Understanding Common Eye Diseases & Their Impact on Mandan Residents
At Vision Source Mandan, our eye doctors provide expert diagnosis and treatment for various eye diseases affecting Mandan and Bismarck residents. Eye diseases can significantly impact your quality of life, which is why early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preserving your vision.
Our team of experienced optometrists—Dr. Brittany Schauer, Dr. Wayne Aberle, and Dr. Danielle Dyke—utilize advanced diagnostic technology to identify eye conditions before they cause permanent damage. We’re committed to helping you maintain healthy vision throughout your lifetime.
When to Seek Emergency Eye Care vs. Schedule a Routine Exam
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Understanding which eye symptoms require immediate attention can help protect your vision and prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room. At Vision Source Mandan, we handle many eye emergencies that urgent care centers and ERs can’t properly treat because they lack specialized equipment.
Emergency Eye Symptoms: Call Us Immediately (Same-Day Care Available)
These symptoms require prompt evaluation and treatment, often the same day:
- Sudden vision loss or significant vision changes in one or both eyes
- Severe eye pain that doesn’t improve
- Eye injury from chemicals, burns, or foreign objects stuck in the eye
- Flashes of light accompanied by new floaters or a curtain/shadow over your vision
- Sudden onset of double vision
- Red, painful eye with discharge or crusting
- Foreign object embedded in the eye (metal shavings, wood chips, etc.)
- Eye trauma from sports injuries or workplace accidents
- Sudden severe headache with blurred vision, nausea, or halos around lights
Contact our office at( 701) 515-0668 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. We offer same-day emergency appointments and have specialized microscopes and instruments that most urgent care centers and emergency rooms lack. Our after-hours phone system directs emergency calls to our doctors’ cell phones, ensuring you receive expert guidance when you need it most.
Non-Emergency Symptoms: Schedule an Appointment Within a Few Days
These symptoms should be evaluated, but typically don’t require same-day treatment:
- Gradual blurring of vision over days or weeks
- Mild eye irritation or redness without pain
- Dry, scratchy, or tired eyes (especially after computer use)
- Occasional floaters without flashes of light
- Minor eye fatigue or strain
- Difficulty reading or seeing at night
- Mild light sensitivity
- Itchy, watery eyes from allergies
Why Choose Vision Source Mandan for Eye Emergencies?
Unlike general urgent care facilities, our Mandan office is equipped with specialized ophthalmic equipment, including slit lamp microscopes, tonometers for measuring eye pressure, and advanced imaging technology. This allows us to properly diagnose and treat conditions like corneal abrasions, foreign body removal, eye infections, and sudden pressure changes that require immediate intervention.
Many patients waste hours in emergency rooms only to be referred to an eye doctor anyway. Our team can effectively evaluate and treat eye emergencies, saving you time and ensuring proper care. We’ve treated everything from metal fragments in the eyes to sudden vision loss.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
While we handle most eye emergencies, you should go directly to the ER if:
- You have a severe head injury along with eye symptoms
- You experience symptoms of a stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- You have a large object penetrating the eye that shouldn’t be removed
- You’re experiencing severe facial trauma affecting multiple areas
For all other eye-related emergencies, contact Vision Source Mandan first. We’ll guide you on the appropriate next steps and get you in for treatment as quickly as possible.
Top Eye Diseases We Diagnose and Treat in Mandan
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This common inflammatory condition affects the thin membrane covering your eye and inner eyelids. Whether caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or environmental irritants like dust, pink eye can spread quickly. While minor cases often improve within two weeks, severe cases can lead to corneal inflammation and vision problems if left untreated. Our Mandan eye doctors provide prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Dry Eye Disease
Many Mandan residents suffer from this chronic condition, often “putting up” with uncomfortable symptoms unnecessarily. Dry eye can feel like burning, grittiness, scratchiness, or itchiness in your eyes. North Dakota’s climate, with dry winters and windy conditions, can worsen symptoms. Our eye doctors develop personalized treatment plans addressing your specific dry eye triggers and symptoms, helping you find lasting relief.
