Give Waring Vision a phone call at 843-592-3955 Contact Us

Trailblazers In Ophthalmology

Dr. Waring serves as the course director for LASIK at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where he imparts his expertise to surgeons from across the United States and around the world. He holds the distinction of being the first surgeon in the United States to perform LASIK with a high-speed laser and the first surgeon in South Carolina to conduct high-definition custom LASIK procedures.

In addition to their impressive credentials, their practice is dedicated to providing the ultimate client experience. Instead of enduring lengthy waiting times, patients can anticipate concierge-style service, ensuring a pleasant, luxurious, and comfortable journey throughout their LASIK surgery experience. If you are considering LASIK surgery, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to determine your eligibility for this innovative procedure. 

The Waring Vision Institute: iDESIGN Technology

LASIK Procedure

For those who must wear glasses or contacts for vision correction, LASIK surgery may be the right way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia and allow you to set aside the glasses or contacts. LASIK stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. In this procedure, a tiny beam of laser energy is used to reshape the cornea (the clear, rounded front portion of your eye) so that the incoming information is correctly focused on the retina, forming a clear image.

LASIK Procedure

Determining Candidacy

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, your eyes, age, and health must be evaluated. You must be at least 18 years old, and cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding. The medications you take must be reviewed before your candidacy can be confirmed. Take advantage of a free initial consultation.

Determining Candidacy

LASIK FAQ

Read answers to the most frequently asked questions about LASIK so you understand the basics about the procedure.

LASIK FAQ

Background media

How LASIK Works

LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery and can successfully treat a wide range of vision problems. In a LASIK surgery procedure, a specially-designed laser device is used to correct vision by flattening the cornea in cases of myopia, enhancing the curve of the cornea for those with hyeperopia, or repairing the eye shape irregularities of astigmatism.

The LASIK Charleston SC procedure is very quick. Your whole visit at the ophthalmologist will last in the range of two hours, but the LASIK procedure itself requires only about 15 minutes. 

Acclaimed ophthalmologist Dr. George Waring at the Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, SC employs the most advanced systems and procedures for laser vision correction surgery, and is a respected authority in the development of newer and better procedures. Dr. Waring was the first surgeon in the United States to preform high speed LASIK and the first surgeon in the state of South Carolina to perform high definition custom LASIK.

LASIK Procedure

The first step in LASIK surgery is a consultation and our advanced ocular analysis with our experienced ophthalmologist. In your consultation, Dr. Waring will evaluate your eyesight and identify your unique issues, whether myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. If LASIK is an appropriate treatment for you, a follow-up appointment for the procedure will be scheduled. Rest assured that Dr. Waring delivers the highest of quality LASIK in Charleston SC.

Banner media

LASIK surgery is performed in the following steps:

Waring Vision

LASIK Step 1

Waring Vision

LASIK Step 2

Waring Vision

LASIK Step 3

Prep For Surgery

The LASIK surgeon will apply numbing eye drops, and may provide additional medication to help you relax. Once you are ready for surgery, the doctor will use a device called a lid speculum to keep the eye open and prevent blinking during surgery. Another device will be used to stabilize your eye during the procedure, which may lead to a slight sensation of pressure, but no pain.

Adjusting The Cornea

Once the eye is prepped, the surgeon will use a laser to gently create a LASIK flap in the outer layer of the cornea (the clear, gel-like covering on the front of the eye). This laser flap provides access to the cornea and the imperfections that need correction. Then, a precise, computer-controlled laser will send pulses of light to the cornea to reshape it. The laser is programmed to correct the small imperfections that were identified in your examination. You may feel a slight pressure but the procedure is easily tolerated, and relatively painless.

Completion Of Surgery

Once the cornea has been reshaped, Dr. Waring will replace the flap of cornea into position to heal – no stitches are needed. The incision heals on its own and stays in place naturally. After the surgery is complete, the doctor will examine your eyes once more before releasing you to return home.

Advanced Myopia Treatment in Charleston, SC

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common vision condition where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. Myopia occurs when the eye's shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This condition is increasingly prevalent, especially with prolonged screen time and near-work activities.

At Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, SC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating myopia with cutting-edge technology and personalized care. Dr. George Waring and Dr. Michael DeCourcey are nationally recognized experts in vision correction and offer the most advanced treatment options available. If you struggle with blurry distance vision, schedule a consultation with our team to explore solutions tailored to your needs.

Banner media
Woman smiling

What is Hyperopia?

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a common condition where clients may or may not see distant objects clearly, depending on the degree of farsightedness, while close objects appear blurry. Hyperopia is not detected as often as myopia, or nearsightedness, as vision tests are commonly performed using distance charts. As clients with hyperopia may see distant objects clearly, they may pass traditional eye tests without difficulty. However, blurred vision or headaches can be indicative of hyperopia and may warrant a visit to one of our nation's leading eye correction surgeons, Dr. George Waring and Dr. Michael DeCourcey at the Waring Vision Institute in Mount Pleasant, SC.

At Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, SC, we can help you determine if you have hyperopia and help you to explore the various treatment options. We offer the most advanced diagnostics and treatments available in the USA, and Dr. Waring & Dr. DeCourcey are leading authorities on eye correction surgery, and some of the nation’s most respected ophthalmologists.

Advanced Myopia Treatment in Charleston, SC

Waring Vision Institute proudly serves the Charleston area, including Myrtle Beach, Mount Pleasant, and Columbia. Led by internationally recognized ophthalmologists Dr. George Waring and Dr. Michael DeCourcey, our team specializes in advanced vision correction for myopia and other eye conditions. 

With extensive experience treating mild to severe nearsightedness, we are committed to providing personalized care and cutting-edge treatment options. If you struggle with blurry distance vision and want to explore solutions for clearer sight, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today.

Symptoms & Causes Of Hyperopia

If you have hyperopia, you may experience some of the following symptoms when reading or performing other close-range activities:

  • Eyestrain
  • Squinting or closing of the eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty focusing on objects
  • Aching or burning feeling around the eyes

Hyperopia is caused by a deformity of the eye, in which it is shorter, or the cornea lacks the correct curve, or the lens of the eye is further back in the eye structure than it should be for clear vision. This defect causes light and images to be in focus, while close objects appear blurred. Hyperopia is not to be confused with presbyopia, which is also a form of farsightedness caused by age, rather than by genetic factors or eyeball shape.

At Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, SC, we can help you determine if you have hyperopia and help you to explore the various treatment options. We offer the most advanced diagnostics and treatments available in the USA, and Dr. Waring & Dr. DeCourcey are leading authorities on eye correction surgery, and some of the nation’s most respected ophthalmologists.

Banner media

Hyperopia Diagnosis And Treatment

A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to accurately diagnose hyperopia. Our ophthalmologist will administer our advanced ocular analysis to determine the degree of the condition. Our testing procedures analyze your eye structure to establish the cause and the appropriate, most effective correction options. An instrument with a magnifying glass and light, called an ophthalmoscope, is used to examine the back of the eye structure.

The other type of test uses a device called a phoropter, testing eye focus by placing a series of lenses in front of your eyes. A retinoscope is used to analyze how light bounces of the retina to isolate any specific anomalies in your eye structure. A high definition wavefront aberrometer is also used, which is the most advanced technology available in the United States to measure myopia, and the Waring Vision Institute is the first to offer this ground-breaking technology to his clients. Once we have identified the cause and degree of hyperopia, one of the following treatment options may be determined to be appropriate:

  • Non-surgical: Glasses or contacts. If the farsightedness is mild, or you do not wish undergo surgery, glasses or contact lenses can correct your vision. We will determine your specific prescription, which may need to be altered over time, as the condition worsens.
  • Surgical: LASIK. LASIK is the most common form of refractive surgery and can decrease or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. In LASIK surgery, a small incision is created to access the inner cornea, and a laser is used to carefully remove tissue from the cornea to correct the eye’s ability to focus.
  • Surgical: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Refractive lens exchange is a common procedure for the correction of hyperopia, particularly in higher degrees of far-sightedness or when a client has both hyperopia and presbyopia (the age-related inability to focus at near). Refractive lens exchange has the advantage of preventing cataracts in the future and has gained widespread popularity as a result.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

Common Signs of Myopia

If you have myopia, you may experience the following symptoms, especially when trying to see objects at a distance:

