Call Us Today 843.556.2357Ophthalmologist near Bonneau, SC
If there's one thing that most people can agree on, it's that our human senses are extraordinary. They help us interact with the environment around us every day of our lives. Our brain processes signals from various neurons associated with our senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch to provide us with a meaningful perception of the world. The truth is, though, that we tend to take our senses for granted unless we experience a malfunction in any of them.
Humans have five senses and the same number of organs to complement those senses: a tongue to taste, a nose to smell, two ears to hear, skin for the sensation of touch, and eyes for sight. Of those senses and organs, our eyes are often considered the most essential, as they enable us to perceive up to 80% of all the impressions we encounter daily.
If other senses like taste or smell stop functioning, our eyes protect us from potential dangers. But they also help provide us with distinctly human memories. Think of all the picture-worthy moments that you have experienced over your lifetime. From seeing your baby smile or walk toward you for the first time to enjoying a memorable movie, it's safe to say that our eyes play an incredibly important role in our daily lives.
It makes sense, then, that we would want to protect our eyes and have them checked regularly to make sure they're healthy and functioning as they should. According to data by Ipsos, however, only 39% of Americans have been to an eye doctor's office in the last year. Fortunately, if you live in the Lowcountry, finding an eye doctor in Bonneau, SC, is easier and more convenient than ever when you visit the professionals at Eye Center of Charleston.
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AnOphthalmologist near Bonneau, SC, You Can Trust
As one of the most trusted and well-known ophthalmology offices in South Carolina, we're proud to have been in business for more than 40 years and specialize in high-quality, reliable medical and surgical eye treatments for clients of all ages. Our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing outstanding, personalized eye care to the residents of Greater Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.
The Eye Center of Charleston Difference
Unlike some eye doctor offices in South Carolina, our team uses the most advanced technology paired with our esteemed clinical and surgical skills to precisely diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions and diseases. We focus on a number of vision conditions, medical conditions, and physician services, including but not limited to:
- Cataracts
- Presbyopia
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Styes
- Diabetic Eye Disease
- Glaucoma
- Excisional Biopsies
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Macular Degeneration
- Flashes & Floaters
It all starts with an introductory appointment with one of our experienced eye doctors, who will take as much time as needed to get to know you, learn more about your needs, and better understand the symptoms you're experiencing. Once we know the extent of your eye care needs, our doctors will provide you with an effective, efficient diagnosis and plan of action to remediate any issues you're facing.
From nuanced eye surgeries to standard eye exams, we've got you covered. In fact, we offer the latest technology in Varilux Progressives, Transitions, Crizal Anti-Reflective Lenses, Prescription Polarized Sunglasses, and Thin Lightweight Lenses. With a wide selection of frames and sunglasses, you're sure to find the glasses you need in a style you love.
What is an Ophthalmologist in Bonneau, SC?
When people think about eye doctors, they often think about professionals who conduct eye exams and prescribe contacts. They don't realize that an ophthalmologist is different than other professionals, like Ophthalmologist. So, what is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a vision health professional who plays a specific role in the field of eye care. Along with ophthalmologist and opticians, they are part of a comprehensive eye care team. However, some patients may need clarification on the similar-sounding names of these three types of eye care providers. Each one has unique skills and training for the tasks they perform. You should understand these differences so you can choose the best professional to address your vision needs.
What are the Differences Between Ophthalmologists and Other Eye Care Specialists?
Opticians, Ophthalmologist, and ophthalmologists each have a separate role in the field of eye care.
Ophthalmologist
These professionals conduct eye exams, vision tests, and can prescribe corrective lenses that help address and solve eye conditions.
Opticians
Opticians are often labeled "eye doctors," but they focus mostly on filling prescriptions for contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses. They're also experts at repairing glasses and adjusting frames as needed.
Ophthalmologists
These medical doctors treat and diagnose certain eye diseases. However, it's not uncommon for ophthalmologists to provide vision services similar to those of optometrists.
At Eye Center of Charleston, we offer patients all three eye care specialists to provide the most well-rounded, effective eye care services in Charleston and beyond.
Are Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Basically the Same?
While optometrists have a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree and can provide primary vision health care, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have received approximately three times the education and training.
They can perform all the same services as an Ophthalmologist but can also provide treatment, including performing surgeries such as cataract removal, vision correction, and eyelid lifting. Optometrists may detect signs of eye diseases during routine eye exams but are unable to treat them, so they often refer patients to ophthalmologists at The Eye Center of Charleston.
