When something is wrong with your eyes, you want answers from someone you trust. Mountain View Eye Care provides medical eye care for conditions that go beyond routine vision correction, from infections and injuries to chronic diseases that require ongoing attention.
Medical Eye Care
Overview
Medical eye care involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye diseases and conditions beyond routine vision correction. This includes glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, cataracts, eye infections, dry eye, and sudden changes in vision. At Mountain View Eye Care, Dr. Hicks evaluates, treats, and monitors these conditions with the same thoroughness and personal attention that defines every visit.
What to expect during your visit
Your appointment begins with a conversation. We review your health history, any medications you take, and what brought you in, whether that is a routine checkup or a specific concern. From there, Dr. Hicks performs a series of tests tailored to your age, health, and symptoms.
We check how sharply you see at various distances, how your eyes work together, and how well they respond to light and changes in focus. We also examine the front and back of your eyes using instruments that give a magnified view of the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
If dilation is needed, we explain what to expect and how long the effects will last before we begin. Nothing in your exam should come as a surprise.
Conditions we commonly address
Medical eye care includes the diagnosis and management of eye diseases and urgent visual concerns affecting both children and adults. During your exam, Dr. Hicks evaluates for:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinal disease, including flashes and floaters
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Headaches related to visual strain or eye conditions
- Allergies affecting the eyes
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Dermatochalasis
- Inflammatory conditions
- Ocular side effects from long term drug therapy
Whether these conditions require monitoring, medical treatment, co-management with a specialist, or surgical referral, care is tailored to your specific needs and overall health.
Ocular Emergencies Requiring Immediate Eye Care
Some eye problems need attention sooner rather than later. Contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden vision loss or blurring in one or both eyes
- Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
- Eye pain, redness, or swelling that does not resolve
- Discharge, crusting, or signs of infection
- An injury to the eye or surrounding area
- A foreign object in the eye that you cannot remove safely
- New or worsening symptoms in an eye condition you already manage
Chronic Conditions and Ongoing Care
Conditions like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease require consistent monitoring over time. Small changes in pressure, blood vessel health, or nerve function can signal that your treatment plan needs adjusting. Catching those shifts early is what keeps manageable conditions from becoming serious ones.
Dr. Hicks works with each patient to establish a monitoring schedule that makes sense for their diagnosis and risk level. If you are managing a chronic eye condition, you can expect clear communication about what we are watching for, how your condition is progressing, and what your options are at every stage.
For conditions that require surgical intervention or care beyond what our office provides, we refer to trusted specialists and stay involved in your ongoing care. We are independent in our referrals, which means our recommendations are based entirely on what serves you best.
Our approach to your care
Medical eye care can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with a new diagnosis. Our team takes the time to explain your condition in plain language, walk through treatment options, and answer every question before moving forward. We believe patients make better decisions when they understand what is happening with their eyes and why a particular course of care is recommended.
“Patient Quote Here” – John Doe
Concerned About Your Eye Health?
Schedule a medical eye care appointment with Dr. Hicks in Sylva.