Frequently Asked Questions:
Our Eye Care Articles page has many articles on various topics such as vision, eye health, contact lenses, eye wear, and eye disease. We hope these FAQ's will give you a quick answer to commonly asked questions. (The answers are found below the questions.)
How do I know if I have pink eye?
Pink Eye, also called Conjunctivitis, is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. There are numerous causes of pink eye: viral or bacterial (contagious), allergic, chemical, or dry eyes. Hand washing is an important factor in preventing viral or bacterial causes of pink eye. Treatment is not a "one size fits all" solution. If you have conjunctivitis, you should come into our office for an evaluation. The diagnosis and treatment plan should be left to an eye care professional.
At what age should I let my child wear contact lenses?
Some children as young as 9 years old are mature enough for the responsibility of safely wearing and maintaining contact lenses. You know your child. Good hygiene habits, maturity, responsibility and following instructions are characteristics that should be observed in a child when making a decision to start wearing contact lenses. Here is a good article that you might want to read that goes further into the topic.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
When you sleep in your contact lenses, you’re depriving your corneas of oxygen because the eyes aren't blinking and the contact lens is unable to move. Sleeping in contact lenses increase your risk of infection, inflammation and permanent eye damage. While some contact lenses have been FDA approved for "extended wear," we recommend that you still remove the contact lens at night. If you have further concerns, please call our office for a consultation.
What is the difference between expensive eyeglasses and inexpensive ones?
Oh, where do we begin? It is extremely confusing when you see such a big price range for eye glasses and sunglasses. Here is the short answer:
Do I really need Anti-Reflective coating on my glasses?
We recommend that every patient use a high quality anti-reflective lens coating on their lenses:
What are the benefits of having polarized sunglasses?
Light usually scatters in all directions; but when it's reflected from flat surfaces, it tends to become polarized — meaning it travels in a more uniform (usually horizontal) direction. This creates an annoying and sometimes dangerous intensity of reflected light that causes glare and reduces visibility. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks this type of intense reflected light, reducing glare. To read more about polarized lenses, and when they should and should not be worn, please refer to this article.
At what age should my child have a first formal eye examination?
As an infant, your child's first vision exam is usually a screening done by the pediatrician at age 6 months. If the doctor notices something of concern, the baby will be sent to a pediatric vision specialist for further review. If the screening is normal, you child will usually be tested again at around 3 years of age. Our office recommends that before your child enters kindergarten, that you bring him/her into our office for a first comprehensive vision examination. Remember, a child does not know what is "normal" vision and may have gone through the first few year of life with undiagnosed vision problems. That's why an early comprehensive vision is so important. This short video explains further and gives some valuable information about the importance of scheduling your child's first comprehensive vision exam.
Does our office perform cataract surgery?
While our office does not do the actual cataract surgery, we do perform the pre-operative and post-operative evaluations in conjunction with our recommended surgeons. If you think you might be a good candidate for cataract surgery, you should call one of our offices for an evaluation.
What are Transitions® lenses?
Transitions® lenses are a brand of photochromic lenses that seamlessly adapt to changing light, from clear indoors to dark outdoors, and every shade in between. Each Transitions® brand lens provides blue light protection and change colors when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet light. For more information on Transitions® lenses, please ask one of our opticians or go to the Transitions® website.
What is the difference between a routine eye examination and a contact lens evaluation?
A routine eye examination includes a refraction for an eyeglass prescription as well as an eye health examination. There are other tests and assessments that must be added when performing a contact lens evaluation, including checking the fit of the lenses, evaluating the health of the cornea and reviewing the care of the lenses with the patient. This is the reason for the higher cost of the contact lens evaluation.
What does my vision insurance cover?
Our office takes most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, Advantica, Superior, and Spectera. Each plan works differently, but vision insurance is not like general health insurance. Your vision care plan "contributes" a fixed amount or discount to the cost of your total eye exam, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Some companies require you to only use their labs, but others gives you full choice of the brands and lenses you desire, negotiating a "discount" for patients using their plan. If you have a medical eye problem, such as a scratched cornea, pink eye, flashes and floaters or glaucoma, your major medical insurance may then be used for those services. It is important to understand your individual vision insurance benefits before you come into the office. If you still have questions, one of our Insurance Specialists will be able to help you. Make sure you use your vision benefits each year before they expire.
I've heard about online eye exams. Why would I still need to come to see an eye doctor in person?
Something you should consider regarding online eye exams: Would you go to your local pharmacy for a blood pressure testing and think that would be as good as a full physical? That would be the equivalent of just relying on an eyeglass website's "eye exam" that really just gives you a rough idea of a prescription so that they can sell you eye wear. We use an auto-refractor in our office to give doctors a starting point for your refraction, but it is very rarely 100% accurate and the optometrist refines it with special equipment and testing to get you the best vision possible. In addition, and most important, online eye exams tell you nothing about your actual eye health. In a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor not only tests your vision acuity but also color vision, peripheral vision, convergence, eye movements, depth perception and independent eye performance, In addition, our doctors look at both the structure of the surface and what's happening inside of the eye, including running tests for glaucoma, evaluating the retina and optic nerve, and identifying cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, etc. Many eye problems can only be diagnosed in a comprehensive vision examination, and early diagnosis can make the difference in the long-term health of your eyes.
