Optometry FAQ for patients in Breese, Lebanon & All Surrounding Communities
Questions about eye care? Read below for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Can’t find your answer here? Feel free to contact our staff with your questions about general eye care, glasses, contacts, and more.
Eyeglasses
Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons that your frames could be causing a skin reaction. It all depends on your allergies and sensitivities, and the type of material of your frames. If you’re worried about this, ask your optometrist about frames that are hypoallergenic.
While you may not see any vision problems, many eye diseases can happen without symptoms, so it is important to have preventative eye exams.
The most common reason that someone would be prescribed bifocals is for presbyopia. This condition is more common in patients 40 and older. To truly determine your eyewear needs, it’s important to schedule a consultation.
The best way to correct this is with anti-reflective lenses. However, a comprehensive eye exam will determine if there are other problems that may be causing increased glare.
You don’t need a new pair of glasses unless your ocular needs change or the glasses break. However, many people like to think of their glasses as an accessory. In that case, buy as many as you like!
No. You shouldn’t be using transition lenses as sunglasses. Transitions are activated by temperature and UV light, both of which are blocked by the windshield of a car preventing them from becoming tinted while driving and in a car.
Visible light is the light that you can see is emitted from the sun. Invisible light, also known as ultraviolet light, is unseen to the human eye but can still cause eye damage.
This is decided by a variety of factors that may include, but is not limited to, your prescription, measurements, size of the frames, and more.
No. There’s not sufficient protection for an optometrist to recommend using them to block the sun. They provide slight protection, but you should always use designated sunglasses for protection from sun exposure.
Contact Lenses
That depends. With advancements in modern science, contact lenses can be adapted to a wide range of conditions and disease.
It’s actually much like a regular exam. We take measurements and evaluate fit and effectiveness of the contact lens for each individual. Contacts are sometimes like shoes – not everyone likes the same pair and no 2 pairs fit just alike.
Only if you wear contact lenses. If you don’t – there’s no reason for a contact lens exam unless you’d like to switch to contact lenses or you’re having trouble with your vision.
You shouldn’t swim with your contact lenses in. The lenses can be contaminated by germs, or you could lose a lens.
Yes, but it depends on the maturity of your child. Contact lenses are a big responsibility. Your child must be able to learn about and adhere to proper contact lens care to ensure they don’t cause themselves harm.
To prevent problems, stick to the schedule that was agreed upon by your optometrist.
Some types of contacts can be worn at night, but it’s important to check with your doctor before attempting to wear them overnight.
Pediatric Eye Care
No. This may catch a large, noticeable problem, but you should schedule yearly exams with a optometrist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Whether it’s a young child or a child with a speaking disability, advancements in modern eye care have made it possible for us to detect problems without verbal feedback from the child.
Yes. There are many things in school that could be hindered by poor vision. However, it’s important to note that vision may not be the sole problem. Schedule your child for an eye exam, but also work closely with their teachers to identify any and all problems.
Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is a condition where items from far away appear blurry. Myopia, which generally develops in children, is known as the most common problem for vision and can progress slowly or quickly.
Myopia has several symptoms that are simple to recognize, such as blurry distance vision, squinting, eye rubbing, headaches, eye strain, and being unaware of objects in the distance. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to call your local vision care specialist.
Yes. Headaches are often one of the most common symptoms of myopia.
It is very rare for myopia to lead to blindness. In severe circumstances, however, myopia is known to cause vision-threatening complications such as blindness, but this only happens when the condition reaches a degenerative stage called pathological myopia. If you notice your child experiencing any myopia symptoms, call your local vision care specialist today!
Myopia currently does not have a cure. Blurry distance vision can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Other associated symptoms of myopia – such as squinting, headaches, and eye strain – can also be relieved when wearing glasses or contacts.
LASIK
This depends on your vision, your physical health and a variety of other factors. Consult an eye care professional to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate.
The surgery is relatively quick, taking approximately 15 minutes, per eye, to complete.
The soonest you can return to work is the day after surgery. However, this depends mostly on how you react to the surgery and how your vision responds.
It depends on the type of procedure preformed and the goals agreed upon by the patient and the surgeon. Patients will always need sunglasses after surgery.
You can begin driving whenever you feel comfortable with your vision. However, by law, you must have someone drive you home from the surgery.
No. There is no anesthesia used, and the patient is conscious through the surgery. Numbing drops are given and no pain is felt; however, you may feel strange sensations after the surgery.
Glaucoma
This is a group of diseases that causes damage to the optic nerve. Symptoms may vary and range from minor irritations to severe pain and loss of vision.
There are a variety of treatments for Glaucoma, and it depends on your specific type. Treatments range from medications to surgery.
Yes. If it progresses unchecked, you can go blind. But, there are a number of available treatments that minimize the risk.
Many times there are no symptoms. However, some patients report loss of peripheral vision, inability to adjust to dark rooms, difficulty focusing, etc.
No. The most we can do is treat the symptoms.
Cataracts
This term refers to the clouding of the crystalline lens of your eye. This obstructs your vision.
Symptoms could include cloudy vision, blurry vision, light sensitivity, faded colors, poor night vision and double vision.
These can be treated with surgery, which you would be semi-conscious during the process.
No. The patient is conscious throughout the procedure. Numbing drops are used to prevent pain and irritation.
You should be okay to drive 24 hours after the surgery, but it is advised to wait until your doctor approves driving at your follow up appointment.
Dry Eye
It can be treated in two ways. We can stimulate natural tear production with artificial tears, and we can control inflammation with topical anti-inflammatories.
Yes. Heavy usage can cause the symptoms of dry eye. Take breaks when using technology to help prevent dry eye.
The symptoms of dry eye include gritty, burning irritation, chronically watery eyes and more.
