To better understand the revolutionary technology available in eye care, it is important to have a basic understanding of the eye and the magic of how we see. Basically, the eye is a miraculously complex structure that comes complete with its own circulatory system. The process of “seeing” begins when light enters the cornea (clear front portion of the eye) and travels through the eye’s natural crystalline lens where light is focused on the retina (back portion of the eye). The macula of the retina is a small, centrally located area which contains a cuplike depression, also known as the fovea, and is closely packed with cones which give us our most acute, discriminating vision. Once images of light are focused on the macula, the optic nerve sends these images to the brain where they are translated into what we know as “sight”. This process occurs literally millions of times each day and is dependent on the correct function of many physiological functions. Refractive error is the most common difficulty with vision (see box at right). Refractive error can be improved and/or corrected with refractive procedures such as LASIK, epi-LASIK, NearVision CK, monovision, PRK or refractive implants. So if you are considering refractive surgery to get rid of readers or bifocals, Dr. Clement and the staff at Carolinas Eye Center have years of experience helping thousands of patients just like you! Remember, your vision is precious. Carolinas Eye Center is the clear choice for clear vision - without glasses or contact lenses!

Why you may have trouble seeing clearly... Refractive errors (conditions for which glasses and/or contacts are prescribed), typically fall into four main categories: 1) nearsightedness 2) farsightedness 3) astigmatism 4) presbyopia Simply stated, during LASIK, the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea of the eye to a more normal shape and thus diminish refractive area. 1) When the eye is nearsighted (myopic), the curvature of the cornea (clear front portion of the eye) is too steep, and this causes light rays entering the eye to be focused in front of the retina. 2) In the farsighted (hyperopic) eye, the point of convergence would be behind the retina. 3) The astigmatic eye is shaped more like a football instead of round like a baseball. This uneven shape causes ghosting and/or double vision. 4) Presbyopia is best described as the loss of elasticity in the fine muscles of the eye making it difficult to focus properly. This generally occurs in the early 40s, and many people will notice subtle changes in the vision, difficulty seeing to read or do close work. It is at this time people may begin to depend on reading glasses or bifocals. LASIK laser vision correction CANNOT correct presbyopia; however “monovision” may be performed using LASIK or NearVision CK where one eye is corrected for near vision, and the other corrected for distance.

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Carolinas Eye Center, Wesley D. Clement, MD
Charlotte Location: 230 East WT Harris Blvd., Suite C13, Charlotte, NC 28262
866-290-3937 (tollfree) / 704-510-3100 (local) / 704-503-1954 (fax)