  • Blurred vision when looking at faraway objects
  • Squinting to improve clarity
  • Eyestrain, especially after extended screen time
  • Headaches due to overworking the eyes
  • Difficulty seeing while driving, particularly at night
  • Frequent need to adjust prescription glasses or contacts
Myopia occurs when the eye is elongated or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision while near objects remain clear. Genetics often play a significant role, but environmental factors such as prolonged screen time and excessive near work can contribute to its progression.
Banner media

Get Treatment For Hyperopia In Charleston, SC

The Waring Vision Institute is located in the Charleston area, serving the neighboring communities of Myrtle Beach, Mount Pleasant, and Columbia. Dr. George Waring and Dr. Michael DeCourcey are internationally-recognized and highly-respected ophthalmologists who provide premier treatment and compassionate care to each client. They have extensive experience in treating mild to severe eye conditions and are dedicated to exploring all available treatment options. If you are dealing with far-sightedness and are interested in learning about the advanced treatments we offer for vision correction, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us.

Risks & Recovery

The LASIK recovery process is fast. Some clients may experience mild discomfort, including and itching or burning sensation or increased tear production. These side effects are normal and will subside quickly. You will not be permitted to drive yourself home after your procedure. Our clients report a dramatic change in increased clarity of vision within eight hours of the surgery.

There are a few risks associated with LASIK eye surgery in Charleston. Some risks include under-correction, over-correction, astigmatism, vision changes, complications with the corneal flap, or infection. These complications are rare, and our skilled, experienced ophthalmologist will guide you through the healing process. During your consultation, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have, medications you are currently taking, and any other eye procedures you’ve had recently. Let us know if you are pregnant or suffer from any type of uncontrolled autoimmune disorder. The professionals at the Waring Vision Institute will monitor your progress after your LASIK eye surgery.

Banner media

Come To Charleston, SC For Your LASIK Procedure

Dr. George Waring is an internationally recognized and award winning ophthalmologist based out of the Charleston, SC area. Residents of the surrounding communities of Mount Pleasant, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach take advantage of Dr. Waring’s many years of experience, high-level skills, advanced procedures, and technologies. His practice emphasizes personalized care and excellence is surgical results. Schedule a consultation with us to see if you are a good candidate for a LASIK procedure.

LASIKFAQ

When clients are considering LASIK eye surgery in Charleston SC, they have a range of questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive at the Waring Vision Institute regarding LASIK surgery in SC.

Why Come to Waring Vision for LASIK?

At the Waring Vision Institute in Charleston, SC, Dr. George Waring provides an impressive level of care and experience in performing LASIK surgery. Dr. Waring is an ophthalmologist internationally recognized for his contributions to the development of newer, better, and more effective treatments for a range of eye conditions and diseases. You can be confident that your treatment is being performed by a world-renowned specialist, in a luxurious clinic built to cater to the client's needs.

LASIK Eye Surgery in Charleston, SC

Dr. Waring has the medical knowledge and experience to ensure your LASIK surgery yields the most positive results possible. We offer the latest-generation, state-of-the-art systems for LASIK surgery. Our highly-skilled medical staff assists in the LASIK procedure and focuses on client health and safety from start to finish.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK Charleston SC surgery is not the right procedure for every client. To be a candidate:

  • You must be over the age of 18.
  • LASIK must be performed on healthy eyes, free of conditions such as dry eye syndrome, eye injuries, or infections.
  • Clients must have sufficient corneal thickness. Thin or irregular corneas disqualify candidates.
  • If your pupils are too large, LASIK may not be suitable due to increased sensitivity to light.
  • The ideal candidate is in good physical health, not pregnant, and has stable vision for at least one year.
A consultation is required to evaluate your eye condition and determine if LASIK is safe and effective for you.

How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?

Per Realself, the typical cost for LASIK ranges from $1,250 to $5,300, with an average cost of $3,325.

How Long Will the LASIK Procedure Take?

A LASIK appointment generally lasts about two hours, but the procedure itself is fairly quick, taking an average of about 10 minutes to treat each eye.

Contact us media Contact us media

Schedule a Consultation See Clearly, Live Clearly®

The most trusted name in vision correction.

Contact Us
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 843-592-3955.
Contact Us