Conditions Treated

Macular degeneration is an age-related problem that causes progressive damage to the macula, the central portion of the retina. Macular degeneration can cause distorted or blurred vision, which can progress into vision loss. We can prescribe injectable medications and nutritional support programs to help you get your macular degeneration under control.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can cause blindness. Uncontrolled blood sugar can weaken the retinal blood vessels over time, causing “floaters”, blurred vision, impaired color perception, and vision loss. We screen at-risk patients for diabetic retinopathy and can refer patients to injectable drug therapy or laser therapy.

Cataracts cause clouding in the lenses of the eyes, resulting in blurred vision, light sensitivity, poor night vision, impaired color vision, and visuals like “halos”. We can prescribe corrective lenses to help patients cope with their cataracts. We can also provide pre and post-operative cataracts care.

Dry Eye Treatment in Conway, SC

Dry eye is one of the most common — and most under-diagnosed — reasons patients come to see us. It doesn’t always feel dry: many patients describe burning, grittiness, redness, watery eyes, fluctuating or blurred vision that clears when they blink, or contact lenses that suddenly stop feeling comfortable.

What Causes It

Dry eye develops when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you produce evaporate too quickly. Contributing factors include age, hormonal changes, extended screen time, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, coastal wind and sun exposure, and meibomian gland dysfunction — a blockage of the oil glands along the eyelid margin.

How We Evaluate and Treat It

We examine your tear film, assess tear production and quality, and evaluate the health of the meibomian glands to identify which type of dry eye you have — because the treatment differs. Depending on your findings, your plan may include prescription anti-inflammatory drops, targeted artificial tear recommendations, punctal plugs to conserve your natural tears, lid hygiene and warm compress protocols for gland dysfunction, nutritional support, and environmental or screen-habit adjustments.
Dry eye is a chronic condition, which means the goal is ongoing management rather than a single fix. We’ll monitor your response and adjust your plan over time. Call 843-488-2020 to schedule a dry eye evaluation.

Computer vision syndrome causes a series of eye and vision-related problems, such as eyestrain, inadequate tear production, and headaches. It results from prolonged blue light exposure and computer and mobile device usage. We can counsel you on how to rest your eyes, improve your posture, and recommend tinted lenses for improvements in symptoms.

Eye infections can be extremely contagious and harmful if left untreated. We treat “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) and other fungal, bacterial, and viral infections that can cause redness, irritation, inflammation, discharge, discomfort, and impaired vision. We can provide antibiotic eye drops and ointments.

At Vaught Eye Associates, we also specialize in diagnosing and treating refractive errors, which are common vision problems that affect millions of people. Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. The most common types of refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Our experienced optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess your refractive error and determine the best course of treatment. We offer a range of solutions for correcting refractive errors, including prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and referrals for refractive surgery such as LASIK. During your comprehensive eye exam, we’ll discuss which options may be most suitable for your lifestyle and visual needs. Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring changes in your refractive error and ensuring your vision correction remains up-to-date. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a refractive error, such as squinting, eye strain, or difficulty seeing objects up close or far away, schedule an appointment with Vaught Eye Associates today.