We truly believe in routine eye examinations so that you can see as clearly as possible. Once you have to get glasses or contacts, it is even more important to watch the health of your eyes. You also need routine checks to ensure your prescription has not changed.
To ensure good eye health and vision, we are very proud to offer the following services:
Cataracts
Cataracts cause a clouding of the lens in the eye, making your vision appear to be foggy. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and are the leading cause of blindness in the world.
Your eyes are meant to naturally adjust to normal light changes, adjust focus, and allow us to see both near and far. Your lens is primarily made up of water and proteins. The proper arrangement of these proteins is what contributes to normal vision. Some of these proteins clump together forming a clouding of the lens.
What causes cataracts?
When a cataract develops, the lens in your eye turns from clear to cloudy. The cloudiness occurs as proteins naturally found in the lens break down and clump together.
Cataracts can begin to form in your 40s, but it takes 20 years or longer before they get large enough to affect your vision. Eventually, cataracts can progress to cause blindness.
What symptoms indicate I may need cataract surgery?
As cataracts gradually enlarge, you start to experience symptoms such as:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Difficulty reading
- Poor night vision
- Glare around lights
- Sensitivity to light
You may also find that bright colors appear yellow or dull.
Can I prevent cataracts?
You can slow down cataract growth or prevent cataracts from developing by protecting your eyes from sunlight. Glasses that screen out sunlight stop the ultraviolet rays from triggering reactions in the lens that contribute to protein clumping.
How are cataracts treated?
In the early stages of cataract development, you may only need eyeglasses to correct your vision. But once glasses no longer help, there’s only one treatment option for cataracts: surgery.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Dr. Carter may give you eye drops to help reduce swelling during and after your procedure. Just before your surgery, he numbs your eye and gives you medication that helps you relax.
Using a special microscope to get a magnified view of your eye, Dr. Carter makes tiny incisions and inserts small instruments through the incision. Then he uses the instruments to break up the lens and remove it. For the final step, he inserts a new lens in the same pocket that supported your original lens.
In most cases, you won’t need stitches. However, Dr. Carter puts a shield over your eye to protect it while it heals. You stay in the office for about a half-hour, and then you can go home.
What type of lens will I get during cataract surgery?
During cataract surgery, you may get a new lens that corrects refractive vision problems. For example, you can get multifocal intraocular lenses that improve near and far vision, and toric intraocular lenses that correct astigmatism.
However, you may still need to wear glasses after the surgery. Dr. Carter conveniently offers post-cataract surgery glasses in the office.
If you notice changes in your vision, call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or request an appointment online today.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
On average, we recommend scheduling an appointment once every two years to ensure your eyes are remaining healthy. If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition, however, we recommend scheduling an appointment once or twice a year depending on the severity.
During your appointment, we will review your patient history, visual acuity, perform preliminary tests, and evaluate your eyes’ overall health.
How often do I need an eye exam?
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s important to have an eye exam every year, according to the American Optometric Association. If you have any eye disease or if you have health problems that can impact vision, such as diabetes, you may need more frequent eye exams.
Even if you have perfect vision, you still need regular vision screenings at least every two years to look for emerging issues. Dr. Carter can recommend an eye exam schedule for your particular needs.
What happens in an eye exam?
During eye exams at the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., Dr. Carter reviews your vision history as well as your overall health history. He examines the inner structures of your eye under high magnification to look for existing or emerging problems.
You’ll go through a series of tests to check your eye muscle movement, visual clarity, field of vision, and light refraction. Dr. Carter may also do other tests, for example, a color vision assessment to check for color blindness if you need them.
Finally, Dr. Carter will discuss any necessary vision correction with you and will help you make the right choices for eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you need treatment for any chronic eye condition or disease, Dr. Carter will explain that at this time, and he may begin your treatment right away if needed.
If you have early signs of an eye problem, for example, macular degeneration, Dr. Carter will explain the problem and tell you what you can do to delay or possibly avoid the problem.
What should I bring to my eye exam?
If you wear contact lenses or eyeglasses, bring them to the appointment. Bring a list of any medications that you’re currently taking, including supplements and over-the-counter medicines.
If you’ve been treated for any eye problems since your last visit, or if you received any emergency eye care elsewhere, bring any documentation related to your appointment so Dr. Carter can note this information in your records.
How long will my eye exam take?
Eye exams at the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., usually take around an hour but plan for a little extra time afterward in case you need to pick out new eyeglass frames and lenses.
For courteous, efficient exams with an expert eye care team, book an appointment by calling Troy L. Carter, M.D., or requesting an appointment online.
Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar. It can also do some damage to your eyes if you are not careful.
Diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss if you are not careful. It can cause you to have trouble with everyday tasks even if you have regular glasses or contacts. It can even cause blindness.
