• Your Local Fayetteville and Elizabethtown Area Eye Experts

Yearly Archives: 2023

Categories Eye Care, Lasik, Surgeries, Vision Center
Lasik - Set your eyes free
Posted on Author cvcadmin

LASIK Eye Surgery

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LASIK Services at Carolina Vision Center, Your Ophthalmology Office Serving Fayetteville and Clinton

At Carolina Vision Center, our goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to maintain the best vision possible. When you visit us, we’ll provide you with a thorough screening of your vision and always offer treatment that gives you the highest quality of life. One of the options our patients often inquire about is LASIK. Serving Fayetteville and Clinton, our ophthalmology office is happy to offer LASIK care to our patients.

We are proud to offer the WaveLight® PLUS system — the latest advancement in LASIK technology. This next-generation laser allows us to deliver even greater precision and improved outcomes, helping patients achieve exceptional vision, in some cases up to 12.5/20. Carolina Vision Center is one of only two locations in North Carolina equipped with this cutting-edge technology, reinforcing our commitment to providing state-of-the-art eye care.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that works to correct your vision. Many of our patients who have this procedure no longer need to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses because the procedure improves their vision to the highest level of possible.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses or LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery, though other procedures are available as well. This laser procedure is pain-free and generally only takes about 15 minutes to complete. Most people see improved vision right away, often within 24 hours.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery?

During this procedure, your doctor will use a laser to create a small, thin, and circular flap over the cornea of your eye. You will not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. The procedure will fold back the hinged flap to expose the cornea. Then, we can reshape the cornea to improve vision. This is done using an excimer laser. This very powerful tool is also very safe to use. By reshaping the cornea, we create a more natural surface that allows vision to improve. For those who are nearsighted, the goal will be to flatten the cornea. For those who are farsighted, there’s the need to create a steeper cornea.

This procedure can also work with astigmatism. Once complete, your surgeon will place the flap back over the cornea. It heals naturally over time. Most often, you will only need anesthetic drops since no type of stitches or bandages is necessary. Your eye doctor will give you steps to take to care for your eyes in the days after treatment.

Are You a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Many of our patients are candidates for LASIK surgery. To find out, come in to see your ophthalmologist in our office for a free consultation and a thorough eye exam. We’ll talk about the ways in which this procedure can help you. We’ll also take to you about the risks. These risks include concerns with corneal infection, dry eyes, night driving problems, sensitivity to light, and some scarring. While these risks are rare, it is important for you to consider them before having this procedure.

Take our Candidacy Quiz!

Schedule an Exam and Consultation for LASIK with Your Ophthalmologist Today

To find out more about how well LASIK can work for you, schedule an exam with your ophthalmologist in our office. Our advanced care and tools ensure we can provide you with the results you need. Call Carolina Vision Center, serving Fayetteville, Elizabethtown, Clinton, and surrounding areas at 910-485-3937

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Categories Vision

Glaucoma: A Serious Eye Disease

Glaucoma: A Serious Eye Disease

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that carries visual information to the brain. This damage can lead to vision loss, and in some cases, blindness.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can cause vision loss. It is caused by increased pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is a bundle of nerves that carries images from the eye to the brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, it can lead to vision loss.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

In the early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may notice:

  • Blurred vision
  • Tunnel vision (seeing only a small part of your field of vision)
  • Blind spots (areas of your field of vision that you cannot see)
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Who is at risk for glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase your risk, including:

  • Age. Glaucoma is more common in older adults.
  • Family history. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you are at increased risk.
  • Race. African Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes (patients with diabetes should schedule an annual diabetic eye exam to monitor for glaucoma and retinopathy)
  • A history of eye injuries

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctors will measure your intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the pressure inside your eye. They will also check your visual field, which is the area of your vision that you can see. If your IOP is high or you have a visual field defect, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as a gonioscopy or an OCT scan.

How is glaucoma treated?

There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be treated. Treatment is aimed at lowering your IOP, which can help slow or stop the progression of the disease. There are a number of different treatments available, including:

  • Eye drops. Eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma. They work by reducing the amount of fluid that is produced in the eye.
  • Surgery. If eye drops are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are a number of different types of surgery available, and your doctor will recommend the type of surgery that is best for you.

How can I prevent glaucoma?

There is no sure way to prevent glaucoma, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

  • Have regular eye exams. The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed, the better the chances of preventing vision loss.
  • Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Control your diabetes. Diabetes can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise can help reduce your risk of developing glaucoma.

What should I do if I think I have glaucoma?

If you think you may have glaucoma, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. Glaucoma is a serious eye disease, but it can be treated. The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed, the better the chances of preventing vision loss.

Call our experts at (910) 485-3937 to book an appointment! We’re here to HELP

Book an Appointment Today

 

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease
Categories Eye Care, Vision
Eye Exam
Posted on Author cpgcvc

Annual Diabetic Eye Exams: Protecting Your Vision in Fayetteville, NC

🏥 Board-Certified Ophthalmologists
👁 Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Care
🔬 Advanced Retinal Imaging

Annual Diabetic Eye Exams:
Protect Your Vision in Fayetteville, NC

Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness. An annual dilated eye exam can catch damage years before you notice any symptoms — and early treatment makes all the difference.

⚠️ Did you know? Up to 50% of people with diabetes already have some form of diabetic eye disease — and most don’t know it yet. A yearly dilated eye exam is your best protection against vision loss.

