Call Us Today 843.556.2357Ophthalmologist near Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, SC, is easier and more convenient than ever when you visit the professionals at Eye Center of Charleston.
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AnOphthalmologist near Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan, SC
Community rallies around Hanahan family after devastating house fire
Sydaija Smallshttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/community-rallies-around-hanahan-family-after-devastating-house-south-carolina-charleston-county-hanahan-news-berkeley-county-wciv-news-4
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — A Hanahan family is getting an outpouring of support after losing everything in a house fire.A fire spread through the Stewarts' Rembert Drive home Sunday in the blink of an eye. Neighbor Mike Hinson said he dropped what he was doing to help because he knew it was right."Meghan was in a panic," Hinson said. "I brought the kids in, found them something to watch on TV, and made them a little snack just to kind of get their minds off stuff."A fire gutting their home is just t...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — A Hanahan family is getting an outpouring of support after losing everything in a house fire.
A fire spread through the Stewarts' Rembert Drive home Sunday in the blink of an eye. Neighbor Mike Hinson said he dropped what he was doing to help because he knew it was right.
"Meghan was in a panic," Hinson said. "I brought the kids in, found them something to watch on TV, and made them a little snack just to kind of get their minds off stuff."
A fire gutting their home is just the latest obstacle for Meghan had Bobby Stewart.
Read more: "2 mobile homes destroyed in Colleton County fire, investigation ongoing."
Meghan fought breast cancer for five years.
Bobby is recovering from surgery.
Long-time neighbor Hinson said he had to help his fellow neighbors, remembering the support the family gave him when his wife had cancer.
"Two years ago, my wife passed away, and so many people come together for me," Hinson said. "You can't give that back. She helped my wife, Sheila, get through it the best that she could. And we did the same for her, just returning what it is that we had borrowed."
His front porch is now a sort of landing zone.
People are stopping by with bags filled with clothes and shoes for the kids, toiletries, and other items.
Read more: "Firefighter falls through floor during house fire response in downtown Charleston: CFD."
All to make life a little easier for the Stewarts.
Hinson said this is what the Hanahan community is all about.
"These people right here are the people who are doing it for the right reasons," Hinson said. "You know, it's coming from the heart. All in all, if nothing else, they feel a lot of love."
A GoFundMe for the Stewarts was created. It can be seen here.
57 teams set for 54th Hanahan Invitational baseball tourney
David Shelton Special to The Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/sports/highschool/hanahan-invitational-baseball-tournament/article_b8bbaeaa-f05b-11ee-9194-43d3036028f6.html
A total of 57 varsity and junior varsity baseball teams will compete at local high school venues with championships decided on Thursday at Hanahan High. The event also includes out-of-state high school programs from states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky.Among the schools participating is Catawba Ridge of Rock Hill, the defending Class AAAA state champion in South Carolina. Charleston-area teams Berkeley, Summerville, James Island, and Hanahan are currently ranked in their respective classification’s...
A total of 57 varsity and junior varsity baseball teams will compete at local high school venues with championships decided on Thursday at Hanahan High. The event also includes out-of-state high school programs from states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky.
Among the schools participating is Catawba Ridge of Rock Hill, the defending Class AAAA state champion in South Carolina. Charleston-area teams Berkeley, Summerville, James Island, and Hanahan are currently ranked in their respective classification’s top 10 polls.
The varsity teams are divided into two divisions – the Hatfield and Steadman divisions, named for former Hanahan High baseball coaches. Tom Hatfield started the HIT 54 years ago and Steadman took over and brought the event to national prominence when he became the school’s head baseball coach and athletic director.
Area high schools hosting games during the week include Hanahan, Bishop England, Wando, Berkeley, Ashley Ridge, James Island, West Ashley and Summerville.
Schools hosting junior varsity games include Cane Bay, Fort Dorchester, Stratford and Goose Creek.
Junior varsity games begin Monday morning with 21 varsity games beginning on Monday afternoon and evening.
54th HIT Monday varsity schedule
Steadman bracket
Hanahan High site
2 p.m. - Marvin Ridge (NC) vs, Catawba Ridge
5 p.m. – Cane Bay vs. James River (Va.)
7:30 p.m. – Hanahan vs. Oscar Smith (Va.)
Bishop England site
1 p.m. – Starr’s Mill (Ga.) vs. Cox (Va.)
3:30 p.m. – Starr’s Mill vs. Lucy Beckham
6 p.m. – Bishop England vs. McCracken County (Ky.)
Wando site
5 p.m. – Fort Dorchester vs. Providence (N.C)
7:30 – Wando vs, Hickory (Va.)
Berkeley site
5 p.m. – Philip Simmons vs. Green Briar Christian (Va.)
7:30 p.m. – Berkeley vs. Woodland
Hatfield bracket
Summerville site
5 p.m. – Pinewood Prep vs. St. Pius (Ga.)
7:30 p.m. – Summerville vs. Great Bridge (Va.)
West Ashley site
2 p.m. – Catholic (Va.) vs. Trinity Christian (Ga.)
