At Vision Source Mandan, our experienced eye doctors provide exceptional care for a wide range of eye conditions affecting residents of Mandan, Bismarck, New Salem, Lincoln, and surrounding North Dakota communities. Our team of optometrists—Dr. Brittany Schauer, Dr. Wayne Aberle, and Dr. Danielle Dyke—are committed to preserving your vision and eye health for a lifetime through early detection, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment.
Common Eye Conditions We Treat in Mandan
Developmental Vision Issues
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Treatment in Mandan
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a vision development disorder where an eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. This condition typically begins during infancy or early childhood and requires early intervention for successful treatment.
The critical period for diagnosing and treating amblyopia is between birth and early school age. During this time, the brain establishes its visual pathways and may permanently ignore signals from the weaker eye if left untreated. Children with amblyopia may not complain about vision problems, making regular comprehensive eye exams essential. Our Mandan eye doctors recommend that all children, especially those with a family history of vision problems, have a complete eye examination by age three.
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment if your child squints frequently, tilts their head to see better, sits very close to screens or books, has poor depth perception, or if one eye appears to wander. All children should have their first comprehensive eye exam by age three, or earlier if you notice any vision concerns.
Treatment Timeline
Amblyopia treatment is most effective when started before age 7-8, though some improvement is possible at older ages. Treatment typically involves 2-6 months of patching the stronger eye for several hours daily, with progress monitored every 4-6 weeks. Most children show significant improvement within 3-4 months, though some may require ongoing treatment for up to a year.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Care in North Dakota
Strabismus, characterized by misaligned eyes, affects approximately 4% of children in Mandan and nationwide. This condition occurs when the eye muscles don’t work together properly, causing one or both eyes to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.
At our Mandan clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans for strabismus. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications like permanent vision loss. If you notice intermittent eye turning in your child—particularly during illness, stress, or fatigue—contact our office promptly.
When to See a Doctor
Contact us immediately if you notice your child’s eyes don’t move together, if one eye turns in or out (even occasionally), if your child tilts their head consistently to see, or if they complain of double vision. Infants older than 4 months should have aligned eyes most of the time.
Treatment Timeline
Initial treatment often involves prescription glasses, which may show improvement within 4-8 weeks. If vision therapy is recommended, expect 3-6 months of weekly sessions with daily home exercises. Some cases may require referral to a specialist for surgical correction, with recovery taking 1-2 weeks and follow-up care continuing for several months.
Blepharitis Management in Mandan, ND
Blepharitis, a common inflammatory condition affecting the eyelids and lashes, is one of the most persistent eye conditions we treat at Vision Source Mandan. This condition typically results from poor eyelid hygiene, low-grade bacterial infections (usually staphylococcal), allergic reactions, or dysfunction of the oil glands near the eyelashes.
While blepharitis cannot be cured, our Mandan practice offers several effective treatment options, including the advanced BlephEx procedure, a painless, in-office treatment that removes bacterial biofilm and debris from your eyelids and lashes.
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment if you experience persistent red, swollen, or itchy eyelids, crusty debris at the base of your lashes (especially upon waking), frequent styes or chalazia, burning or gritty sensations in your eyes, or if your eyelids appear greasy or your lashes are falling out.
Treatment Timeline
BlephEx treatment takes 10-15 minutes and provides immediate relief for many patients. You’ll need to continue daily eyelid hygiene at home, with symptoms typically improving within 2-4 weeks. Most patients benefit from BlephEx treatments every 4-6 months to maintain results. Chronic cases may require ongoing management with prescription medications, showing gradual improvement over 6-12 weeks.ment. This procedure addresses meibomian gland dysfunction—a leading cause of evaporative dry eye that affects many Mandan and Bismarck residents.
Dry Eye Syndrome Relief in Bismarck-Mandan Area
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This common condition affects many North Dakota residents, particularly during our harsh winter months when indoor heating further reduces humidity.
Symptoms include a gritty burning sensation, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision that may fluctuate throughout the day, and redness and irritation. At Vision Source Mandan, we offer comprehensive dry eye evaluations and treatment options, including the advanced iLux thermal pulsation treatment. This procedure addresses meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of evaporative dry eye that affects many Mandan and Bismarck residents.
When to See a Doctor
Contact us if you experience persistent burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations in your eyes, excessive tearing (watering eyes), difficulty wearing contact lenses, blurred vision that improves with blinking, or if over-the-counter artificial tears aren’t providing adequate relief.
