General Ophthalmology

Eye Associates of Wilmington — Vision Correction Services for Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, New Bern, and Beyond

As a result of technological advancement and continuing research and development, the corrective vision possibilities available today are as varied as they are safe. As a result, we're able to offer a wide range of effective treatment options at our offices in Wilmington and Southport. This makes it easier than ever for patients from Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, New Bern, and other areas of North and South Carolina to find the laser vision correction procedure most likely to improve their vision. We offer blade-free LASIK with the IntraLase® laser, PRK, LASEK, and other procedures

During a consultation at our office, an ophthalmologist will analyze your unique needs to determine the treatment that would fit you best. For your consultation, please contact Eye Associates of Wilmington.

• LASIK
• Blade-Free LASIK Laser Vision Correction
• Eye Associates of Wilmington — IntraLase® Technology
• PRK Laser Vision Correction
• Visian ICL™
• Retinal Care
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Strabismus
• Pterygium Treatment
• BOTOX® Treatment for Blepharospasm
• Clear Lensectomy

LASIK

LASIK is the long-proven refractive surgery that precisely reshapes the cornea to focus light more directly onto the retina, improving visual clarity and reducing patients’ dependence on glasses and contact lenses. At our Wilmington, North Carolina office, LASIK and blade-free LASIK laser vision correction surgery is performed with the latest technologies and techniques. The VISX® Advanced CustomVue® system's precise measurement of refractive errors allows our physicians to map and then correct for them to provide an incredibly effective LASIK procedure.

Blade-Free LASIK Laser Vision Correction

Eye Associates of Wilmington is the only blade-free LASIK laser vision correction center in eastern North Carolina. This procedure differs from traditional LASIK in its use of a laser during vision correction instead of a blade. All LASIK procedures involve the creation of a thin flap in the corneal tissue to expose the area to be reshaped. In traditional LASIK, this flap is made with a device called a microkeratome, which uses an oscillating blade to make the incision. The professionals at Eye Associates of Wilmington use an IntraLase® laser instead, along with the added benefit of VISX® Advanced CustomVue® technology for the precise mapping and superior correction of refractive errors. At Eye Associates of Wilmington, blade-free LASIK with IntraLase® technology may right for you.

If you would like to schedule a consultation at Eye Associates of Wilmington — eastern North Carolina’s only blade-free LASIK laser vision correction provider — contact Eye Associates of Wilmington today.

Eye Associates of Wilmington — IntraLase® Technology

IntraLase® technology is used at our office in Wilmington to provide patients with the latest advances in the LASIK flap creation process. Eye Associates of Wilmington is the only blade-free LASIK provider in eastern North Carolina. Before each LASIK procedure, a thin flap is made in the outer layer of the cornea. The IntraLase® laser precisely creates this flap with computerized controls that are set by your physician.

At Eye Associates of Wilmington, the IntraLase® laser’s controls allow our physicians to skillfully create the LASIK flap without the need for a microkeratome device, which uses an oscillating blade. The laser works by applying a series of tiny bubbles within the cornea, which allow the flap to be folded back. The physicians at Eye Associates of Wilmington apply the IntraLase® laser’s ability to create theses bubble at a specified depth. This versatility allows even those with especially thin corneas to receive the same excellent results from refractive surgery. Also, with an IntraLase® laser, possible treatment issues associated with the use of a microkeratome, such as scarring and corneal irregularities, can be avoided.

Learn More

PRK Laser Vision Correction

PRK allows patients who are not candidates for LASIK surgery to achieve similar results. These patients typically have thin corneas, corneal scarring, or other conditions that affect their candidacy for LASIK surgery. Serving patients from Myrtle Beach and other areas, our physicians perform PRK in much the same way as LASIK, with one distinct difference: during the PRK procedure, the flap in the outer layer of the cornea that would otherwise be peeled back is removed completely. The flap is then replaced, healing with the help of special contact lenses. By removing the outer layer of the cornea instead of creating a flap, less tissue is affected by the flap creation process. This opens the door for those with especially thin corneas who would otherwise not be able to experience the great benefits of laser vision correction.

At our office in Wilmington, PRK is performed using VISX® Advanced CustomVue® technology.This technology helps our physicians map — and then correct — the individual refractive errors known as higher order aberrations. In addition, Eye Associates of Wilmington utilizes advanced surface ablation techniques when removing excess corneal tissue. This safely and effectively provides our patients with the clearest vision possible.

During the procedure, numbing eye drops are used for increased comfort. As the cornea’s outer layer heals, there may be some mild discomfort for a few days. Most patients who undergo treatment at our office, however, consider PRK painless. Although recovery times can vary, most people are able to return to normal activities within two to three days.

