Call Us Today 843.556.2357Ophthalmologist near Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, SC, is easier and more convenient than ever when you visit the professionals at Eye Center of Charleston.
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AnOphthalmologist near Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, SC
Community Resource Center fills need gap in Hollywood
Melissa Rademakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/12/14/community-resource-center-fills-need-gap-hollywood/
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCSC) - A community resource center is now open in Hollywood and will serve people there with a variety of giveaways and programs right in the rural Charleston County town.“This is the first time so people are excited. It’s a big deal,” Hollywood Mayor Chardale Murray says.The Community Resource Center will provide food giveaways on the second Thursday of every month, baby care supplies, hygiene products, workforce certification and training and Molina Healthcare guidance.Murray, the fo...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCSC) - A community resource center is now open in Hollywood and will serve people there with a variety of giveaways and programs right in the rural Charleston County town.
“This is the first time so people are excited. It’s a big deal,” Hollywood Mayor Chardale Murray says.
The Community Resource Center will provide food giveaways on the second Thursday of every month, baby care supplies, hygiene products, workforce certification and training and Molina Healthcare guidance.
Murray, the former state rep elected mayor earlier this year says this center is part of her vision for making life in Hollywood easier within town limits.
“You know, living in the city, you have meals on wheels, but that’s something to look into in the future for here. No, we don’t have things like that,” Murray says.
The 2020 census showed that about 5,300 people live in the town of Hollywood. Of that, 6.5 percent – or more than 350 are living below the poverty line.
Community Resource Director Louis Smith says many of them were traveling more than 20 miles to the North Charleston center to wait in an hours-long line to get food, baby supplies and hygiene necessities. At the opening of the Hollywood location, cars lined up for miles to get bags of food.
“You know when you put a lot of work into something and actually see it in front of you and it’s actually happening, this is incredible,” Smith says. “We’re in Hollywood, South Carolina, we have got traffic jams, and look at all the people. I am happy. A lot of people are going to have an amazing Christmas and we get to put a lot of smiles on a lot of chosen faces.”
Bundles of Joy also gave away diapers at the opening and will be doing so at future events in Hollywood. State Representative Wendell Gilliard and Hollywood Councilman Handy Miles Jr. attended the opening and helped hand out the food, saying it was a great day in Hollywood.
Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson, Charleston County School board member for the district says this type of service will have far-reaching effects.
“For me healthy homes, healthy communities mean healthy classrooms. So, I am excited that our mayor had this vision to bring the resources here to Hollywood and I look forward to the students in District 23 excelling in the classroom because we are now a vibrant community that’s not left behind,” Dunmeyer-Roberson says.
Murray says that’s another driving force behind her efforts to bring services inside the town limits.
“Just being from a rural area and I’m homegrown, I know how important is when it comes to transportation,” Murray says. “People are limited in you know, it’s just a need, people are on a fixed income. You’d be surprised how many people even in the summertime when school is out, they don’t have you know, lunch, the kids are not being served.”
She says the center is only the start of the things she and the council are working on for the future of the town.
The Hollywood Community Resource Center is located at the old library at 5151 Town Council Rd.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Awareness Exclusive: Actor Jason Weaver’s road from Hollywood to South Carolina State University
Billie Jean Shawhttps://www.wistv.com/2023/11/06/awareness-exclusive-actor-jason-weavers-road-hollywood-south-carolina-state-university/
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - This week on Awareness, Billie Jean Shaw visited the beautiful and historic campus of South Carolina State University ahead of the inaugural entertainment masterclass taught by actor and singer Jason Weaver.Weaver has an ongoing successful career rising to fame at an early age. He starred in Disney’s hit sitcom, “Smart Guy,” was the singing voice of young Simba in the original “Lion King” film and he played young Michael Jackson in “The Jacksons An American Dream,” serie...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - This week on Awareness, Billie Jean Shaw visited the beautiful and historic campus of South Carolina State University ahead of the inaugural entertainment masterclass taught by actor and singer Jason Weaver.
Weaver has an ongoing successful career rising to fame at an early age. He starred in Disney’s hit sitcom, “Smart Guy,” was the singing voice of young Simba in the original “Lion King” film and he played young Michael Jackson in “The Jacksons An American Dream,” series. As an adult, he’s starred in the movies, “ATL,” “Drumline,” and currently “The Chi.” Weaver is bringing his decades of experience from Hollywood to South Carolina State University to spearhead the university’s first entertainment masterclass, a plan he says has been in the works since January with SC State’s Board of Trustee member Dr. Macie P. Smith.
In this segment, Jason Weaver explains to Billie Jean Shaw how he entered the world of Hollywood and maintained a successful career. Weaver also talks about mega pop star Michael Jackson choosing him to play the young Michael Jackson in the “The Jackson An American Dream,” series and the surprising, yet odd way he met Michael Jackson on set. He also discusses how the role as young Michael Jackson led to call from another mega star, Elton John, who hand picked him to play young Simba in “Lion King.”
Jason Weaver shares even more candid moments from his ongoing career in Hollywood including how he’s been able to maintain his career unproblematically and his advice to future entertainers.
