Treatment of Eye Disease

Eye disease of any kind should be taken very seriously. We are skilled in treating and monitoring a wide variety of eye diseases including:

Cataracts

Cataracts form within the lens of the eye. A cataract is an opacification or a discoloration of an otherwise clear structure. These normally occur with age, due to sun exposure, genetics, or systemic disease i.e. hypertension and diabetes. Cataracts can also be congenital, which tend to stay stable. Cataract changes can cause vision changes and can be managed with glasses and sometimes surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when there is too much fluid inside the eye and the intraocular eye pressure becomes too high. This increase in eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve over time. Optic nerve damage causes peripheral field vision loss. Risk factors include increased age, family history and ethnicity. Treatment is usually in the form of a pressure lowing eye drop but can also include surgery.

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear layer of tissue overlying the white portion of the eyes. This inflammation can be related to allergies, bacteria, or a virus. Viral conjunctivitis is what we consider classic “Pink Eye”. To determine the exact cause and proper treatment of a pink or red eye an evaluation is necessary.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a disease that can cause damage to the smaller blood vessels throughout your body including your eyes, which can lead to retinal bleeding and edema. These changes should be monitored with a yearly retinal examination. These changes, if left undetected and untreated, can cause vision damage. The results of your examination will be coordinated with your primary care physician.

Dry Eye Syndrome

 The cornea is constantly covered by a layer of tears. This tear layer is what keeps your vision clear and your eyes comfortable. When tear production is not optimal ocular discomfort occurs in the form of burning, stinging, itching. Treatment options range from over the counter to prescription drops and devices such as punctal plugs.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis also known as inflammation of the eyelids can occur from external causes such as a dermatologic disorder (Rosacea) or an internal cause such as ocular allergies. Blepharitis can also lead to secondary lid issues like Hordeolum (Stye) or Dryness. Goal of treatment is to decrease lid inflammation and treat any secondary conditions with the appropriate providers.

Retinal Detachment

The retina is the tissue that captures visual information and sends it to your brain via the optic nerve. The retina lines the inside of the eye. A detachment of this tissue would be similar to wallpaper falling off a wall. Retinal detachments can be preceded by smaller retinal defects that can be detected with regular retinal evaluations.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the breakdown of a retinal function that removes molecular waste. Retinal waste builds up over time in the form of drusen that can cause retinal atrophy or retinal bleeding leading to vision damage. Risk factors include increasing age, family history and UV exposure overtime. Early detection is vital to ensure proper treatment is provided.

We’ll keep your eye health in tip-top shape through regular eye health evaluations, communication, and education. Our goal is for you to leave our office happier and healthier.

Please call us now to setup an appointment or if you have an emergency related to an eye disease – 704-348-1500!

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Dr. Michelle Mumford, O.D.

Dr. Michelle Mumford always knew she wanted to work in the medical field, but it was because she started wearing (very unfashionable) glasses at age seven and contact lenses at age eleven that her interest in Optometry grew. Her father, also a physician, stressed early on to her and her sister that whatever work they chose in life should be their passion – and that’s exactly what eye health and vision is to Dr. Mumford.

“Protecting my patient’s vision and eye health is the most important part of my job – and I take it very seriously – but it’s also very important to me for our patients leave our office happy and confident.”
She obviously recognizes the value in good vision health, but also emphasizes that style can’t be sacrificed. As a kid growing up with glasses that lacked any sort of “style” (and that’s putting it lightly), Dr. Mumford is acutely aware that the right glasses make all the difference. That’s why she’s stocked the Innovative Eye Care boutique with the best selection of designer eyeglasses and sunglasses around PLUS the biggest variety of contact lenses. She’s created a warm, friendly environment that makes patients leaving feeling better about themselves.

“To see a patient’s eyes light up after putting on new glasses or contact lenses is the reason I do what I do – it never gets old.”

Dr. Mumford is also an expert in fitting contact lenses, including specialty lenses. She has successfully fit thousands of patients with contact lenses in even the most challenging circumstances. 

Dr. Mumford graduated from Auburn University with honors and received her Doctor of Optometry from The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the North Carolina State Optometric Society, and the Piedmont Optometric Society.

A native Tennessean, Dr. Mumford and her husband, Jeff (her high school sweetheart!), now call their home city Charlotte a “perfect melting pot of newcomers and natives.” And in case you were wondering, even eye doctors have a life outside of the office. Dr. Mumford and her husband stay super busy keeping up with their two very active children,  Amelia and Oliver. She also loves to shop, read, exercise, travel, or soak in the sun on the lake (always wearing the most fashionable sunglasses, of course!). She’s thankful EVERYDAY that glasses are once again “cool” – because they definitely weren’t when she was young.

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