Many of the most serious eye diseases develop slowly and without obvious warning signs, which means a person can lose a significant amount of vision before they ever realize something is wrong. That’s what makes regular eye care so critical. Early detection isn’t just helpful, in many cases, it’s the difference between preserving vision and losing it permanently.
At Vision Source Mandan, Dr. Brittany Schauer, Dr. Wayne Aberle, and Dr. Danielle Dyke provide comprehensive eye disease management for patients throughout Bismarck, Mandan, and the surrounding North Dakota communities. With a history rooted in this region going back to 1950, our practice has long been a trusted resource for patients managing both newly diagnosed and long-standing eye conditions. Learn more about our eye disease services and how our team can help protect your vision.
Why Eye Disease Detection Matters
According to the National Eye Institute, cases of visual impairment and blindness in the United States are projected to double by 2050, driven largely by aging and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes. The leading causes of vision loss in this country, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, share a common thread: outcomes are significantly better when caught early.
Routine eye exams do far more than update a glasses prescription. They allow our doctors to examine the health of the optic nerve, retina, and surrounding structures, identifying signs of disease that patients often cannot detect on their own. Dr. Schauer has shared a powerful example of this from her own practice, a patient who came in for a routine exam with no complaints, only to have a serious condition discovered that required immediate medical attention. That kind of discovery is only possible through consistent, comprehensive care.
Common Eye Diseases We Monitor and Manage
Our team is trained to detect, monitor, and manage a wide range of eye diseases. We take a proactive approach, using advanced diagnostic technology to track changes in eye health over time and coordinate care with specialists when needed.
Here are some of the primary eye conditions our doctors manage for patients in the Bismarck area:
- Glaucoma: a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often linked to elevated eye pressure, and one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): a progressive condition affecting central vision, particularly common in adults over 60
- Diabetic retinopathy: damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes, which can lead to vision loss if not closely monitored
- Cataracts: clouding of the eye’s natural lens that gradually reduces visual clarity, increasing with age
- Ocular hypertension: elevated eye pressure that may indicate early glaucoma risk and requires ongoing monitoring
While our doctors do not perform surgery, we diagnose these conditions and coordinate referrals to the appropriate specialists when surgical or advanced intervention is needed. With only two ophthalmologic surgeons in the entire state of North Dakota, having a trusted local optometrist to manage your care and guide the process is essential.
Glaucoma Management
Glaucoma is one of the conditions our team monitors most closely, and it’s an area of focused expertise for Dr. Schauer. Because glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, regular screenings are the primary tool for catching it before meaningful vision loss occurs. Our glaucoma management program includes pressure measurements, optic nerve imaging, and visual field testing to track any changes over time.
Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Eye Disease
Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision and progresses more quickly without monitoring and lifestyle guidance. Our macular degeneration screening allows our doctors to detect early changes in the macula and discuss management strategies that may slow progression. For patients with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy poses a serious and often silent risk. Dr. Aberle has a particular focus on diabetic eye care, and we offer dedicated diabetic eye exams designed to catch retinal changes before they threaten vision. the historical context to spot changes early.
Your Annual Eye Exam Is Your First Line of Defense
The most effective thing any patient can do to protect against eye disease is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam every year. Many conditions are entirely manageable when found early, and our team uses that annual visit to build a complete picture of your eye health over time. Skipping even a year or two can create gaps in monitoring that allow conditions to progress undetected.
Our practice serves patients of all ages, from children through seniors, and we tailor our approach based on each patient’s health history, risk factors, and family background. If you have a personal or family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration, let us know so we can prioritize the right screenings for you.
Protect Your Vision at Vision Source Mandan
Vision Source Mandan has been caring for patients across Bismarck, Mandan, and the greater North Dakota region for over 70 years, and eye disease management has always been central to the comprehensive care we provide. As a member of the Vision Source network, our practice stays current with the latest diagnostic tools and clinical practices, ensuring our patients receive thorough, up-to-date evaluations at every visit.
Whether you are managing an existing condition or simply due for a comprehensive exam, our team is here to support your long-term eye health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schauer, Dr. Aberle, or Dr. Dyke, contact our office today.