Treatment Timeline
Many patients notice improvement shortly after their first iLux treatment, which takes about 8-12 minutes per session. Relief can last 9-12 months for many patients. BlephEx treatments combined with iLux show results within 1-2 weeks. Over-the-counter drops and ointments provide immediate temporary relief, while prescription medications typically take 4-6 weeks to show significant improvement. Dry eye is often a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Eye Conditions in Mandan, ND
At Vision Source Mandan, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to detect eye conditions early—when they’re most treatable. Our advanced technology includes:
- Digital retinal imaging to capture detailed images of your eye’s internal structures
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for cross-sectional views of your retina
- Visual field testing to evaluate your peripheral vision and detect early signs of glaucoma
- Corneal topography to map the surface of your cornea for conditions like keratoconus
Our commitment to utilizing the latest technology ensures that Mandan residents receive the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatments available.
Why Choose Vision Source Mandan for Eye Condition Treatment
Local Expertise for North Dakota’s Unique Visual Challenges
Our eye doctors understand the specific visual challenges faced by North Dakota residents—from the harsh glare of winter snow to the allergens affecting many during our growing seasons. We provide personalized care based on local environmental factors that impact your eye health.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, we provide continuity of care for all eye conditions. Our practice offers:
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Specialized testing for specific eye conditions
- Advanced treatment options including BlephEx and iLux
- Custom eyewear solutions for managing eye conditions
- Ongoing monitoring and management of chronic eye conditions
Family-Focused Eye Care in Mandan
We believe in caring for your entire family’s vision needs. Our doctors and staff create a welcoming environment where patients of all ages—from toddlers to seniors—receive compassionate, thorough eye care.
Don’t wait until vision problems interfere with your daily life. Contact Vision Source Mandan today at 701-663-0313 to schedule your comprehensive eye examination. Our office is conveniently located at 107 6th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND 58554, serving patients from Bismarck, New Salem, Lincoln, and throughout the region.
Early detection is the key to preserving your vision for life. Schedule your eye exam with Vision Source Mandan today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Conditions
What are the warning signs of a serious eye condition?
Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, flashing lights, new floaters, or curtain-like vision loss require immediate attention. Red eyes with discharge, objects stuck in the eye, or chemical exposure also need urgent care. Unlike urgent care centers that lack specialized equipment, Vision Source Mandan has the microscopes and tools necessary to properly diagnose and treat eye emergencies. We encourage patients to call us first rather than waiting in an ER that may not have the proper equipment to help.
How do you detect eye diseases before I notice symptoms?
We use advanced diagnostic technology, including digital retinal imaging, visual field testing, and optical coherence tomography, to detect problems in their earliest stages. Many serious eye conditions, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, develop gradually without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Our comprehensive exams can identify these conditions years before you would notice any changes, allowing for early treatment to preserve your vision.
Can you treat eye infections and emergency situations?
Yes, we handle a wide range of eye emergencies, including infections, foreign objects in the eye, and corneal injuries. Dr. Schauer and our team provide same-day emergency care and have the specialized microscopes and instruments needed for proper treatment. Many urgent care centers and emergency rooms refer patients to us because they lack the proper equipment. We even have after-hours emergency contact options to ensure you get the care you need when something happens to your eyes.
What eye conditions do you diagnose and manage?
We diagnose and manage glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, and myopia progression in children and adults. While we don’t perform surgery, we provide comprehensive management and refer to trusted specialists when surgical intervention is needed. Our advanced diagnostic equipment allows us to detect conditions early and monitor their progression to preserve your vision for years to come.
How do you help children with myopia (nearsightedness)?
Myopia management is one of our key focus areas, especially for children whose nearsightedness is worsening each year. We offer specialized contact lenses and other treatments designed to slow myopia progression, potentially reducing the risk of serious eye complications later in life. Early intervention is crucial, and we work closely with parents to create personalized treatment plans that fit each child’s lifestyle and needs.
What makes Vision Source Mandan different from other eye care providers?
We’ve served the Mandan and Bismarck community for over 70 years, building trust through generations of families. Our practice combines comprehensive eye care with urgent care services that other providers can’t offer. As part of the Vision Source network, we have access to the latest technology and treatments. Most importantly, we provide personalized care where patients aren’t just numbers – we know your history, your concerns, and your vision goals.
Do you accept vision insurance and medical insurance?
Yes, we work with most vision insurance plans and medical insurance for eye-related health conditions. Many people don’t realize that eye exams for conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, or sudden vision changes are often covered under medical insurance rather than vision plans. Our team can help you understand your benefits and work with your insurance to maximize coverage for both routine care and medical eye conditions.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your comprehensive eye exam includes a detailed health history, vision testing, eye pressure measurements, and a thorough examination of your eye health. We use advanced diagnostic equipment to detect problems early, even before you notice symptoms. The exam typically takes about an hour, and we’ll explain everything we find and answer any questions you have. If you need emergency care, we can often see you the same day.