Surgical Specialties at The Eye Center of Charleston
While we serve many different types of patients with a wide variety of needs, many clients visit our eye surgeon in Bonneau, SC, for very specific procedures. Keep reading below to learn more about those surgeries and the conditions that necessitate an eye doctor's intervention.
While we serve many different types of patients with a wide variety of needs, many clients visit our eye surgeon in Bonneau, SC, for very specific procedures. Keep reading below to learn more about those surgeries and the conditions that necessitate an eye doctor's intervention.
In a young and healthy eye, light passes smoothly through clear ocular structures and is then focused on the retina, the light-sensitive lining inside the eye. The lens, which is a slightly flattened marble-shaped structure, helps to focus the eye. If the lens becomes cloudy, yellow, or limits the amount of light that travels through it, it is known as a cataract. Cataracts can occur at any stage of life, from birth to old age.
Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts include the following:
- Blurry or Dim Vision
- Lights Are Too Bright
- Lights Give Off Halo Effect
- Faded Colors
- Vision at Night is Poor
- Vision Distortion
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause damage to the optic nerve due to high pressure in the eye, leading to possible vision loss. Therefore, the primary focus of treatment is to control eye pressure. Early intervention is crucial in preventing severe vision loss. While most patients can avoid severe vision loss with the use of topical eye drops, some require additional treatment.
It should be noted that some patients prefer to have less dependence on eye drops. Along with medical treatment, several safe and effective procedures are available, including laser trabeculoplasty and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. To learn more about these treatment options, talk to your eye doctor at The Eye Center of Charleston.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending visual information from your eye to your brain and is essential for good vision. While high pressure in your eye is often associated with optic nerve damage, glaucoma can occur even with normal eye pressure.
Although glaucoma can happen at any age, it is more prevalent in older adults and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. Unfortunately, many forms of glaucoma produce no warning signs. The effect of the condition is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the later stages of the disease.
That's why it's essential to have regular eye exams that include measuring your eye pressure. Early recognition of glaucoma is a very important part of that process because it can help slow down or prevent vision loss. If you have glaucoma, you will need to undergo treatment or monitoring for the rest of your life.
Some of the most common symptoms of glaucoma include the following:
- Headaches
- Eye Pressure & Pain
- Low, Blurred, or Narrow Vision
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Nausea
- Seeing Rainbow-Colored Haloes Around Light Sources
A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that appears on the surface of the eye, causing blurry vision. It usually occurs in individuals who have a long history of exposure to sunlight or UV light. Should you need pterygium surgery at The Eye Center of Charleston, you can rest easy knowing that your eye doctor in Bonneau, SC, will be highly trained and experienced in the surgical treatment of pterygia.
Also called surfer's eye, a pterygium is an overgrowth of the conjunctiva, which is a thin and clear membrane on the surface of the eye. It can appear as a fleshy growth and is usually found growing from the inner corner of the eye, close to the nose. However, it can also appear on the outer corner or on both sides of the eye. The condition is not cancerous and does not spread to any other part of the face or body. It can cause redness and irritation in the affected area.
If left untreated, a pterygium can grow across the cornea, which is the transparent 'window' that covers the pupil and iris, further impacting vision. In such cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. However, it's important to note that pterygia may grow back even after successful surgery.
Some symptoms of a pterygium include the following:
- Itching & Burning
- Inflammation & Bloodshot Eyes
- Minor Eye Pain
- Issues with Blocked Vision
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes
If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if the disease can affect your eyes and whether or not an ophthalmologist in Bonneau, SC can help. To provide the best answer, it's important that you understand how diabetes can affect your eyesight.
Diabetes is a condition in which your body fails to properly convert food into energy. This is because your body either cannot produce or does not respond to insulin, which is a hormone responsible for transporting glucose (blood sugar) to the cells in your body. When there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, it can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves throughout your body, including the eyes.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease
When we refer to diabetic eye disease, we're talking about a group of eye conditions that stem from diabetes. Those conditions include the following:
Diabetic Glaucoma
We talked about glaucoma earlier in this article, but one type of glaucoma - neovascular glaucoma - results from having diabetes. Prolonged high levels of sugar in the blood can cause damage to the blood vessels of the retina, leading to the growth of abnormal new vessels. This can result in an increase in eye pressure and the development of glaucoma when new blood vessels grow on the iris (the colored part of the eye).
