CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

We are open for ALL eye care needs, including elective surgeries.
PER CDC RECOMMENDATIONS, MASKS ARE OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy Eye, Healthy I™

GENERAL

    Why is eye dilation important and is there an alternative?

      Eye dilation is done on almost all routine eye exams. Expanding the pupil, allows any doctor to take an un-obstructed view of all of the internal eye structures, probably the most important part of an eye exam. Viewing the back of the eye allows to check for any medical condition of the eye. Most often we can detect diabetes, glaucoma, or any circulatory abnormality. There is a new technology of retinal scanning with optos. In some cases we can obtain a very precise digital image of the eye precludes us from having to do a dilated eye exam.

    What is astigmatism and can it be treated?

      Astigmatism means is the lack of roundness of the cornea, which can casue vision to appear blurry or distorted. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses or with special surgery techniques. Patients with astigmatism that undergo cataract surgery will either need a premium corrective lens implant, a limbal relaxing incision, or glasses after surgery.

    I just turned 45 and cannot see up-close anymore. Why is that and what can be done?

      This is a normal condition called presbyopia. The crystalline human lens does not change shape as regularly as it once did. There are several ways to help negate this such as using reading glasses, bifocal glasses, contact lenses and some surgical procedures.

    After I read a while, I cannot see clearly in the distance. Why is that?

      We tend to not blink as often when reading and a muscle inside the eye called the ciliary body can spasm and not change focus the way it should. It helps to concentrate on blinking a little more or taking short breaks looking away from the reading material.

    I have a family history of Glaucoma, how often should I have my eyes checked?

      Glaucoma is hereditary, i.e. parents can pass it to their children and it can be diagnosed at any age. Glaucoma can be present without obvious symptoms and patients with family histories of glaucoma should be checked during a routine, yearly exam. It is important to make the diagnosis before the disease progresses to an advanced stage

    Can you tell if I have diabetes or high blood pressure by looking at my eyes?

      Yes, the eye is the best indicator for detecting diseases for many conditions. There are many people that have had urgent surgery by our diagnoses that has saved their lives over a five year period. Diabetes and blood pressure are some of the basic things we do see and diagnose before some doctors are able to and we refer them to out to their primary care doctor.

    How does diabetes affect the eye? At what age should a diabetic eye screening be done?

      In people with diabetes, an eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. Loss of vision may result. It can get worse after removal of the lens, and glaucoma may start to develop. Diabetes can affect the eye at any age. If you are a juvenile onset with diabetes you could notice changes at 10 or 12 years old, sometimes even earlier. With adults it will usually take an onset in their 60s or later. Once established, it is important to monitor once a year.

CATARACT SURGERY

    Can cataract surgery be done on a patient who has diabetes or macular degeneration?

      Yes, we perform cataract surgery on patients with diabetes or macular degeneration every day. There are special considerations for patients with other diseases that will be discussed at the time of your visit, but the results tend to be quite favorable.

    Can I have cataract surgery if I have had a previous LASIK surgery, Blade-Free CustomVue LASIK or PRK?

      Yes, you can still have cataract surgery if you have a history of LASIK, and this is occurring more frequently than ever. There are some special considerations when in terms of accuracy and types of lens implants that we choose to use. It can be extremely successful in patients that have had previous surgery and help achieve your glasses free, best vison.

LASIK

    What age is best suited for LASIK surgery?

      Patients over the age of 18 with stable vision, (their prescription doesn’t change frequently), are typically great candidates for LASIK surgery. You can read more about the process here.

    What is the difference between LASIK and Blade-Free CustomVue LASIK?

      1. We use a measurement called wavefront aberrometry that creates a fingerprinted vision that is unique to your eye and allows us to get a better percentage of 20/20 compared to the older standard LASIK that is based on your glasses prescription.

      2. Blade-Free CustomVue LASIK is refractive surgery can be performed with or without a corneal flap.

To learn more and to make an appointment, please contact us at (321) 722-4443.