Maintaining your eye health should be just as routine as scheduling an annual physical or dental check-up. As we age, natural changes in the eyes can make everyday activities—like reading a menu or driving at night—more difficult. If you notice halos around lights, increasing glare, or cloudy vision, it might be time to see an ophthalmologist. Fortunately, the eye surgeons at Carolina Cataract and Laser Center in Mt. Pleasant offer advanced technology to help restore and enhance your vision.
The practice focuses on surgical solutions for patients with cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal diseases. For patients with healthy eyes who seek reduced dependency on glasses and contacts, they perform laser vision correction (LASIK), refractive lens exchange, and implantable collamer lens surgery.
“If we live long enough, all of us will eventually develop a cataract. A cataract is a clear lens inside your eye that became cloudy over time,” explains Millin C. Budev, MD, a board-certified ophthalmic surgeon and managing partner at Carolina Cataract and Laser Center. “The most common causes are aging, diabetes, excessive sun exposure, and long term use of oral steroids.”
“Patients often notice that their vision seems hazy—like looking through a foggy windshield. Many patients experience glare and halos while driving at night. Others have difficulty tolerating bright sunlight or may struggle to distinguish subtle differences in colors.
Treatment depends on the severity of the cataract. “If a cataract isn’t causing significant visual impairment, updated glasses from your optometrist may help” says Dr. Budev. “But once it begins interfering with daily activities or hobbies—whether that’s seeing a golf ball clearly or difficulty seeing small print—surgery becomes the best and most effective solution.”
When a patient with a cataract initially visits their Mt. Pleasant office, Dr. Budev first confirms their diagnosis with a thorough and detailed eye examination. Next, he determines the most appropriate lens implant options that will replace the patient’s cataract.
“The choice and power of the lens implant depends on the health and shape of the patient’s eye, as well as their visual goals,” he explains. “The surgery itself typically takes about 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. Patients receive light anesthesia and remain awake but comfortable during the procedure. We always treat the eye that sees the worst first. And then the second eye one to two weeks later, if needed.” Typically, patients see better within a couple of days after the surgery.
For patients without cataracts who are seeking reduced dependency on glasses and contacts, a refractive lens exchange may be an option.
“In this procedure the natural lens is clear, however it is not bending light properly to focus on the retina. Similar to cataract surgery, we replace it with an artificial lens that allows light to focus precisely on to the retina,” says Dr. Budev. “Refractive lens exchange can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it is considered elective and typically is not covered by insurance. This procedure is usually best for patients 40 years or older.”
He adds that “LASIK surgery by contrast is most commonly performed in patients in their 20s and 30s. LASIK works differently by reshaping the cornea to improve how light is focused.”
“Some patients who are extremely nearsighted or extremely farsighted may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. However, they may be candidates for an intraocular collamer lens (ICL). In this procedure, a lens similar to a contact lens is placed inside the eye on top of the patient’s native clear lens. This procedure can be performed in patients in their 20s or older.”
For anyone considering vision correction surgery, Dr. Budev emphasizes the importance of selecting a practice with experienced surgeons and leading-edge technology.
“What differentiates us is that our surgeons personally evaluate and meet every single patient before surgery,” he says. “At some practices, patients may not meet their surgeon until the day of the procedure. We believe that relationship and trust should begin long before you enter the operating room.”
Above all, Carolina Cataract and Laser Center is committed to providing a welcoming and patient-centered experience.
“Our doctors have served the Charleston community since the late 1990s,” Dr. Budev says. “We’ve performed thousands of procedures with a commitment to ethical care, safety, and outstanding outcomes. We use the most advanced technology available, but what matters most is that every patient feels like they have been cared for like family. We want them to know that every decision we make is going to be in their best interest.”
For more information, visit the Mt. Pleasant clinic at 1011 Lake Hunter Circle, call 843-797-3676, or visit https://www.carolinacataract.com/locations/mt-pleasant-clinic/.
