 
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

Cataracts Symptoms: When to Seek Care

News

News

Columbia, S.C. — Vision changes are not at all uncommon with age, but that doesn’t mean all complaints must be accepted as a given. In fact, chalking up some concerns, such as cataracts, as par for the course or inevitable can result in unnecessary brushes with blindness.

“Cataracts are a very common concern for people as they age, but they may also be associated with eye trauma in younger people and some babies may even be born with the condition,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “Fortunately, this is a condition that can be overcome quite easily in most cases. A simple outpatient procedure that involves removal of the damaged lens and replacement with a synthetic lens can restore sight while preventing permanent vision damage.”

When cataracts begin to develop, people may often brush off the symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, it is likely to present with a few telltale signs that indicate the need for medical intervention. This condition is characterized by a gradual yellowing or clouding over of the eye that often produces vision that is hazy or blurry. People may also notice double vision, sensitivity to light, changes to color vision and halos around sources of light, among other complaints.

“The best bet to safeguard vision is to seek out a regular eye examination on an annual basis,” stress the doctors at The Eye Center. “If any vision changes are noted in between exams, they should be checked out sooner rather than later. While cataracts may not require immediate intervention, getting the condition diagnosed and assessed is important.”

To find out more about cataracts screening or schedule an appointment for a consultation, reach out to the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.
 
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

LipiFlow Delivers Help For Dry Eye Sufferers

News

News

Columbia, S.C. — People who suffer from Meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD for short, have a new option to consider for longer lasting relief of dry eye. Called LipiFlow, this breakthrough technology was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use on patients in November 2015. Offering a reliable way to ease the symptoms associated with dry eye, this treatment is now available to patients at The Eye Center.

“LipiFlow is the only electronic treatment device approved for use in helping patients who suffer from MGD,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “By delivering precise heat treatments directly to the inner eyelids and a directed gentle massage, this treatment effectively unblocks Meibomian glands to provide patients the relief from dry eye they’re after.”

Dry eye is characterized by stinging, irritated and scratchy eyes. Some people may feel like they have grit in their eyes and may also experience redness and blurry vision. Interestingly enough, this condition may also cause excessive tearing. Dry eye essentially results from problems with the eye’s tear production. In the case of MGD, it results in blockage in the Meibomian glands.

LipiFlow produced very pleasing results in studies leading up to its FDA approval, The Eye Center’s doctors say. On average, patients enjoy a three-fold improvement in gland function, which can reduce the symptoms associated with dry eye by as much as half. Prior to LipiFlow’s approval, treatment options included the use of prescription medications, punctal plugs, eye scrubs, eye drops and warm and hot compresses, among others.

“By providing a way to restore the natural oil flow to the eye’s tear film, LipiFlow promotes a longer lasting solution,” the doctors say. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this new treatment to our patients at The Eye Center.”

To find out more about dry eye and treatments, including LipiFlow, consult with the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.

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 – Epi-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