Columbia, SC, Dec 22, 2019 -- More than 150 million Americans wear some type of corrective eyewear, studies show. This would be approximately 45% of US citizens. With growing technological advancements, new treatments have become available that will change the lives of many. The team at The Eye Center has big plans for the new year, as they recently adopted new technology to their practice. This includes the recent breakthroughs in surgical procedures available for patients who suffer from cataracts.

Diseases such as diabetes can raise the risk of cataracts, but the most significant risk factor is age. Many optical diseases are found in older patients and are usually seen in those over 40. Genetics can also increase risk factors in many of these diseases. For example, glaucoma has been proven to be one of the leading genetically-inherited optical diseases, and it can lead to blindness. However, these new technological advancements have brought hope to many.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and older suffer from cataracts. In September of 2019, Dr. Matthew Clary completed the placement of the first Panoptix IOL in the region. A Panoptix IOL implant allows patients to abandon the fear of needing corrective glasses after cataract surgery. This would not be their first success story, though.

This year they have also implemented an in-house Dry Eye Center to help those who suffer from chronic dry eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also reports that over 3million women and a little over 1 million men above the age of 50 in the US suffer from chronically dry eyes. Having an in-house treatment for this allows patients to spend less on eye drops each year.

With annual optical checkups, patients can reduce the risk of diseases. Anyone with a family history of optical diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma is especially encouraged to schedule an appointment. Starting care earlier can prevent complications at an older age.

The center also offers flex-payment plans to accommodate various financial situations. To learn more about eye care or to make an appointment, please visit https://www.theeyecentersc.com.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.