Jason Weaver explains how and why he wanted to teach an entertainment masterclass at South Carolina State University, the lessons students will walk away from the class with and if the title of professor is in his future. Brown also brought along other Hollywood heavy hitters to join in on the class, his attorney, actress and film producer Lena Waithe and actor, writer and producer Orlando Jones who also makes an appearance in this segment.
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Copyright 2023 WIS. All rights reserved.
Hollywood residents raise concerns over abandoned mobile home
Meredith Blairhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/06/28/hollywood-residents-raise-concerns-over-abandoned-mobile-home/
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCSC) - Concerns are being raised about an abandoned mobile home that was left on the side of the road about two months ago in the Town of Hollywood.Despite their efforts, residents have seen no action taken to remove the trailer.One Hollywood resident described the issue as playing “hot potato”, because he’s been dealing with non-stop back and forth trying to figure out who can get the mobile home taken off the side of Davison Road.The concern at hand is potential environmental impacts...
HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCSC) - Concerns are being raised about an abandoned mobile home that was left on the side of the road about two months ago in the Town of Hollywood.
Despite their efforts, residents have seen no action taken to remove the trailer.
One Hollywood resident described the issue as playing “hot potato”, because he’s been dealing with non-stop back and forth trying to figure out who can get the mobile home taken off the side of Davison Road.
The concern at hand is potential environmental impacts, with rain causing internal leakage of unknown fluids.
Resident Jerry Gray claims further deterioration of the home has occurred due to weather and pieces have blown into the roadway, creating a traffic hazard.
“I’m looking for creativity,” Gray said. “I’m not looking for sympathy or for anyone to agree with me. I’m looking for action, plain and simple. Get it going, bye.”
The mobile home has somehow managed to end up on a widely used GPS platform.
“To be here long enough to show up on Google Maps, we’re now a global landmark,” Gray said.
Charleston County issued a “do not occupy” notice on the home on May 22 on behalf of the Town of Hollywood, but in an email said it is not the county’s jurisdiction.
In an email on Wednesday, DHEC said it is a matter that would need to be addressed by local officials.
The Town of Hollywood said in a statement:
This is an ongoing complaint. The mobile home broke down and landed in the Charleston County unincorporated area. The first attempt to repair and move failed and the trailer was dropped off on property under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hollywood, Charleston County and SCDNR. SCDNR has taken over the code enforcement case and has notified the owner of the mobile home, the mover of the mobile home and the property owner who never gave permission for the broken-down trailer to be left on Davison Road.
In response, SCDNR said:
“We do not enforce any codes. We have written a (litter) ticket to the company that was in charge of moving the mobile home. The subject has asked for a jury trial. There is a contract dispute between the moving company and the owner of the mobile home on going. SCDNR Law Enforcement is not involved with this part of the contract dispute. Also, we have not heard from or made contact with the owner of the property where the trailer is currently located. We have reached out but have not heard back. Also, it is not located on any state-owned property or WMA (Wildlife Management Areas).”
The Charleston County’s Geographical Information System (GIS) says that the property owner is a real estate investment firm called CJB Investment LLC.
Live 5 reached out to the property owner for a comment on the matter, asking if they were charging the owner of the mobile home to sit on their land and have not heard back.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Abandoned mobile home in Hollywood creates community concern
Walker Simmonshttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/abandoned-mobile-home-in-hollywood-creates-community-concern/
Hollywood, S.C. (WCBD) – An abandoned mobile left along Davison Road for months in the Hollywood community is causing concerns among residents who live in the area.It’s hard to miss, and aside from the obvious aesthetic issues, many locals are worried it could pose a threat to the environment.“The concern is, from an appearance look, definitely an eye sore. The other one is, environmental hazard, when we get a bad rainstorm or whatever you’ll actually see stuff dripping out of the side,” said Holly...
Hollywood, S.C. (WCBD) – An abandoned mobile left along Davison Road for months in the Hollywood community is causing concerns among residents who live in the area.
It’s hard to miss, and aside from the obvious aesthetic issues, many locals are worried it could pose a threat to the environment.
“The concern is, from an appearance look, definitely an eye sore. The other one is, environmental hazard, when we get a bad rainstorm or whatever you’ll actually see stuff dripping out of the side,” said Hollywood local, Jerry Gray.
Resident Jerry Gray said it’s been alone on the side of the road for a while, long enough for pictures of it to appear on google maps.
“If you google Davison Road and Messervy Road it actually shows up on google street view so you know it’s been here for a pretty good period of time,” said Gray.
But in order to remove the trailer, someone has got to take responsibility for it, and no one seems to be stepping up.
News 2 reached out to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which said their department does not have the authority to remove the abandoned building.
Charleston County has posted a “do not occupy” notice on the side of the trailer, but said it is not in their jurisdiction either.
Gray shared with News 2 an email between him and Charleston County Building Code Enforcement Manager Wayne Domina. Domina said that the moving company responsible for the trailer was issued a citation and it is a “very big version of littering in the town of Hollywood’s jurisdiction.”
Newly elected Hollywood Mayor Chardale Murray said she is willing to work with whoever it takes to get the building removed.
“Of course, I’m the new mayor-elect, so I’m not aware of everything that’s going on with the mobile home. But what I can do is reach out to Charleston County, maybe DMV, or one of the council members, maybe Teddie Pryor,” said Murray.
News 2 has reached out to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources. We are waiting on a response.
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