Diabetic Eye Disease
This group of conditions affects many North Dakota residents with diabetes. It includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma—all potentially sight-threatening without proper management. Because early stages often show no symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for diabetic patients. Our Mandan optometrists specialize in detecting early changes and coordinating care with your primary physician.
Glaucoma: The Silent Sight Stealer
This condition increases pressure in your eyes, gradually damaging the optic nerve without early warning signs. If untreated, it causes peripheral vision loss and potentially blindness. With North Dakota’s aging population, glaucoma awareness is increasingly important. Our doctors use advanced technology to measure eye pressure, assess optic nerve health, and detect glaucoma before vision loss occurs.
Macular Degeneration
This progressive condition affects the macula—the central portion of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. More common in older adults (hence age-related macular degeneration or AMD), it comes in “dry” and “wet” forms. Our Mandan eye care team offers genetic testing to identify those at higher risk for wet AMD and provides guidance on protective measures including proper nutrition, sun protection, and lifestyle changes to slow progression.
Seasonal Eye Diseases in North Dakota: What to Expect Throughout the Year
Living in North Dakota means your eyes face unique challenges with each season. Understanding how weather and environmental changes affect your eye health helps you take preventive measures and know when to seek treatment. Here’s what you need to know:
Spring: Allergy Season (March – June)
Spring brings tree and grass pollen, as well as other outdoor allergens, which trigger allergic conjunctivitis in many Mandan residents. Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and a burning sensation. Unlike bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes simultaneously and isn’t contagious.
Prevention strategies include keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, using air conditioning with clean filters, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and avoiding rubbing your eyes. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief, but if symptoms persist for more than a few days or significantly impact your daily activities, schedule an appointment. We can prescribe stronger medications or recommend specific treatments based on your triggers.
Summer: Increased Infection Risk (June – August)
Summer activities increase your risk of eye infections. Swimming pools, lakes, and recreational water expose your eyes to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Contact lens wearers face an increased risk of infection when water becomes trapped between the lens and the eye. Outdoor activities also increase exposure to dust, debris, and insects that can cause corneal abrasions or introduce bacteria.
Protect your eyes by never swimming or showering in contact lenses, wearing goggles when swimming, using protective eyewear during yard work and sports, and washing your hands frequently before touching your eyes. If you develop redness, discharge, pain, or blurred vision after swimming or outdoor activities, contact our office promptly. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis spreads easily during the summer months, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Fall: Ragweed and Mold Allergies (August – October)
Fall brings ragweed pollen—one of the most common allergens affecting North Dakota residents—along with outdoor mold spores from decaying leaves. Many patients who don’t experience spring allergies find their eyes severely affected in the fall. Symptoms mirror those of spring allergies but may be more intense in ragweed-sensitive individuals.
This season also sees an increase in fungal eye infections from yard work, particularly when handling compost, moldy leaves, or disturbed soil. Always wear protective eyewear when doing yard work, raking leaves, or using leaf blowers. If you experience persistent itching or notice your allergy symptoms worsening each fall, we can help identify your specific triggers and develop a preventive treatment plan before symptoms begin.
Winter: Dry Eye and Viral Infections (November – March)
North Dakota’s harsh winters create a perfect storm for dry eye disease. Indoor heating systems remove moisture from the air, while cold outdoor temperatures and wind cause tears to evaporate rapidly. Many patients who don’t experience dry eye symptoms during other seasons find winter particularly challenging.
Winter also brings an increase in viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) cases as people spend more time indoors and in close contact. Common cold and flu viruses can affect your eyes, causing redness, watering, and discharge. Unlike allergic conjunctivitis, viral pink eye often starts in one eye and may spread to the other, accompanied by cold symptoms.
Combat winter dry eye by using a humidifier in your bedroom and office, staying well-hydrated, taking breaks from screens, and using preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day. For persistent symptoms, our advanced dry eye treatments, including BlephEx and iLux, can provide lasting relief. If you develop pink eye symptoms, contact us for an evaluation to determine whether you need prescription treatment or if the infection will resolve on its own.
Preventing Common Eye Diseases: What Mandan Residents Can Do
While some eye diseases result from factors beyond your control, like genetics or aging, many can be prevented or their progression slowed through lifestyle choices and proper eye care. Our Mandan eye doctors recommend these evidence-based strategies to protect your vision.