Diabetic Macular Edema
The macula, which is responsible for sharp and straight vision, can become swollen due to leaky blood vessels caused by diabetes. This swelling can result in distorted or blurred vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults. This condition occurs when changes in the blood vessels of the retina result in either leakage or abnormal growth of new blood vessels on the retina's surface. At The Eye Center of Charleston, we offer highly promising treatments for diabetic retinopathy. With that said, you should try your best to schedule regular eye exams so that your eye doctor in Bonneau, SC, can provide you with these treatments as needed.
Diabetic Cataracts
Cataracts can develop faster and earlier in individuals with diabetes due to high sugar levels in the blood. As mentioned earlier, patients suffering from this condition often see a cloudy layer form over the lens of their eyes, leading to cataract formation.
3 Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes Everyday
Eye problems can be easily prevented if you adopt some easy-to-follow habits for eye care in your daily routine. Even though these habits are practical and easy to accomplish, many people brush them off - until they have serious eye problems. To maintain good eye health and sharp vision, try incorporating these eye care techniques into your daily routine.
Eye Center of Charleston Pro Tip
Swing by one of our eye clinics to see our selection of fashionable and chic sunglasses. Our licensed opticians keep a number of popular sunglass options available at all times, like Costa, Kate Spade, and Juicy Couture. Protect your eyes and look great at the same time!
Use Protection from the Sun
It's important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with exposure to sunlight and UV rays. These hazards include an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, as well as the possibility of cornea sunburn or photokeratitis. To protect your eyes, try wearing sunglasses that have UV protection. If you don't like wearing sunglasses, you can opt for UV-protected eyeglasses or contact lenses instead. You can also try wearing caps, visors, and hats for added protection.
Try Not to Rub Your Eyes
One of life's little pleasures is rubbing your eyes when you're tired or have had a long day. It may feel good, but we don't recommend doing it. Reason being, your hands come into contact with a great deal of dirt, dust, and bacteria on a daily basis.
Every time you touch or rub your eyes, these harmful particles can be easily transferred to them. If you avoid touching your eyes with your hands, you can better prevent infections and irritations.
Try the 20-20-20 Rule of Thumb
To keep your eyes in the best shape possible, consider adopting this handy rule. It states that:
- Look away from your computer screen or TV every 20 minutes and fixate your gaze on something that is 20 feet away.
- Blink your eyes 20 times in succession. This helps prevent dry eyes.
- Get up out of your seat or away from your desk every 20 minutes. Then, take 20 steps. Doing so helps you vision and also helps promote healthy blood circulation and posture.
See a Brighter Future with Help from An Eye Doctor in Bonneau, SC
At The Eye Center of Charleston, we're proud to offer a breadth of eye care services under one roof tailored to you and your whole family. From myopia management and treatment for dry eye to popular eyewear options and complicated eye surgery, we're ready to help. Regardless of the reason why you visit our eye care office, you can have peace of mind knowing that your patient experience will be comfortably curated for you.
Contact our eye care center today to learn more about our practice and to schedule an initial consultation with one of our expert eye doctors.
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Latest News in Bonneau, SC
'Tragic, life changing': Boy from Bonneau loses part of leg, hand in lawnmower accident
Joseph Ericksonhttps://wpde.com/news/local/boy-from-bonneau-loses-part-of-leg-hand-in-lawnmower-accident-berkeley-county-wyatt-carr-fundraiser-gofundme-north-berkeley-marine-division-chicken-bog-dinner-wciv
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The small town of Bonneau is rallying around a family whose son is recovering from a serious accident involving a lawnmower on Saturday.According to a report from the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, Wyatt Carr, 5, was playing in his yard while his father, Clinton, was cutting the grass.The boy's mother, Lorena, told authorities that Wyatt "came out of nowhere" and was run over by the lawnmower, according to the report. The parents provided their son with medical attention until f...
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The small town of Bonneau is rallying around a family whose son is recovering from a serious accident involving a lawnmower on Saturday.
According to a report from the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, Wyatt Carr, 5, was playing in his yard while his father, Clinton, was cutting the grass.
The boy's mother, Lorena, told authorities that Wyatt "came out of nowhere" and was run over by the lawnmower, according to the report. The parents provided their son with medical attention until first responders arrived.
Berkeley County Fire, EMS and sheriff's deputies responded to the residence on Lake Moultrie Drive shortly before 5 p.m. Wyatt was medically evacuated to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital for treatment of serious injuries to his left leg and hand.
Deputies say no foul play is expected.