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

When blood sugar levels stay high over time, the tiny blood vessels throughout your body — including those in your eyes — begin to break down. The most common result is diabetic retinopathy, a condition where damaged vessels leak fluid or grow abnormally across the retina, gradually stealing your sight.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. The critical factor: it produces no pain and no obvious vision changes in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, significant and often irreversible damage may have already occurred.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Damaged retinal blood vessels that leak or proliferate — the #1 cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.

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Diabetic Macular Edema

Fluid buildup in the macula — the central part of the retina — blurring the fine-detail vision you rely on daily.

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Cataracts

People with diabetes develop cataracts at younger ages and progress more rapidly than those without diabetes.

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Glaucoma

Diabetes nearly doubles the risk of developing glaucoma — silent optic nerve damage that can lead to permanent blindness.

Why Annual Exams Are Non-Negotiable

The AAO, the American Heart Association (AHA), and the CDC all agree: every person with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once per year — regardless of whether they are experiencing any vision changes.

A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to detect early-stage diabetic retinopathy. During dilation, your ophthalmologist can examine the retina in full detail, identifying microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and abnormal vessel growth long before they threaten your central vision.

What Happens at a Diabetic Eye Exam

1️⃣

Visual Acuity Test

Measures how clearly you can see at various distances to establish your current baseline.

2️⃣

Dilated Fundus Exam

Eye drops widen your pupils so the doctor can examine the retina, macula, and optic nerve in full detail.

3️⃣

Retinal Imaging

High-resolution photos and OCT scans map your retina precisely — creating a record to track changes year to year.

4️⃣

Intraocular Pressure

Checks for glaucoma — elevated eye pressure that, left untreated, damages the optic nerve permanently.

5️⃣

Lens Evaluation

Assesses the clarity of your lens to detect early cataract formation, which progresses faster with diabetes.

Early Detection Saves Sight

When diabetic retinopathy is caught early, treatment is highly effective. According to the National Eye Institute, timely treatment can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by 95%. Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Anti-VEGF injections — medications injected into the eye to stop abnormal vessel growth and reduce swelling in the macula
  • Laser photocoagulation — laser treatment that seals leaking blood vessels and slows retinopathy progression
  • Vitrectomy — surgical removal of blood or scar tissue from the vitreous when advanced retinopathy causes significant vision loss
  • Cataract surgery — when diabetic cataracts progress to the point of affecting daily life, cataract surgery with premium IOLs can restore clarity
  • Glaucoma management — medications, laser therapy, or surgery to control eye pressure and protect the optic nerve

Your Role: Systemic Diabetes Control

Eye exams don’t work in isolation. The American Heart Association is clear: controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol significantly slows or prevents diabetic eye disease. Work closely with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to:

  • Keep your HbA1c below 7% (or your doctor’s target)
  • Maintain blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg
  • Control LDL cholesterol levels
  • Avoid smoking, which dramatically worsens diabetic vascular damage
  • Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight

Who Should Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?

✅ Type 1 Diabetes

Begin annual eye exams 5 years after diagnosis, or sooner if you develop any vision changes. Risk increases significantly after 10+ years of Type 1 diabetes.

✅ Type 2 Diabetes

Begin annual eye exams immediately upon diagnosis. Many people with Type 2 have had diabetes for years before diagnosis — eye damage may already be present.

✅ Gestational Diabetes

A comprehensive eye exam is recommended in the first trimester and closely monitored throughout pregnancy, as hormonal changes can accelerate diabetic eye disease.

✅ Pre-Diabetes

While not yet at full risk, establishing a baseline eye exam and discussing frequency with your ophthalmologist is wise as you work to prevent progression to Type 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a diabetic eye exam different from a regular eye exam?
Yes. A diabetic eye exam specifically includes pupil dilation and a thorough retinal examination focused on detecting diabetic changes — retinopathy, macular edema, and related conditions. A routine eye exam at an optometrist may check your glasses prescription but not necessarily include the same comprehensive retinal screening. At Carolina Vision Center, our board-certified ophthalmologists perform complete medical eye exams — not routine vision screenings.
Does Medicare cover diabetic eye exams?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers one dilated eye exam per year for people with diabetes, at no cost to you if you’ve met your deductible. This is a medical benefit, not a vision benefit. Carolina Vision Center accepts Medicare and most major medical insurance plans. Contact our office to verify your coverage before your appointment.
My vision seems fine — do I still need a diabetic eye exam?
Absolutely — this is perhaps the most important reason to come in. Diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms in its early stages. Patients frequently have significant retinal damage that is completely treatable, but they feel no pain and notice no change in their vision. By the time vision blurring appears, the window for effective preventive treatment may have passed. Don’t wait for symptoms.
How long does a dilated eye exam take?
Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes, as the dilation drops need 20–30 minutes to take full effect. Your vision will remain blurry and you will be light-sensitive for 4–6 hours afterward, so we recommend arranging a driver. You should not drive immediately after a dilated exam.
Does Carolina Vision Center treat diabetic retinopathy?
Yes. Our board-certified retinal specialists diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and related conditions. We also perform cataract surgery and manage glaucoma — so your entire diabetic eye care is coordinated in one practice in Fayetteville, NC.

Protect Your Vision — Schedule Today

Our board-certified ophthalmologists at Carolina Vision Center in Fayetteville, NC have been providing expert diabetic eye care for over 35 years. Don’t wait for symptoms — book your annual diabetic eye exam today.

2047 Valleygate Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304 · Accepting Medicare & Medical Insurance

Related Services at Carolina Vision Center

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology — Diabetic Retinopathy · American Heart Association — Eye Health and Diabetes · National Eye Institute — Diabetic Retinopathy · CDC — Diabetes Basics