Why do I need diabetic eye care?
Diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise above normal. When your blood sugar stays too high, it damages small blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes.
Even though high blood sugar causes progressive eye damage, you won’t have any symptoms until the problem reaches an advanced stage. With routine eye exams, Dr. Carter can detect the slightest change in the blood vessels in your eyes and treat problems years before you experience symptoms.
How often do I need diabetic eye care?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with Type 1 diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam within five years of their diagnosis. Adults with Type 2 diabetes should get an eye exam right after they’re diagnosed.
After your first eye exam, Dr. Carter determines when you should have the next checkup based on whether you have signs of diabetic eye disease and the severity of the problem.
What is diabetic eye disease?
Diabetes causes four serious eye diseases:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema
You develop diabetic retinopathy when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in your retina. These blood vessels develop bulges that block blood flow and force fluids out of the vessels.
The fluids cause swelling and can damage an area of the retina called the macula. That’s when you have diabetic macular edema.
Diabetic retinopathy may progress to a stage when new blood vessels grow. Unfortunately, the new vessels are weak and leak fluids. This fluid buildup causes scarring and can lead to a detached retina.
What should I expect during diabetic eye care?
At each checkup, Dr. Carter performs a comprehensive eye exam. In addition to checking your vision, Dr. Carter screens for glaucoma and cataracts. Then he dilates your eyes and examines the structures inside them, looking for signs of eye disease and blood vessel damage.
If he finds any concerns, he immediately starts treatment to prevent vision changes and to treat the problem. For diabetic retinopathy, he may inject medications to slow down the damage, reduce swelling, and stop blood vessel leaks.
A critical part of diabetic eye care is keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range. This requires the guidance of your diabetic specialist, who can help you with your diet, prescribe medications, and teach you how to check your blood sugar during the day.
To get expert diabetic eye care, call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or book an appointment online today.
Dry Eye Treatment
Texas Midwest Eye Center is proud to offer dry eye treatment for our patients. Ocular Surface Disease, also known as dry eye, can occur from certain medications, naturally by aging, or as a symptom arising from systemic diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. If you have a minor case of dry eye, you may be experiencing irritation, excessive tearing, fluctuating vision, and/or a burning sensation in your eyes. Excessive dry eyes, or dry eye symptoms that go untreated, have the potential to damage eye tissue, scar your corneas, and impair your vision.
What causes dry eyes?
Your tears do more than let you cry or cause watery eyes. They lubricate your eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients that keep the cornea healthy, and protect your eyes from dust and germs.
When your tears evaporate too quickly, or your body doesn’t produce enough tears to maintain a constant film over your eyes, you have a condition called dry eyes.
You can develop dry eyes for many reasons, including:
- Eyelid inflammation
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Wearing contact lenses too long
- Prolonged time using electronics
- Exposure to smoke, wind, or a dry environment
- Autoimmune diseases (Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Taking certain medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and medicines for high blood pressure and heartburn can also reduce tear production.
What symptoms develop due to dry eyes?
Dry eyes cause symptoms such as:
- Stinging and burning eyes
- Scratchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Tired eyes
- Strings of mucus in your eyes
You can also have dry eyes that are too watery. Though that seems contrary to dry eyes, it happens because your eyes respond to the irritation by producing more tears.
How are dry eyes treated?
The longer you have dry eyes, the higher your risk of developing more serious problems such as inflammation, corneal abrasion, corneal ulcers, and vision problems.
When treating dry eyes, Dr. Carter takes different approaches:
Treating the underlying condition
When an eye problem causes dry eyes, the first step is treating the underlying condition. One of the top causes of dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, occurs when glands in your eyelids get plugged up.
As a result, your tears don’t get one of their vital components, and they evaporate too quickly. In many cases, hot compresses loosen the blocked oils and restore normal tears.
Adding tears
If you have a mild dry eye problem, you may get enough relief from using artificial tears.
Increasing tear production
In some cases, Dr. Carter prescribes medicated eye drops that increase your tear production. Alternatively, he may recommend taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements. They may improve your dry eyes enough that you don’t need artificial tears. Dr. Carter offers high-quality omega-3 supplements and artificial tears in the office.
Conserving tears
Dr. Carter can block the ducts that let tears drain out of your eyes. He may insert a small removable plug at first, and if it helps, he can perform surgery to permanently close the duct.
When you need relief from dry, irritated eyes, call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or book an appointment online today.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them through the optic nerve from the eye to the brain for processing. The macula, or the center of the retina, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye and controls our ability to see and process information.
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration occurs when an area in the center of your retina (macula) thins out and becomes damaged. The macula contains specialized cells that convert light into electrical impulses that go to your brain.
