“Seeing my bride walk down the aisle on our wedding day, watching my children as they were born, looking at myself in the mirror wearing my white doctor’s coat for the first time – these are some of my most precious memories.  And it was the gift of healthy vision that granted me these treasured memories.  I want every one of my patients to have the gift of cherished memories.  It is for this reason that I commit every day to doing everything I can to help every one of my patients see as well as possible.”

– Kevin J. Nusz, M.D.

“Growing up nearsighted with astigmatism, I can fully appreciate what it means when your world suddenly comes into focus.  That’s exactly what the eye doctor who first treated me was able to do.  I wasn’t just fascinated with the results, but the process, as well.  I wanted to learn how he was able to do what he did.  And what he did absolutely changed my life.  From that day on, I knew eyecare was something I wanted to know more about, so I could help people in the same way this doctor was able to help me.  I’ve never regretted that decision.”

– Frances L. Story, M.D.

“The great thing about Ophthalmology is that you get to see everyone.  And I do mean everyone—from small children to seniors.  The range is incredible and always makes my experiences with patients that much more interesting.  Some conditions may simply require prescribing medication, while others may require more involved surgical procedures.  Every treatment is different—just like my patients.  I feel blessed that I’ve had excellent training that’s prepared me for this challenge.  But successful treatments aren’t just about your training.  It’s about your relationship with the patients.  They help me put everything into perspective.”

– Malcolm Edwards, M.D.

“It’s a high priority for me that my patients feel we listen to them and explain things clearly.  Growing up as the son of a minister, compassion and concern for others were values that were stressed in our home.  Each time I am complimented on my thoroughness it lets me know we are meeting our patients’ needs. That thoroughness paid off for me in medical school where the faculty awarded me the Glidden L. Brooks President’s Award as ‘the student who displayed superiority in all phases of the curriculum.’  I always remember that each patient’s eyes are as important to them as my eyes are to me.  It’s an honor to be a doctor and I take the trust my patients place in me very seriously.”

– Todd A. Scott, M.D.

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“People kept telling me I looked sleepy or asking me if I was angry. Now my eyes are wide open, and I can see so much better.  I didn’t realize how much of my vision was being blocked.”  Not only did eyelid surgery at The Eye & Laser Center improve my vision, it improved my appearance and how I see myself.  “When I look in the mirror now, I like what I see!”

- Elaine Marley, Lexington, SC

Eyesight is one of the most important and prized of all our special senses.  Trouble with eyesight can lead to a tremendous reduction in quality of life.  Imagine not being able to see well enough to drive, watch TV, read or see the facial expressions of loved ones and friends.  Most people fear loss of vision over almost any other disability.  Fortunately, with the advances in modern medicine we can now advise patients regarding the steps they can take to improve their chances of maintaining good vision throughout life.

“It is a good idea to remember that, in general, if something is good for your heart, it is good for your eyes,” states Dr. Todd Scott of The Eye & Laser Center.

Nutrition is important for optimal eye health.  A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and good fats, like fish oil, have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of developing, as well as slowing the progression of, macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in retirement-age people.  Smoking and high blood pressure, on the other hand, have been shown to increase the risk of vision loss from macular degeneration.

The leading cause of permanent vision loss in working-age people is diabetes.  Maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood sugar and blood pressure, and not smoking can decrease the risk of loss of vision from diabetes tremendously.  In general, diabetic patients should strive to keep their blood sugar in the normal range, which is 80 – 120, their blood pressure in the 110-120 over 70’s range, their LDL (bad) cholesterol under 100 and their HDL (good) cholesterol over 50.  Of course, each patient is different and should follow the recommendation of his/her personal physician.

“The vast majority of people suffer vision loss from diabetes needlessly,” points out Dr. Kevin Nusz.  “Severe vision loss can usually be prevented with proper treatment, but nearly 40% of diabetics in South Carolina have not had an eye exam since being diagnosed with diabetes.  It is important that even newly diagnosed diabetics have yearly eye exams.”

Regular exercise is important to maintaining a healthy body weight.  Excess body fat is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, memory loss and increased chronic inflammation which speeds up the aging process and is associated with macular degeneration.  A good rule of thumb is to walk 30 minutes a day, six days a week.

“Regular exercise has also been found to lower the eye pressure and reduce the risk of glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease associated with high pressure in the eye,” adds Dr. Malcolm Edwards.

Cataracts (the clouding of the natural lens of the eye) are very common, but, fortunately, these can be repaired by a very straightforward operation.  A diet rich in antioxidants (like dark fruits and vegetables), not smoking and wearing sunglasses when outside can reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Another common cause of loss of vision is traumatic eye injury.  “Happily, this is preventable by wearing proper eye protection,” states Dr. Frances Story.

“Protective eyeglasses should be worn whenever a chance of eye injury could occur.  This includes when using weed trimmers, lawnmowers, saws of any kind, grinding, hammering, working above your head, bicycling, tennis, racquetball, and riding a motorcycle.”

Dr. Scott concludes, “It is important to see an eye care professional for regular eye exams so any problems can be caught and treated early.  With proper care and protection your eyes should serve you well for a lifetime!”

“My vision is much crisper after LASIK! I can fall asleep with ease knowing when I open my eyes there will be nothing but perfect vision!* The staff went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and was there to answer any and all of my questions.”

- Michelle Owens, Owner of Curves, Lancaster, SC

*Results and experiences with LASIK Surgery vary from patient to patient.

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Best Medical Specialist - 8 years in a row!

Best Optical Vision - 11 years in a row!

Best Medical Facility - 6 out of 7 years!

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“Since having Laser Vision Correction, my eyes are no longer irritated. I can ride my horse and swim without worrying about my contacts bothering me or losing them. LASIK surgery is amazing, and my eyes feel so much better!*  I was well informed and made the right decision.”

- Paige Duke, Student, Lancaster, SC

*Results and experiences with LASIK Surgery vary from patient to patient.

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Eyelid surgery at The Eye & Laser Center was the first thing I did just for myself.  “It was the best thing I ever did!  The procedure gave me my eyes back.”  After surgery, my eyes looked brighter, more open, and my vision has improved.  “I have even been told I look five years younger!”

- Karon Vick, Pharmacist, Lancaster, SC