Visian ICL™

The Visian ICL™ (implantable collamer lens) has been developed by STAAR® Surgical. This intraocular lens is placed behind the iris of the eye and in front of the natural lens, where it is virtually invisible. A Visian ICL™ lens helps the eye’s natural lens to properly focus light on the retina, providing greatly improved focusing ability. This safe and effective procedure can successfully treat a wide range of refractive errors. The Visian™ implantable collamer lens is another excellent option for those patients coming to our office in Wilmington from Myrtle Beach, New Bern, Jacksonville, and elsewhere in eastern North and South Carolina who are not eligible for laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK.

To learn more of what other patients have to say click here!

To see the Visian ICL on the TODAY Show click here!

Download the brochure

Retinal Care

The retina forms the inner lining of the eye. It is the retina that transmits information to the brain. If a problem occurs in this area, it may result in poor vision. Our ophthalmologists are well versed in retinal care, which allows them to properly screen for retinal diseases and — if necessary — provide the proper treatment or treatments.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a degenerative disease of the macula, the central portion of the retina. The disease becomes more likely as people age and is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 50. AMD occurs when the arteries that nourish the retina harden. This hardening denies the retina the vital oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function properly. When this happens, central vision deteriorates. Genetics, age, lifestyle factors, and excessive sunlight exposure all can play a role in the development of AMD. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is by far the most common, while wet AMD accounts for about 10 percent of cases. With wet AMD, new blood vessels develop under the retina, which can cause hemorrhaging, swelling, and the formation of scar tissue. Dry AMD is characterized by a loss of pigment in the retina and drusen (yellowish deposits in the layers of the retina).

Our eye care professionals would be happy to determine whether you are likely to experience vision loss as a result of AMD. In doing so, we will help you analyze what steps should be taken to safeguard your vision. For your AMD consultation, contact Eye Associates of Wilmington today.

Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition that prevents a person from being able to properly align his or her eyes. With strabismus, one or both eyes may be oriented inward, outward, upward, or downward. The condition is usually caused by a muscle imbalance and primarily affects depth perception. At Eye Associates of Wilmington, we provide both adult and pediatric strabismus treatments that effectively enhance vision and result in an improved appearance.

Pterygium Treatment

The conjunctiva is a transparent tissue that covers the outer surface of the eye. A pterygium is a slightly elevated, pointed conjunctival growth which covers part of the cornea and alters its shape. The growth’s size can vary. Larger growths may interfere with vision. Although the exact cause of pterygiums is not known, they typically appear more frequently in those who spend a great deal of time outdoors. Many physicians believe ultraviolet light in conjunction with chronic eye irritation from outdoor elements may be the cause.

At Eye Associates of Wilmington, our physicians treat pterygium growths in a number of ways. For many patients, eyedrops and ointments can be used to help reduce inflammation associated with this condition. For others, the surgical removal of a pterygium may be the best option. In this case, amniotic membrane grafts can be used. The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta, a temporary organ that lines the uterine wall during pregnancy. The placenta has been used in many reconstructive surgeries and can now be safely and effectively used to replace ocular tissue affected by pterygiums.

BOTOX® Treatment for Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is characterized by the abnormal twitching of eyelid muscles. Other symptoms include excessive blinking, forced eyelid closure, dry eyes, and sensitivity to light. If the condition persists, BOTOX® treatment can be used at Eye Associates of Wilmington to help reduce or eliminate the effects of blepharospasm. BOTOX® therapy was approved for the treatment of blepharospasm in 1998, after studies showed high success rates and marked improvement in patients.

Clear Lensectomy 

Clear lensectomy corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness using an intraocular lens implant. For patients who are too nearsighted, too farsighted or have corneas that are too thin for laser vision correction, clear lensectomy may be the refractive surgery procedure of choice. It is also a viable alternative for those over the age of 40 and for those individuals who are in the early stages of developing cataracts. Millions of eyes have received intraocular lens implants when undergoing cataract surgery. The same highly successful surgical techniques are used in clear lensectomy. The primary difference between cataract surgery and clear lensectomy is that cataract surgery is performed to remove a patient’s cloudy lens and clear lensectomy is performed to reduce ones dependence on glasses or contacts.

Performed as an outpatient refractive surgery procedure, the natural lens is removed through a very small (less than 1/8") micro-incision using ultrasonic vibrations. An intraocular lens is then inserted through that same incision. Since the eye is completely anesthetized using drops, the patient remains comfortable. Most patients briefly fall asleep during the refractive surgery procedure itself, since they have received sedation. Everyone heals differently but many patients report almost immediate improvement in their vision. Most resume their normal activities within a day or two. Surgeries are performed separately on the eyes several weeks apart.