Dr. Ryan Mercer is a cornea and refractive-trained specialist who also manages other eye conditions (such as glaucoma and medical retina). Dr. Mercer implants several different types of lenses at the time of cataract and refractive lens exchange surgery including standard monofocal lenses, astigmatic lenses, and multifocal lenses (such as PanOptix and Synergy, among others).
In addition to laser cataract surgery, Dr. Mercer performs laser refractive surgery (PRK, LASIK, AK, LRI). Some near-sighted individuals who are not candidates for laser refractive surgery may still be candidates for an implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery, which Dr. Mercer performs. Dr. Mercer is proficient in partial thickness corneal transplant surgery (DSEK, UT-DSEK, nano-DSEK) and full thickness cornea transplant surgery (PKP), in addition to other ocular surface procedures such as pterygium excision.
Dr. Mercer has years of experience treating dry eye syndrome where he believes in using a multimodal and tiered approach to addressing each subtype of dry eye syndrome. Finally, Dr. Mercer performs MIGS and laser procedures to address glaucoma, and treats certain retinal conditions related to diabetes and macular degeneration.
Dr. Ryan Mercer completed his Cornea and Refractive Surgery Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2021. During his fellowship Dr. Mercer co-authored several peer-reviewed research articles that were accepted to prestigious Ophthalmology Journals as he became proficient in corneal transplant surgery, laser vision correction, dry-eye management, and cataract surgery. He had the privilege to learn several new procedures including the Yamane technique to address aphakia. Prior to fellowship, Dr. Mercer completed Ophthalmology Residency at University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.
Dr. Mercer finished medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016. He graduated from Clemson University in 2012 just 3 years after enrolling. At Clemson, he was a member of the President’s List and graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA in Biochemistry. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Mercer graduated from Richland Northeast High School.
Dr. Mercer enjoys overseas medical mission trips, national park adventures, and anything related to baseball, but finds the most joy when he spends time with his wonderful wife and children. With everything he does, Dr. Mercer strives to honor and glorify Christ in his life.