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Category Archives: Vision Center

Categories Eye Care, Vision, Vision Center
Amblyopia
Posted on Author cvcadmin

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

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)

We’re Here to Help

If your child has been diagnosed with amblyopia—or you’re concerned about their vision—early treatment is key.
📞 Call or text (910) 485-3937
💻 Schedule online
📩 Or contact us directly

Let us help your child see their world clearly.

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

LASIK Eye Surgery

Schedule a FREE Consultation
See more about LASIK

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 Center
blepharitis
Posted on Author cvcadmin

BlephEx® Treatment

BlephEx® Treatment from Your Fayetteville Ophthalmologist

Patients who suffer from blepharitis — an eyelid inflammation — or dry eye disease have good reason to be excited about the newest type of treatment.  The procedure uses a device called BlephEx and is available from a Fayetteville ophthalmologist at our Carolina Vision Center.  We offer a second convenient location in Clinton, NC.

Do You Suffer from Dry Eyes?

Blepharitis is sometimes very difficult to treat.  When oil and bacteria accumulate on the edge of eyelashes, residue known as biofilm builds up and can cause inflammation and infection.  The patient experiences swollen eyelids that might also itch and prove painful.  Patients who visit our ophthalmology practice with dry eye disease probably suffer from late-stage blepharitis.

They are likely to have these symptoms:

  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurred vision
  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Excessive watering

A number of factors can cause dryness.  Some of the common ones include:

  • Allergies
  • Insufficient blinking while looking at computer screens
  • Cosmetic surgery on eyelids
  • Certain medications
  • Refractive surgery
  • Vitamin deficiency

Early treatment by a doctor to remove biofilm is necessary to avoid problems with how tear ducts function.

How Our Ophthalmology Practice Uses BlephEx

Patients with ocular dryness typically spend hundreds of dollars every year on home scrubs, artificial tears, humidity goggles, and prescription drops their eye doctor recommends to bring relief.  Receiving BlephEx treatment at our ophthalmology practice can eliminate those costs.

This is a painless procedure performed in our office.  The handpiece contains a surgical-grade sponge that systematically and precisely spins along the edge of each eyelid and along the eyelash line.  The equipment removes microfilm that has accumulated and debris that resembles dandruff as it exfoliates the eyelids.  Doctors saturate the sponge with a special solution that enhances cleaning.

Each tiny sponge is disposable.  Our practice uses a fresh one for each eyelid, after which we rinse the patient’s eyes.  Most patients report only a sensation of tickling.  Many individuals report quick relief from the discomfort associated with dryness and blepharitis thanks to improved eyelid health.

This procedure offers notable benefits beyond merely cleaning eyelids:

  • Gentle removal of biofilm and toxins that cause inflammation and infection
  • Prevention of recurring dryness symptoms when used every four to six months
  • Convenient therapy lasting 15 minutes or less in the office
  • Comfortable treatment that leaves patients able to blink without their eyes feeling sticky
  • Financial savings from that elimination of over-the-counter and prescription products

Schedule an Appointment with Our Fayetteville Ophthalmologist

Treatment from an ophthalmologist can free you from needless suffering from eye discomfort.  Dr. Michael Woodcock and his associates are here to help you improve your vision, whether you need to discuss glaucoma or cataract treatment or have concerns about diabetes.  We are proud of the personalized and individualized attention we provide for all our patients. Take a moment to call us at Carolina Vision Center today at 910-485-3937 to schedule an appointment at our Fayetteville office or 910-592-2122 to if you prefer our convenient Clinton location.

Categories Cataracts, Eye Care, Vision Center
Experts in Cataracts - We're here to HELP
Posted on Author cvcadmin

Cataract Surgery in Fayetteville, NC

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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