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 two to three years of life, a child should have her vision checked during 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 two exams. In the forties and fifties, one should schedule an eye exam every two years. After sixty, an exam every year or two is recommended.
In addition to these basic guidelines, people who wear glasses and/or contact lenses, those with a family history of eye problems, those monitoring a diagnosed eye disease, or those with certain high risk diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, should be examined at least once a year. Regular eye exams are the best way to keep you seeing your world clearly!
Contact us today to schedule your eye exam!
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.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
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.
Contact us today to schedule an eye exam!
Q:
What is Refraction? Is it necessary for me to have it?
A:
One of the most important parts of your eye exam is the Refraction. Refraction is the process of determining the current strength of your spectacle prescription. It is also how we assess the best possible visual acuity and function of your eye, which is essential medical information for us to have as we examine your eyes and look for problems. Refraction is NOT a covered service by Medicare and many other insurance plans. These plans consider it a “routine”service, not a “medical” service. Our office fee* for the Refraction is $67, but we provide a “prompt pay” price of $42 if paid at the time of service. Should your plan pay us for the Refraction at a later date, we will reimburse you accordingly.
*We charge this fee no more than once per year. Should your spectacle prescription change within twelve months of the original Refraction, we will perform another Refraction free of charge.
Q:
I am scheduled to have an eye surgery. Where is your Surgery Center located? Does your office provide transportation?
A:
We use Bergen-Passaic Cataract Surgery and Laser Center, a state-of-the-art ambulatory eye care facility located in Fair Lawn, NJ. For patients having a cataract operation, a round trip transportation from their home is available on the day of surgery ONLY. There is a nominal fee for this service.
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.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
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.
Q:
Does LASIK hurt?
A:
There is no 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 fade within a day or two.
Q:
Is LASIK guaranteed to eliminate my need for glasses or contacts?
A:
Many people 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 wider error, especially those who are extremely nearsighted, sometimes will still require corrective lenses after the surgery, though their prescription will be greatly reduced.
Q:
Are pink eye and conjunctivitis the same thing?
A:
There is substantial overlap. Pink eye is an infectious form of conjunctivitis, most often caused by viruses but also caused in some cases by bacteria. The most important form of non-infectious conjunctivitis is allergic, usually recognizable by mild redness, substantial itching and no discharge.
Q:
What would cause my eyelids and tear glands to be red each morning?
A:
Redness of the eyelids in the morning usually is caused by blepharitis, an inflammation and/or infection in the eyelids. Blepharitis often affects both upper and lower eyelids. The cause can be a multiplication of the bacteria that are normally on the skin of the eyelids, or a blockage and inflammation of the oil glands that open onto the edges of the eyelids.
Q:
Now that the kids are back to school and playing sports, what kind of eye protection should they have?
A:
90% of serious eye injuries are preventable through the use of protective eyewear. Regular eyeglasses do not offer proper eye protection.
Q:
Are there useful supplements for glaucoma or are they are waste of money?
A:
Generally, antioxidants are protective for the eye. Good scientific studies confirm that certain supplements help prevent cataracts and some stages of macular degeneration. A well-balanced diet that includes several servings of leafy green vegetables is recommended for everyone.
Q:
Are fluorescent lights worse for your eyes than incandescent lights?
A:
No. With routine use, neither type of light causes damage to the eyes or visual system. Some people may be more bothered by some types of lights than others. The most common complaints include eyestrain and dryness.
Q:
Can sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes?
A:
Contrary to the popular myth, sitting too close to a TV will not damage your eyes but it may cause eyestrain. Children can focus at close distance without eyestrain better than adults. There is no evidence that this damages the eyes either in children or adults. With children, this habit usually diminishes as they grow older.
Q:
How long does it take for cataracts to develop?
A:
There is no way to predict how rapidly a cataract will develop. There are many kinds of cataracts and they can develop very slowly or progress rapidly. There is no guarantee that the speed of cataract development will not increase or decrease in the future. We can provide you a better estimate when you come for an eye exam.
Q:
What causes contact lens-related eye infections?
A:
Factors that contribute to a contact lens-related infections include: use of extended-wear lenses, sleeping in your contact lenses, reduced tear exchange under the lens, some environmental factors, and poor hygiene, such as poor maintenance of contact lens cases or reusing or topping off contact lens solution. Symptoms of contact lens-related infections may include blurry vision, unusual redness of the eye, pain in the eye, tearing or discharge from the eye, increased light sensitivity or the sensation of something in your eye. It is important to remember that some contact lens-related eye infections can cause serious vision loss or even blindness, so it is important to see your Eye M.D. as soon as possible for treatment.
Q:
What causes eye allergies?
A:
Many eye allergies are caused by the body’s response to allergens in the air — both indoors and out — such as dust, pet dander, mold, or smoke. Some of the most common airborne allergens include pollen from grass, trees and ragweed, contributing to seasonal allergies. Allergic reactions to perfume, cosmetics or drugs can also cause an allergic response.
Q:
What causes computer use eyestrain?
A:
Normally, humans blink about 18 times a minute, but studies show we blink half that often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play. Extended reading, writing or other intensive “near work” can also cause eyestrain. When you get less sleep than you need, your eyes may become irritated. During sleep our eyes rest for an extended period and are replenished by nutrients. If you wear contact lenses, it’s important that you use and care for them properly — especially if you use a computer and other digital-screen devices often. This helps avoid eye irritation, swelling, infection and vision problems.
Q:
Since 3D movies are readily available are prescription 3D glasses available? If not, are they on the foreseeable horizon?
A:
Most 3D glasses are designed to fit over your normal prescription glasses. However, several companies are recently marketing 3D glasses with the prescription built in. I have not seen a pair of these yet.
Q:
My husband is 55 years old and only needs glasses to read. How often should he have an eye exam?
A:
From the American Academy of Ophthalmology policy statement on frequency of examination: "For young individuals at higher risk for certain diseases, such as African-Americans who are at higher risk for glaucoma, comprehensive eye examinations should be considered every 2 to 4 years for those under age 40, every 1 to 3 years for those aged 40 to 54, and every 1 to 2 years for those aged 55 to 64, even in the absence of visual or ocular symptoms. Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40.