What are the small dark specks I seen floating around when I look at something light?
Those small specks are called "floaters" and are a common complaint of many patients, and appear as small, dark, shadowy shapes that can look like spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines. They move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. They do not follow your eye movements precisely, and usually drift when your eyes stop moving. Most people have floaters and learn to ignore them; they are usually not noticed until they become numerous or more prominent. Floaters can become apparent when looking at something bright, such as white paper or a blue sky. While most floaters are benign, a sudden onset of numerous floaters can be one symptom of a retinal detachment. If you have concerns about your floaters, it is best to schedule an evaluation with one of our doctors and have your floaters assessed with our modern diagnostic equipment.
My eyes are SO DRY!! Is there anything you can do to help me?
As patients get older, dry eye tends to increase, causing redness, a scratchy feeling and transient (blurriness comes and goes) vision. The abundance of use of technology (computers, iphones, ipads) decreases your blinking, which also makes your eyes dry and uncomfortable. Typically, when a patient has dry eyes, we first do an evaluation and recommend such remedies as over-the-counter eye drops, fish oil supplements, and/or adding flax seed to the diet. If that is not successful, we move to prescribe such medications as Restasis and Xiidra. We have had a great deal of success with these dry eye treatments. If you are experiencing dry eyes, please come into our office for a dry eye evaluation with one of our optometrists.
- How do I know if I have pink eye?
- At what age should I let my child wear contact lenses?
- Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
- What is the difference between expensive eyeglasses and inexpensive ones?
- Do I really need Anti-Reflective coating on my glasses?
- What are the benefits of having polarized sunglasses?
- At what age should my child have a first formal eye examination?
- Does our office perform cataract surgery?
- What are Transitions® lenses?
- What is the difference between a routine eye examination and a contact lens evaluation?
- What does my vision insurance cover?
- I've heard about online eye exams. Why would I still need to come to see an eye doctor in person?
- What are the small dark specks I seen floating around when I look at something light?
- My eyes are SO DRY!! Is there anything you can do to help me?
How do I know if I have pink eye?
Pink Eye, also called Conjunctivitis, is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. There are numerous causes of pink eye: viral or bacterial (contagious), allergic, chemical, or dry eyes. Hand washing is an important factor in preventing viral or bacterial causes of pink eye. Treatment is not a "one size fits all" solution. If you have conjunctivitis, you should come into our office for an evaluation. The diagnosis and treatment plan should be left to an eye care professional.
At what age should I let my child wear contact lenses?
Some children as young as 9 years old are mature enough for the responsibility of safely wearing and maintaining contact lenses. You know your child. Good hygiene habits, maturity, responsibility and following instructions are characteristics that should be observed in a child when making a decision to start wearing contact lenses. Here is a good article that you might want to read that goes further into the topic.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
When you sleep in your contact lenses, you’re depriving your corneas of oxygen because the eyes aren't blinking and the contact lens is unable to move. Sleeping in contact lenses increase your risk of infection, inflammation and permanent eye damage. While some contact lenses have been FDA approved for "extended wear," we recommend that you still remove the contact lens at night. If you have further concerns, please call our office for a consultation.
What is the difference between expensive eyeglasses and inexpensive ones?
Oh, where do we begin? It is extremely confusing when you see such a big price range for eye glasses and sunglasses. Here is the short answer:
- Design - The cutting edge eye wear designers set the trends with a team of artists that create the styles and set the trends. Other companies copy them instead of having their own design team.
- Materials - The cutting edge eye wear manufacturers create and use the highest quality materials to create vibrant, long-lasting colors, light-weight materials, mixed media on their designs such as a combination of xyl (plastic) and titanium (ultra light-weight metals), strong hinges that hold an adjustment, etc. Less expensive eye wear will sometimes have finishes that chip, yellow, aren't as complex or interesting, or have hinges that don't hold their adjustment (We feel so sorry for patients who bring us a pair of cheap glasses bought elsewhere that keep "going crooked" on their face, and not be able to help them.).
- Technology - The cutting edge eye wear designers are always inventing new ways to make eye wear more "user friendly," (like screwless hinges - Ever have a screw fall out of your sunglasses while your're on the beach?)
- Artistry - The cutting edge eye wear designers add elegant touches to their product, like hand etched metal designs, layered details, interesting temple features, down to signature ear pieces.
Do I really need Anti-Reflective coating on my glasses?
We recommend that every patient use a high quality anti-reflective lens coating on their lenses:
- Improved scratch resistance protects your lenses when it comes to your daily activities.
- Lenses are easy and effortless to clean.
- Enhanced anti-static properties repel dust.
- Protects your eyes with backside UV protection.
- Dramatically reduces annoying “rainbows”, for a clear view of your eyes.
- Reduces “visual glare” for a safer driving experience, especially at night.
