- ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis is suspected if a patient has two bouts of iritis in a year or three bouts of it in eighteen months. Iritis is painful inflammation of the iris, or colored part of the eye. This can be due to the high levels of inflammatory chemicals in rheumatoid arthritis patients’ blood migrating to the eyeball.
- Family PracticeA family history of any kind of macular degeneration (family health history is important to know for general health conditions anyway)
- GlaucomaOne of the most frequently asked questions in an eye doctor's office is "What is glaucoma?" Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which tissues of the eye become damaged. The optic nerve is most frequently affected, but other structures can be affected as well.
- OphthalmologyDr. Robert Prinzi received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame. He earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Health System. He then completed his medical retina fellowship at Emory University.
- Macular DegenerationFebruary has been declared “AMD Awareness Month†. AMD stands for Acquired Macular Degeneration, which affects many as they age. While great strides have been made in the prevention and management of AMD, the condition remains a challenge. PreventBlindness.org notes the following risk factors for AMD...
- Laser Eye SurgeryLaser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is an elective vision correction procedure that is performed using a microkeratome and an excimer laser. It is a comfortable, safe and effective outpatient procedure that corrects a wide range of vision problems. LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- CataractsCataract: A "clouding" of the lens in your eye. As light passes through the cataractous lens, it is diffused or scattered. The result is blurred or defocused vision.
- Cataract SurgeryAt Coastal Eye Group we use the most up-to-date technology and techniques to provide patients with the best possible refractive outcomes following cataract surgery. We use the phacoemulsification technique combined with an incision small enough to avoid the use of sutures. This not only speeds the recovery process, but also allows most patients to begin to see well within a few hours to a few days following surgery. If you need cataract surgery in the Myrtle Beach area, give Coastal Eye Group a call to meet with one of our ophthalmologists.
- Eye ExamA complete dilated eye exam with refraction is done to determine if your eyes are healthy and your prescription is stable. In addition, a computerized topographical map of your cornea will be done to determine your surgical plan. This fee will be paid at Coastal Eye Group the day of the exam. When you schedule your surgery, this fee is credited towards the cost of the surgery.
- Internal MedicineDr. Richard E. DeChamplain began his medical training in 1988 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Graduating in the top of his class, Dr. DeChamplain entered an internship of Internal Medicine in 1992. In 1993, he began his Ophthalmology training at the Storm Eye Institute at MUSC. During his medical school and residency training, Dr. DeChamplain served as both student/faculty liaison and Chief Resident of Ophthalmology.
- Multiple SclerosisInflammation of the optic nerve, also known as optic neuritis, can be an indicator of multiple sclerosis (or the result of an infection or other causes).
- Depression
- Mental HealthAlong with being Mental Health Awareness month, did you know that May is also Healthy Vision Month?
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyOne of the first signs of type 2 diabetes can be a small amount of bleeding in the retina, a symptom of diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness. But the risk can be cut in half by detecting it early and managing it.
- General SurgeryJennifer H. Merritt M.D. is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Merritt received her B.S. degree with honors from Furman University and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, graduating in the top 10% of her class. After a general surgery internship, she completed her ophthalmology residency at MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute. She was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. During her ophthalmology training, she received the 2004 Helma Award for best research presentation and the 2003 and 2005 OKAP Awards for scoring the highest among all residents.
- Skin CancerWe frequently hear about the important of wearing sunscreen anytime we are in the sun to protect our skin from being damaged by the sun’s UV radiation and potentially causing cancer. What we do not hear about as much is protecting our eyes from the sun’s UV radiation as well. Many people do not know that excessive unprotected exposure of their eyes to UV rays can result in skin cancer on the eyelids along with premature aging of the delicate skin around their eyes. Most eyelid skin cancers occur on the lower lid, because it receives the most sun exposure. If left untreated, eyelid skin cancers can become dangerous and disfiguring, with the potential to cause tissue damage and blindness. In addition to skin cancer on the eyelid, UV radiation has the potential to lead to other serious eye conditions, such as...
- Burns
- Back Pain
- AllergiesDr. Hazelton has received numerous honors and awards throughout his education and career. During medical school he was elected President of New Jersey Medical School's chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He has participated in numerous research projects, which have included the study of allergic conjunctivitis, pigmentary glaucoma, anterior segment dysgenesis, and medications used to treat primary open-angle glaucoma. He has presented his findings at several national meetings, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Allergy & Immunology. His original article about Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome has been accepted for publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.