Schedule Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams
The single most important step in preventing vision loss is scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams. Many serious conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, develop without symptoms in their early stages. Our advanced diagnostic technology can detect these diseases years before you notice any changes, allowing for early intervention when treatment is most effective.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage
North Dakota’s intense sun exposure—amplified by winter snow reflection—increases your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outdoors, even on cloudy days. Wraparound styles offer the best protection. UV damage is cumulative over your lifetime, making protection essential at every age.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all increase your risk of serious eye diseases. If you have diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control can reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy by up to 76%. Work closely with your primary care physician to keep these conditions under control, and always inform our eye doctors about any chronic health conditions and medications you’re taking.
Eat a Vision-Healthy Diet
Leafy green vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that protect against macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help prevent dry eyes and may reduce the risk of AMD. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide vitamins C and E, which support overall eye health. If you struggle to get these nutrients through diet alone, ask our doctors about AREDS2 supplements.
Practice Good Contact Lens Hygiene
Never sleep in contacts unless specifically prescribed for extended wear, never expose contacts to water (including swimming or showering), replace your contact lens case every three months, and follow your replacement schedule strictly. If you experience redness, pain, or vision changes while wearing contacts, remove them immediately and contact our office.
Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Position your screen slightly below eye level, about 20-26 inches from your face, and remember to blink frequently. If you experience persistent symptoms, we can prescribe computer glasses tailored to your workspace.
Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Regular physical activity reduces your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to eye disease. Even moderate exercise like walking 30 minutes daily improves blood circulation to your eyes and provides substantial benefits for your overall and eye health.
Know Your Family History
Many eye diseases have genetic components. If your parents or siblings have glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions, your risk increases significantly. Share your complete family health history with our doctors during your exam so we can implement appropriate screening and monitoring.
Protect Your Eyes from Injury
Always wear appropriate safety glasses when doing yard work, home repairs, or working with chemicals or power tools. Wear protective eyewear for sports like racquet sports, basketball, and baseball, where eye injuries commonly occur.
Take Action Today
If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year, or if you have risk factors for eye disease, contact Vision Source Mandan today to schedule your appointment. Our doctors will assess your individual risk factors and create a personalized prevention plan to protect your vision for life.
Why Choose Vision Source Mandan for Eye Disease Management?
Our Mandan eye care center combines hometown care with advanced diagnostic equipment to effectively manage eye diseases. Our doctors stay at the forefront of optometric advances through ongoing education and our Vision Source network membership—ensuring you receive the best possible care right here in Mandan.
We take a personalized approach to treating eye diseases, understanding that each patient’s situation is unique. From customized dry eye treatment plans to specialized glaucoma monitoring, we tailor our care to your specific needs.
When you choose Vision Source Mandan, you’re partnering with eye health experts who truly care about preserving your vision for life. We proudly serve patients from Mandan, Bismarck, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Diseases in Mandan
How often should Mandan residents have eye exams to check for eye diseases?
Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every year, especially those with risk factors such as diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or those over age 60. Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age, then annually thereafter to support healthy visual development.
What are the top risk factors for eye diseases affecting Mandan residents?
Key risk factors include age (especially over 60), diabetes, family history of eye disease, smoking, prolonged digital device use, and North Dakota’s climate conditions including dry air, wind, and UV exposure.
How can I tell if I have an eye disease if there are no symptoms?
Many serious eye diseases like glaucoma and early diabetic retinopathy develop without noticeable symptoms. Only comprehensive eye exams with dilation can detect these conditions in their early stages, which is why regular check-ups with your Mandan eye doctor are essential.
Does Vision Source Mandan accept insurance for eye disease treatment?
Yes, we work with most major medical and vision insurance plans for disease diagnosis and management. Our staff will help verify your coverage before your appointment for both medical and vision benefits.
What makes Vision Source Mandan different from other eye care providers?
As part of North America’s premier network of independent optometrists, we combine personalized hometown care with access to advanced technology and specialized treatments. Our doctors have extensive experience treating eye diseases common in North Dakota, and we focus on building lasting relationships with our patients.