Q:
How often should I have an eye exam?
A:
Eye exams are recommended periodically, with the interval differing for various age groups. In the first three years of infancy, a child should have vision checked along with normal pediatric checkups. Between the ages of three and six (the most crucial period of eye development) an eye exam should be scheduled every year or two. After that period, until adulthood, exams should be scheduled as necessary. During the twenties one should have at least one exam. During the thirties one should have at least a few exams. In the forties and fifties, one should schedule an exam every one to two years. While in the sixties, an exam every year is recommended to screen for common problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes.
In addition to these basic guidelines, people with a family history of eye problems, those monitoring a diagnosed eye disease, or those with certain high risk diseases such as diabetes, it is recommended that exams should be performed at least once a year. Regular eye exams are the best way to keep you seeing your world clearly.
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Q:
I have been noticing strange things with my vision lately. What should I do?
A:
Any abnormal phenomena or changes in your vision can indicate a variety of possible problems. The key to preserving vision in the face of most eye diseases is early treatment. Thus it is important to consult an ophthalmologist if you notice anything unusual or any change in your vision. It could be a serious problem, or it could be inconsequential, but the peace of mind and the possibility of catching a serious problem early are certainly worth it.
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Q:
My vision is great; I have no problems. Is there any reason to have my vision checked?
A:
Many serious eye diseases often have little or no symptoms until they are well developed. The only way to diagnose a problem early in such a case is to schedule periodic eye exams. This is the best way to preserve the clearest vision possible for life. Many times there is an opportunity to provide treatment before permanent vision loss happens.
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Q:
What should I do if I experience flashes and floaters?
A:
Flashes and floaters are a symptom caused by a change in the posterior chamber of the eye when there is separation of the vitreous jelly from the retina. It can be rarely associated with damage to the retina and requires an evaluation. During the exam, the pupil will be dilated to provide the optimal view of the retina. Failure to see your eye doctor when you experience these symptoms puts you at risk for permanent vision loss.
Q:
How do I know I have cataracts?
A:
Early symptoms of cataracts include decreased night vision, glare, halos, and increased difficulty with tasks requiring good vision. Eventually patients will describe their vision as looking through a fog or dirty window. Almost everyone will develop cataracts if they live long enough with the most common time in the sixth and seventh decades. Sometimes mature cataracts may not cause a significant loss in vision but may need to be removed to avoid a more difficult surgery in the future.
The only treatment and best treatment for cataracts is surgery. The procedure involves the removal of the cataract and the positioning of a replacement lens into the eye.
Q:
How often should I be seen if I have glaucoma?
A:
Patients diagnosed with glaucoma should be usually seen every 3-4 months and sometimes more often if there are problems with pressure control or loss of vision. Patients should also have annual diagnostic testing to monitor the progression of the glaucoma.
Q:
Is LASIK right for me?
A:
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, it means you are living with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, and probably currently wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is a great way to reduce your dependence on, or completely free yourself from, corrective lenses. It may be especially appealing because of your profession or lifestyle. It could be that you cannot wear contact lenses and dislike the appearance of glasses, or you may just want to reduce the expense and hassle of glasses and contacts.
However, LASIK is not appropriate for everyone. There are several factors which determine the best candidate, including age, medical history, individual eye anatomy, and expectations. Each person is a unique case requiring individual evaluation.
No website can tell you for sure if you are a good candidate for LASIK. The only way to find out is to schedule a LASIK eligibility exam. Be prepared to talk about your medical history, and any current diseases or medications. You will also discuss instructions and expectations for the procedure, recovery, and results. You will be given a comprehensive eye examination, including some tests especially tailored to evaluate whether your eyes are appropriate for the corrective surgery. From the results of this exam, the doctor can work with you to decide if LASIK is the right choice for you.
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Q:
Is LASIK safe?
A:
It is important to realize that, like any surgery, LASIK is not without risk. However, major complications are extremely rare. Minor complications occasionally occur, such as dry eye, and halos or glare around lights at night. However, such problems are uncommon, are often treatable, and will usually reduce or disappear within months of the surgery. A consultation with one of our refractive surgeons will allow a personalized assessment of your risk.
Q:
Does LASIK hurt?
A:
There is no significant pain associated with the LASIK procedure. Local anesthesia is used on the cornea, which is administered through eye drops. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure. After the procedure, patients may experience minor irritation in the eye. This should continue to improve in the post operative period.
Q:
Is LASIK guaranteed to eliminate my need for glasses or contacts?
A:
Many people can achieve 20/20 vision, or better, after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Although patients experience an improvement in their vision, some may still need to wear corrective lenses for certain tasks, though the necessary power of correction will be much smaller than before.
The result of the LASIK procedure is also influenced by the amount of correction needed. Patients within a few diopters of 20/20 vision most often achieve sufficient results after undergoing LASIK that they no longer require corrective lenses. Patients with a larger prescription, especially those who are extremely nearsighted, sometimes will still require corrective lenses after the surgery, though their prescription will be greatly reduced. There is no guarantee by any refractive surgeon for perfect results.