GoFundMe
According to a GoFundMe set up for the family by a community member, Wyatt lost his left leg below the knee as well as part of his left hand.
The fundraiser, which was set up on Sunday, has raised nearly $20,000 at the time of publishing. More than 250 people have donated.
In addition to the GoFundMe, others in the community are doing their part to raise funds to aid the Carrs with their medical bills.
Charity dinner
On Saturday, Aug. 20, all funds made from the North Berkeley Marine Division Chicken Bog Dinner will be donated to the family.
The dinner is taking place from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 942 Black Oak Rd. Plates cost $11 each and come with chicken bog, green beans and a roll.
Those who are interested in ordering ahead are asked to call or text one of the following numbers:
Family photoshoot raffle
Diandra Dellucci Photography is raffling off a family photoshoot. Dellucci says all proceeds will go directly to the family to cover medical costs, including getting Wyatt a prosthetic leg.
Each dollar donated counts as one entry, and there are no limits as to how much you can donate.
For more information, click here.
Upcoming Events In Berkeley County This 4th Of July Weekend
The Berkeley Observer | Your free source for Berkeley County, SC newshttps://www.berkeleyobserver.com/2021/06/30/upcoming-events-in-berkeley-county-this-4th-of-july-weekend/
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – We are just a few days away from the 4th of July weekend! If you’re looking for fun Independence Day activities to enjoy with friends or the entire family, there are quite a few taking place in Berkeley County.We’ve included a list of upcoming 4th of July events below:Do you know of any other 4th of July events in Berkeley County that aren’t on our list? Include them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to add them!...
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – We are just a few days away from the 4th of July weekend! If you’re looking for fun Independence Day activities to enjoy with friends or the entire family, there are quite a few taking place in Berkeley County.
We’ve included a list of upcoming 4th of July events below:
Do you know of any other 4th of July events in Berkeley County that aren’t on our list? Include them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to add them!
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Strawberry picking in Bonneau part of first field trip for 1stgrade students
Marianna Lunsfordhttps://www.postandcourier.com/berkeley-independent/community-news/strawberry-picking-in-bonneau-part-of-first-field-trip-for-1stgrade-students/article_e071e028-e840-11ed-8ba3-8bf873227193.html
Students from Andrews Elementary, part of the Georgetown County School District, had the opportunity to participate in a hayride tour around the farm, harvest their own strawberries, investigate different types of seeds, explore vegetable fields and learn about different types of farming equipment during the April 27 field trip.“We try to keep our field trips as local as possible,” said Andrews Elementary first grade teacher, Leslie Eaddy. “We really enjoy it here because the farm is able to tie experiences into our ...
Students from Andrews Elementary, part of the Georgetown County School District, had the opportunity to participate in a hayride tour around the farm, harvest their own strawberries, investigate different types of seeds, explore vegetable fields and learn about different types of farming equipment during the April 27 field trip.
“We try to keep our field trips as local as possible,” said Andrews Elementary first grade teacher, Leslie Eaddy. “We really enjoy it here because the farm is able to tie experiences into our learning standards of plants, plant needs and wants and plant life cycles.”
“We really appreciate this life experience for our students,” added Eaddy. “Many of our kids do not get the opportunity to see strawberries and other produce outside of the grocery store. Seeing them participate in strawberry picking instead of just going to the store is very rewarding.”
For some students at Andrews Elementary, this was their first opportunity to go on a field trip and experience learning outside of the classroom since COVID.
“This is actually my son’s first field trip since he was in pre-kindergarten,” said Amy Harrelson, mother of one of the first graders. “This really provides students with the opportunity to get out of the classroom, get hands-on learning experience, take something home with them and have an overall good time.”
Once activities on the farm began, students were eager to learn and enjoy all that Annie-Lynn Farms has to offer.
“I am very happy to be at the strawberry farm today,” said one student. “I am most excited about picking my own strawberries.”
Annie-Lynn Farms is a family owned and operated business that opened in March of 2017. The farm offers strawberries, a variety of vegetables, boiled peanuts, homemade jams and jellies, pickled okra, honey and much more.
“I love doing this work because I get to meet new people every day,” said Jennifer Kimrey, farm operator. “It is almost like our customers are an extension of our family. People love to come and purchase, sit with us and just visit and talk. It gives us an opportunity to interact with people.”
Annie-Lynn Farms is located at 1663 Main St. in Bonneau, South Carolina and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Contact Annie-Lynn Farms at (843) 729-2694 to schedule events.
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