5 p.m. – Ardrey Kell (N.C.) vs. Beaufort
7:30 p.m. – West Ashley vs. St. Francis (OH)
James Island site
2 p.m. – Western Branch (Va.) vs. Stratford
5 p.m. – Hilton Head Christian vs. Timberland
7:30 p.m. – James Island vs. Hilton Head Christian
Ashley Ridge site
2 p.m. – Ben Lippen vs. Goose Creek
5 p.m. - Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs. First Colonial (Va.)
7:30 p.m. – Ashley Ridge vs. Hickory Grove (N.C.)
Hanahan Middle School students learn to save lives
Lauren Lennonhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/hanahan-middle-school-students-learn-to-save-lives-through-new-course-health-professions-first-aid-cpr-certified-basic-life-support-berkeley-county-school-district-bcsd-south-carolina-sc-wciv
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — Learning how to save lives one class at a time is the goal of a course at Hanahan Middle School."Our principal came to me last year , wanting to start a new class," teacher Susan Hill said. "And we did."Read more: Berkeley County begins construction of Nexton Middle School...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — Learning how to save lives one class at a time is the goal of a course at Hanahan Middle School.
"Our principal came to me last year , wanting to start a new class," teacher Susan Hill said. "And we did."
Read more: Berkeley County begins construction of Nexton Middle School
The new class, called Introduction to Health Professions, brings the medical world to the classroom.
"We go through a lot about the body systems, different tools used by health professionals, and different types of jobs," Hill said.
For students to get a complete understanding of what it’s like to work in the medical field, health professionals from the community are invited to come speak, including Rodney Profit, a training captain with Boeing Security and Fire.
Learning about these jobs isn't the only takeaway for the students; they leave the course certified in basic life support.
"We do everything from adult child infant, CPR, choking first aid, and AED usages to get these students certified in basic life support," Profit said. "Students are given a chance to kind of look and explore what's out there for them and letting them know that there are no hurdles. If there are any hurdles, they can transverse those hurdles, but no one can tell them they can't do what they want to do.”
This encouragement has left students with the world at their fingertips.
"This has opened a lot more like pathways," student Lianny Martinez said.
Student, Savannah Wika said, "I would say it really like helped me realize what I really want to do for like a job. It really opened up what's happening when you go to the hospital."
Read more: BCSD approves $1.5K and $500 bonuses for fourth incentive of the year
The course also includes off-campus field trips. The class recently visited Charleston Southern University (CSU), where students got a tour of the campus.
For Hill, she believes each and every one of the students are more than capable of accomplishing their dreams.
"I just hope they understand how valuable they are and what a future they have," she said. "They have their whole lives in front of them and I'm just really excited to see what they do with that."
Hill says she could not be prouder of her students and teaching them has been a rewarding experience.
Jake the Fire Pibble: from fiery rescue to beloved Hanahan Fire Department mascot
Webb Wrighthttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/jake-the-fire-pibble-from-fiery-rescue-to-beloved-hanahan-fire-department-mascot
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — He's got a following in Hanahan and an even bigger following on social media.Jake the Fire Pibble won the hearts of first responders after being rescued from a fire in 2015. Thursday, he is living the semi-retired life but continuing to keep his department a close-knit family."His social media presence identified with our department and brought animal lovers, and we had some other means to talk about with people," said Michale Bargeron, an assistant fire chief at Hanahan Fire Department....
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — He's got a following in Hanahan and an even bigger following on social media.
Jake the Fire Pibble won the hearts of first responders after being rescued from a fire in 2015. Thursday, he is living the semi-retired life but continuing to keep his department a close-knit family.
"His social media presence identified with our department and brought animal lovers, and we had some other means to talk about with people," said Michale Bargeron, an assistant fire chief at Hanahan Fire Department.
Engineer Bill Lindler was off duty when he noticed that a neighbor's backyard shed was on fire.
Read more: "Hanahan firefighter saves puppy's life, not once but twice."
With help from several first responders, he was able to save the lovable Jake, who managed to survive severe burns to become a local legend.
"I believe it was in December that Jake was officially sworn in as the honoree mascot and Goodwill Ambassador for the Hanahan Fire Department," Lindler said.
Lindler remembers the day saving him in 2015 like it was yesterday.
"I saw him free himself from under the fallen ceiling, and he disappeared back into the smoke over into a corner," Lindler said. "Jake was not breathing or anything. I got him around to the front yard, at which time I started doing mouth to snout on him and chest compressions on him as well."
Read more: "Vigilance rises in Lowcountry amidst nationwide mystery dog illness outbreak."
Despite burns over 75 percent of his body, Jake recovered and became a celebrity over the next eight years. He now has an Instagram account with more than 22,000 followers.
Lindler explained he loved being around the firefighters but is now enjoying a semi-retired life.
"He's a goofy dog, and he's got a great disposition, and he enlightens everybody his day that has time to spend some time with him," Bargeron said.
Read more: "Behind the Badge: Lowcountry K-9 trainer the 'dog whisperer' for law enforcement."
Jake's Instagram fame has also helped as a recruiting tool for the fire department.
"New firefighters come in, and the first thing they ask is about Jake because apparently, they know when you Google hand-to-hand fire department, Jake's picture, and his story pops up a lot," Lindler said. "Or even they just heard Jake's story, and they're like, 'Hey, we heard Jake's story. We were interested in becoming a firefighter.'"
Lindler said Jake is enjoying semi-retired life but still loves jumping on those big red trucks from time to time.
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