When you have macular degeneration, these sensitive cells are permanently damaged. As a result, you lose central vision.
Am I at risk for macular degeneration?
You have a higher risk of developing macular degeneration if you:
- Smoke cigarettes
- Are overweight
- Have high cholesterol
- Have high blood pressure
- Are older than 50
- Have a family history of macular degeneration
- Eat a diet high in saturated fats (found in butter, cheese, and meats)
Heart disease also increases your chances of developing macular degeneration.
What are the two types of macular degeneration?
You can develop two types of macular degeneration:
Dry macular degeneration
This type accounts for 85-90% of all cases of macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration occurs when deposits of proteins and fats accumulate. These deposits, called drusen, gradually enlarge, making the macula thin out, damaging the cells, and causing gradual vision loss.
Wet macular degeneration
Wet macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. The vessels leak fluids and cause swelling that damages the macula. Without treatment, this type causes rapid vision loss.
What symptoms occur due to macular degeneration?
After the macula sustains significant damage, you develop one or more of the following symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Distorted vision
- Diminished color vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Loss of central vision
As central vision diminishes, the middle of your visual field darkens.
How is macular degeneration treated?
Your treatment depends on the type:
Dry macular degeneration
There’s currently no medical treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, you may slow down the progressive damage by taking a therapeutic dose of supplemental eye vitamins. Dr. Carter sells one of the top vitamin formulas in the office.
Wet macular degeneration
Dr. Carter may recommend one of several treatments for wet macular degeneration. Medications called anti-VEGF drugs, laser photocoagulation, and photodynamic therapy are three examples of treatments that reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels and stop the vessels from leaking.
Early treatment is the key to slowing down progressive macular degeneration. To schedule an appointment, call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or book an appointment online today.
Ingrown Eye Lashes
Ingrown eyelashes can affect people at any age, but they’re more likely to develop in adults. The wayward lashes rub against the surface of your eyes, causing problems that range from mild irritation to serious conditions like a scratched cornea. Experienced ophthalmologist Troy L. Carter, M.D. in Abilene, Texas, offers comprehensive care for ingrown eyelashes, whether that means treating an underlying eye condition or removing the ingrown eyelashes. To schedule an appointment, call Texas Midwest Eye Center, LLP or use the online booking feature today.
What causes ingrown eyelashes?
Ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis) occur when your eyelashes grow in the wrong direction. Instead of growing outward, they turn inward toward your eyes.
You can develop ingrown eyelashes following a traumatic injury or from certain autoimmune disorders. The eyelashes can also turn inward if your eyelid becomes infected and inflamed.
Several eye conditions also cause ingrown eyelashes, including:
Chronic blepharitis
Tiny oil-producing glands line your eyelids near the base of your eyelashes. When these glands become blocked or infected, your eyelid turns red and swollen. This condition, blepharitis, can lead to a long-lasting problem that affects eyelash growth.
Entropion
Entropion refers to age-related changes in the tissues and muscles around your eyes. As a result, your lower eyelid turns inward, forcing the eyelashes to become ingrown.
Trachoma
Trachoma is a bacterial infection that can scar your cornea and affect how your eyelashes grow.
Herpes zoster eye disease
When the herpes virus affects your eyes, your eyelids become thin and scarred. As a result, you can end up with ingrown eyelashes.
What symptoms develop from ingrown eyelashes?
As ingrown eyelashes rub your eyes, they cause symptoms such as:
- Eye pain and irritation
- Watery eyes
- Red eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- A sensation that suggests something is in your eye
- Stye-like bump
If an ingrown eyelash becomes infected, it resembles a stye. You have a painful, red, pimple-like lump near the edge of your eyelid.
Ingrown eyelashes can scratch the cornea or cause a corneal ulcer. Both conditions need prompt medical care to prevent serious damage and vision loss.
How are ingrown eyelashes treated?
Dr. Carter begins by treating any underlying eye conditions associated with your ingrown eyelashes. This usually solves the problem and allows your eyelashes to return to their normal growth pattern.
Otherwise, ingrown eyelash treatment involves temporarily or permanently removing the affected lashes. After applying an anesthetic, Dr. Carter may use tweezers to pull them out. Then you wait 4-6 weeks for them to grow back and see which direction they face.
You can also have the affected eyelashes permanently removed. Dr. Carter recommends one of several techniques to eliminate the lashes. For example, laser and radiofrequency devices use heat to get rid of the ingrown lashes. Another option is electrolysis, which removes the lash using an electrical current.
If you have ingrown eyelashes, it’s important to get treatment before they scratch your eye. Call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or book an appointment online today.
