Amblyopia (“Lazy Eye”) – What You Should Know

What Is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is decreased vision in one or both eyes that persists despite wearing glasses and having otherwise normal eye anatomy. It’s the leading cause of vision loss in children, affecting approximately 5% of the pediatric population.

This condition arises when the brain and eyes don’t work together properly—typically during the first decade of life. Instead of processing visual information from both eyes equally, the brain begins to favor one eye over the other. Over time, the underused eye becomes weaker.

The most common causes of amblyopia include:

Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism in one or both eyes
Strabismus (eye misalignment), where the brain shuts off input from one eye to avoid double vision
Obstructions like cataracts or a drooping eyelid (ptosis), which block visual stimulation

How Is Amblyopia Treated?

Treatment is most effective before age 8–10, while the visual system is still developing. The primary method is patching the stronger eye, which forces the brain to use and strengthen the weaker one.

Here’s how patching works:

Daily patching is required, with the number of hours based on the child’s age, severity of amblyopia, and its underlying cause.
Patching is done for a “cycle,” typically one week per year of age.
After each cycle, vision is re-evaluated and the plan is adjusted accordingly.

After age 10, patching usually becomes less effective—but early detection and intervention can lead to excellent outcomes.

Meet Dr. Keith McCormick

Dr. Keith McCormick is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist with over 25 years of experience. Based in Fayetteville, NC, he’s dedicated to the eye health of children from birth to 18 years, as well as adults with strabismus or double vision.

His specialties include:

Amblyopia
Strabismus
Tear duct obstruction
Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
Retinopathy of prematurity
Congenital conditions (glaucoma, cataracts, and genetic anomalies)

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

Q: My vision seems fine — do I still need a diabetic eye exam?

Absolutely. Diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms in its early stages. Patients frequently have significant retinal damage that is completely treatable but feel no pain and notice no change in their vision. Don't wait for symptoms.

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

Eye Care, Vision

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.

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam →
📞 (910) 485-3937

⚠️ 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.

🌫

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.

Book Your Exam Online →
📞 (910) 485-3937

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

Related Services at Carolina Vision Center

Retinal Disease & AMD →
Glaucoma Treatment →
Cataract Surgery →

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

Cataracts, Eye Care, Vision Center

Experts in Cataracts - We're here to HELP

Cataract Surgery in Fayetteville, NC

Cataract Surgery is inevitable as we age our eye’s develop Cataracts, your local Fayetteville, NC Experts at Carolina Vision Center are here to HELP!

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. The lens is the part of the eye responsible for focusing light onto the retina. Those who have cataracts will experience blurry vision and may lose their sight completely. Cataracts are actually the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Some of the symptoms of a Cataract are:

Colors oftentimes look faded when a person has them.
Glare may occur when people look at headlights, sunlight or even lamps.
It’s possible for people with cataracts to have difficulty seeing at night
Some may experience double vision.

By the time people reach the age of 80, over half of all Americans have had a cataract or have one. Cataract Surgery is the only cure for Cataracts!

Surgical Treatment

To correct cataracts, an ophthalmology surgeon will need to remove the clouded lens. Once removed, the surgeon will replace your lens with an artificial one. The artificial lens acts like a normal, unclouded lens and the best part is you only have to have it replaced once in your lifetime!

Cataract Surgery Process

The surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll leave the same day as the surgery. Expect for the procedure to take about an hour. The eye surgeon will give you a local anesthetic to numb the eye. A small incision will be made in the front part of your eye. Using a tool, the surgeon will break up the cataract and suction it through the incision. A new lens comprised of silicone, acrylic or plastic is then inserted. If you have cataracts in both eyes, only one will be done at a time.

The surgery can be perform at Highsmith Rainey Memorial Hospital or Fayetteville Ambulatory Surigcal Center in Fayetteville, NC.

Risks of Cataract Surgery

The risks of cataract surgery are minimal. Some people may experience swelling, bleeding or a feeling of pressure inside of the eye. It’s possible for an infection to occur as well as retina detachment, a loose implant, a drooping eyelid or fluid buildup in the eye.

When to Consider Cataract Surgery

Your eye doctor in Fayetteville, NC will monitor how quickly a cataract progresses once you’re diagnosed with one. In the early stages, symptoms of cataracts are manageable with vision correction measures only. Keep in mind, even if you receive a diagnosis of a cataract, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to have surgery right away or ever.

You should, however, inform your ophthalmologist or eye doctor when you notice your cataracts are interfering with your life. An ophthalmology specialist in Fayetteville won’t even consider surgery until the cataracts are beginning to become problematic.

For instance, until the cataract begins affecting activities such as driving or reading at night, an ophthalmologist usually won’t consider surgery because cataracts tend not to affect the eye until they progress.

Contact Us

To have your eyes examined for cataracts or to discuss the possibility of surgery for your cataracts, contact Carolina Vision Center, serving Fayetteville, NC and surrounding areas, at 910-485-3937 or online!

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Category Archives: Eye Care