Get to know one of Charlotte’s top LASIK surgeons

According to The National Eye Institute, 66% of adults over the age of 18 report wearing some type of corrective eyewear.

• This means that a vast majority of the population will require care from an ophthalmologist at some point in their lives.

Okay, but: Becoming an ophthalmologist is a long, highly competitive road, with only 68% of prospective medical school students successfully matching into a program to obtain this specialized training.

Part of that competitiveness is due to its popularity, driven by the potential for a good quality of life and positive patient outcomes, which is exactly what drew Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates (CEENTA) ophthalmologist Lee Wiley to the field.

We asked Dr. Wiley a few questions about his specialty and his life in Charlotte.

Why did you choose this specialty?

"I actually tried to avoid ophthalmology because my father was an ophthalmologist and I wanted to find my own niche, but I couldn't find another surgical specialty that competed with the high success rates and patient satisfaction obtained by ophthalmologic procedures.

• It is an incredibly sophisticated field that is always advancing. Plus, it's very rewarding as a provider to share the happiness with my patients when they can see again."

What conditions do you typically treat?

"I treat many conditions, but my specialties include complex and routine cataracts, Fuch's corneal dystrophy and refractive error."

What this means: According to CEENTA…

• Cataracts are a condition affecting more than half of Americans over the age of 75 where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, reducing vision.
• Fuch's dystrophy is a deterioration of corneal cells in the eyes that causes corneal swelling and vision loss over time
• Refractive error is the medical term for the need for glasses or corrective lenses to see one's best.

Can you tell us more about treating refractive error?

The background: "Refractive error, or the need for corrective vision aids, can be due to nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. It's incredibly common and bothersome for many people, but luckily there are many options to treat these issues.

My personal favorite treatment route is LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery."

An expert take: "It is an excellent procedure with a high success rate and an excellent option for anyone who wants to ditch the glasses, as I have!"

What brought you to Charlotte?

"I was drawn to Charlotte because of the livability of the city (it's not too big and not too small), the lakes and outdoor recreation available, and the draw of joining CEENTA — a renowned group of amazing doctors."

Of note: CEENTA is consistently named one of Charlotte's "Best Eye Care Groups and Practices" and a "Top Workplace" by the Charlotte Observer.

What do you like to do in your free time?

"I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, wake surfing, kayaking, mountain biking and going to Charlotte FC soccer games, among many other things. I love staying active!"

The takeaway: Routine vision exams are a key part of long-term eye health. Book your next appointment at one of CEENTA's 18 Charlotte-area locations.