Premium IOLs
Whether you need to have cataract surgery or want to correct vision problems so you can stop wearing glasses, you can correct any refractive error with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). Board-certified ophthalmologist Troy L. Carter, M.D. in Abilene, Texas, has extensive experience implanting new lenses. Dr. Carter offers several types of premium IOLs to make sure you can find one that’s capable of restoring your vision. To learn more about premium IOLs, call Texas Midwest Eye Center, LLP or book an appointment online today.
How do premium and standard IOLs differ?
The purpose of an IOL is to replace the original lens in one or both eyes. Dr. Carter performs an in-office procedure to remove your old lenses and replace them with new IOLs.
When replacing a lens, you can choose between standard and premium IOLs:
Standard IOLs
A standard IOL is monofocal, which means it only corrects vision at one distance. Most people correct their far vision, and if necessary, use eyeglasses for reading and near vision.
Premium IOLs
Premium IOLs improve your vision at any distance. As a result, they correct all refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
When would I need premium IOLs?
Premium IOLs are used for two primary purposes:
Cataract surgery
Cataracts slowly develop as you get older, making the lens turn cloudy. During cataract surgery, Dr. Carter removes the damaged lens and replaces it with a new IOL.
Lens replacement surgery (refractive lens exchange)
You may choose to have lens replacement surgery if you:
- Can’t have laser surgery for refractive errors
- Have a lens disease other than cataracts
- Have lens damage due to an eye injury
- Want to treat cataracts at an early stage
When correcting refractive errors, premium IOLs are the best (and sometimes only) choice.
What types of premium IOLs are available?
These are a few examples of premium IOLs:
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs correct astigmatism, a refractive error that affects your near and far vision. Toric lenses can be customized for your unique type and degree of astigmatism.
Accommodating IOLs
Accommodating IOLs work with the eye muscles surrounding the lens. These muscles change the shape of your original lens, allowing you to see at near and far distances. Accommodating lenses do the same thing, flexing and moving with muscle changes to correct your vision at all distances.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are made with more than one focusing power in the lens. As a result, you can see up close, in the middle range, and at a far distance. Multifocal IOLs are similar to bifocal and trifocal glasses, but they don’t have visible lines, and they don’t cause distortion.
Some types of multifocal IOLs also enhance the quality of your vision, making it easier to drive at night without causing halos around lights.
If you have questions about premium IOLs, call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or book an appointment online today.
Stye
A stye may begin as a small lump, but it’s an incredibly painful lump, and it can cause swelling in the entire eyelid. Many patients seek the help of ophthalmologist Troy L. Carter, M.D. in Abilene, Texas, when they have a stye that doesn’t quickly improve. Prompt medical care eases your pain and puts an end to the infection. To schedule an appointment, call Texas Midwest Eye Center, LLP or use the online booking feature today.
What causes a stye?
A stye is a small, red bump that often resembles a pimple and appears at the base of an eyelash or under your eyelid.
When the stye, called a hordeolum, is at the base of an eyelash, it develops due to a bacterial infection in the hair follicle.
Styes that appear on the inside of your eyelid occur when one of the oil-producing glands in your eyelid is infected.
Another eye condition, blepharitis, can also cause a stye. Blepharitis arises from several possible problems but most often occurs when the oil-producing glands become clogged, causing redness and inflammation.
You can also develop blepharitis from skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and an allergic reaction involving your eyelids.
What symptoms occur due to a stye?
You can immediately see the red lump when a stye develops. The lump is very painful and tender to the touch. Additionally, your eye may feel scratchy and sore or get teary. The stye often becomes swollen, and in some cases, the swelling may affect your entire eyelid.
Blepharitis also causes pain or discomfort and swollen eyelids. This condition may also cause itching, dry eyes, excessive tearing, blurry vision, and inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
How are styes treated?
Many styes improve on their own. You may accelerate healing by applying a warm washcloth to your closed eye for 5-10 minutes several times daily.
While you wait for the stye to heal, don’t try to squeeze the pus out because that spreads the infection. It’s also important to keep your eye clean. Don’t wear makeup, and don’t wear contacts until the stye heals.
Even when styes heal, they commonly recur. It’s time to schedule an eye exam when:
- The stye keeps returning
- The stye doesn’t improve within 48 hours
- Redness and swelling involve your entire eyelid
- Redness and swelling extend into your cheeks and face
If you have a stye that persists, Dr. Carter prescribes antibiotic eyedrops or a topical antibiotic cream. Should your infection spread, he prescribes oral antibiotics.
Sometimes, a stye won’t heal and go away, even after taking antibiotics. When that happens, Dr. Carter makes a small cut in the stye and drains the pus.
If your stye doesn’t improve or the infection spreads, call the office of Troy L. Carter, M.D., or request an appointment online today.