- Prevents distracting “cosmetic glare” when someone is looking at you.
What are the benefits of having polarized sunglasses?
Light usually scatters in all directions; but when it's reflected from flat surfaces, it tends to become polarized — meaning it travels in a more uniform (usually horizontal) direction. This creates an annoying and sometimes dangerous intensity of reflected light that causes glare and reduces visibility. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks this type of intense reflected light, reducing glare. To read more about polarized lenses, and when they should and should not be worn, please refer to this article.
At what age should my child have a first formal eye examination?
As an infant, your child's first vision exam is usually a screening done by the pediatrician at age 6 months. If the doctor notices something of concern, the baby will be sent to a pediatric vision specialist for further review. If the screening is normal, you child will usually be tested again at around 3 years of age. Our office recommends that before your child enters kindergarten, that you bring him/her into our office for a first comprehensive vision examination. Remember, a child does not know what is "normal" vision and may have gone through the first few year of life with undiagnosed vision problems. That's why an early comprehensive vision is so important. This short video explains further and gives some valuable information about the importance of scheduling your child's first comprehensive vision exam.
Does our office perform cataract surgery?
While our office does not do the actual cataract surgery, we do perform the pre-operative and post-operative evaluations in conjunction with our recommended surgeons. If you think you might be a good candidate for cataract surgery, you should call one of our offices for an evaluation.
What are Transitions® lenses?
Transitions® lenses are a brand of photochromic lenses that seamlessly adapt to changing light, from clear indoors to dark outdoors, and every shade in between. Each Transitions® brand lens provides blue light protection and change colors when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet light. For more information on Transitions® lenses, please ask one of our opticians or go to the Transitions® website.
What is the difference between a routine eye examination and a contact lens evaluation?
A routine eye examination includes a refraction for an eyeglass prescription as well as an eye health examination. There are other tests and assessments that must be added when performing a contact lens evaluation, including checking the fit of the lenses, evaluating the health of the cornea and reviewing the care of the lenses with the patient. This is the reason for the higher cost of the contact lens evaluation.
What does my vision insurance cover?
Our office takes most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, Advantica, Superior, and Spectera. Each plan works differently, but vision insurance is not like general health insurance. Your vision care plan "contributes" a fixed amount or discount to the cost of your total eye exam, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Some companies require you to only use their labs, but others gives you full choice of the brands and lenses you desire, negotiating a "discount" for patients using their plan. If you have a medical eye problem, such as a scratched cornea, pink eye, flashes and floaters or glaucoma, your major medical insurance may then be used for those services. It is important to understand your individual vision insurance benefits before you come into the office. If you still have questions, one of our Insurance Specialists will be able to help you. Make sure you use your vision benefits each year before they expire.
I've heard about online eye exams. Why would I still need to come to see an eye doctor in person?
Something you should consider regarding online eye exams: Would you go to your local pharmacy for a blood pressure testing and think that would be as good as a full physical? That would be the equivalent of just relying on an eyeglass website's "eye exam" that really just gives you a rough idea of a prescription so that they can sell you eye wear. We use an auto-refractor in our office to give doctors a starting point for your refraction, but it is very rarely 100% accurate and the optometrist refines it with special equipment and testing to get you the best vision possible. In addition, and most important, online eye exams tell you nothing about your actual eye health. In a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor not only tests your vision acuity but also color vision, peripheral vision, convergence, eye movements, depth perception and independent eye performance, In addition, our doctors look at both the structure of the surface and what's happening inside of the eye, including running tests for glaucoma, evaluating the retina and optic nerve, and identifying cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, etc. Many eye problems can only be diagnosed in a comprehensive vision examination, and early diagnosis can make the difference in the long-term health of your eyes.
What are the small dark specks I seen floating around when I look at something light?
Those small specks are called "floaters" and are a common complaint of many patients, and appear as small, dark, shadowy shapes that can look like spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines. They move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. They do not follow your eye movements precisely, and usually drift when your eyes stop moving. Most people have floaters and learn to ignore them; they are usually not noticed until they become numerous or more prominent. Floaters can become apparent when looking at something bright, such as white paper or a blue sky. While most floaters are benign, a sudden onset of numerous floaters can be one symptom of a retinal detachment. If you have concerns about your floaters, it is best to schedule an evaluation with one of our doctors and have your floaters assessed with our modern diagnostic equipment.
My eyes are SO DRY!! Is there anything you can do to help me?
As patients get older, dry eye tends to increase, causing redness, a scratchy feeling and transient (blurriness comes and goes) vision. The abundance of use of technology (computers, iphones, ipads) decreases your blinking, which also makes your eyes dry and uncomfortable. Typically, when a patient has dry eyes, we first do an evaluation and recommend such remedies as over-the-counter eye drops, fish oil supplements, and/or adding flax seed to the diet. If that is not successful, we move to prescribe such medications as Restasis and Xiidra. We have had a great deal of success with these dry eye treatments. If you are experiencing dry eyes, please come into our office for a dry eye evaluation with one of our optometrists.