FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need eye examinations?

Not only do eye examinations determine if glasses or contact lenses are needed, but some diseases can also be detected. During an eye examination the doctor will look through the pupil with an instrument that lets him/her view the retina. Looking at the retina can help evaluate the health of blood vessels which can determine if a patient has diabetes, high blood pressure, or possibly some other systemic disease.

Do I need an eye examination if I want to wear colored contact lenses?

Yes. Contact lenses are medical devices. It is very important that they are fit and worn properly. Improper wearing of contact lenses can cause very serious eye infections that may result in permanent vision loss.

Why do I need to wear sunglasses?

Sunglasses, particularly ones that block 99-100% of UV radiation, are very important in preventing long-term damage to the eyes. The sun’s harmful rays are linked with many eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when the eye is either too long or when the cornea is too curved. Light rays that enter the eye come to a focus in front of the retina. A person with nearsightedness sees things more blurry at distance than near.

What is farsightedness?

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, occurs when the eye is either too short or when the cornea is too flat. Light rays that enter the eye come to a focus behind the retina. A person with farsightedness sees things more blurry at near than distance.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is when the front part of the eye is more oblong as opposed to being perfectly round. It is shaped more like the side of a football as opposed to the side of a basketball. Light rays enter the eye and come to a focus at two points instead of one. A person with astigmatism may see things blurry at all distances.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a condition which describes the loss of focusing ability that occurs with age. The structure in the eye that is affected by this process is called the crystalline lens. The crystalline lens is a clear M&M-shaped structure which can change shape as the muscles in the eye act on it. This is what allows us to focus on objects at near distances. As we age, the lens loses its ability to change shape; therefore, it gets more and more difficult to see objects at near.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. A thorough health history, some optical measurements, and an evaluation of the anterior portion of the eye will determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK.

I am a diabetic. How often do I need to get my eyes examined?

Because diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, it is very important that a diabetic gets his/her eyes examined once a year. At that examination, the eyes should be dilated so the doctor can evaluate for diabetic retinopathy.

Can high blood pressure affect the eyes?

Yes. High blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, which affects the tiny blood vessels in the retina. It is very important that patients with high blood pressure have their eyes dilated once a year to evaluate for this disease. The eye is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be examined in their natural state.

What gives the iris its color?

The color of the iris is determined by the amount of melanin pigment it has. The pigment in the iris is always brown. Blue eyes have very little pigment, and brown eyes have much more pigment. Green eyes have a moderate amount of pigment.

What is a Therapeutic Optometrist?

Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.

Therapeutic optometrists examine the internal and external structures of the eye to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They provide medical eye care by writing prescriptions for medications and by performing minor surgery around the eye. They also prescribe glasses and contact lenses for vision disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

A therapeutic optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.

If you have other questions not listed here, please call our office today.