Your eyes may be experiencing discomfort for reasons you have never considered, from eyelid inflammation to alignment issues that affect how well your eyes work together. At Vision Source Mandan, our experienced eye doctors provide thorough diagnosis and treatment 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, is committed to preserving your vision and eye health for a lifetime through early detection, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment.
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.
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. 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.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Care
Strabismus, characterized by misaligned eyes, affects approximately 4% of children in Mandan and nationwide. This condition occurs when the eye muscles do not 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. 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.
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. 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.
BlephEx treatment takes 10-15 minutes and provides immediate relief for many patients. You will 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.
Dry Eye Syndrome Relief in Bismarck-Mandan Area
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not 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 affecting many Mandan and Bismarck residents.
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 are not providing adequate relief. 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.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Eye Conditions
At Vision Source Mandan, we have invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to detect eye conditions early, when they are 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, and corneal topography to map the surface of your cornea for conditions like keratoconus.
Why Choose Vision Source Mandan for Eye Condition Treatment
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 impacting your eye health. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, we provide continuity of care for all eye conditions, including comprehensive eye examinations, advanced treatment options like BlephEx and iLux, custom eyewear solutions, and ongoing monitoring and management of chronic eye conditions.
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. Do not wait until vision problems interfere with your daily life. Contact Vision Source Mandan today at 701-663-0313 to schedule your comprehensive eye examination.
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.
