- How can my eyes be dry if they water all the time?
- Should I use drops that say “get the red out”?
- Is it harmful to sleep in my contact lenses?
- Can I use artificial tears while I’m wearing contact lenses?
- I have diabetes. How do I know if it’s affecting my eyes, and if so, how is it treated?
- How do I know if I have macular degeneration and how is it treated?
- What is a refraction?
- Should my eyes be dilated at every exam?
- Once removed, will a cataract ever come back?
- Are there any drops to get rid of cataracts?
- Is cataract surgery done with a laser?
- What visual symptoms would I notice with cataracts?
- At what age are my eyes stable enough for Lasik?
- How soon after Lasik will I be able to return to work?
How can my eyes be dry if they water all the time?
Over time, our eyes continue to produce moisture but the quality of moisture or tears declines. As a result, even though there may be tears in our eyes, the tears don’t lubricate and soothe as they should. Our eyes then produce a greater quantity of tears to try to compensate for the reduced quality, but unfortunately, the increase quantity does nothing except make our eyes water. The use of artificial tears can give additional lubrication and comfort and therefore reduce the production of the low quality tears. Restasis (a prescription medication) can also help our eyes make more of our higher quality tears and heal any damage caused by dryness.
Should I use drops that say “get the red out”?
The use of get-the-red-out drops on a frequent basis (several times per day) can cause an increase in redness rather than a reduction. This is the result of a rebound dilation of blood vessels on the white of the eye that were initially constricted by the drop. Infrequent use of this type of drop (2 – 3 times per week) is ok, however.
Is it harmful to sleep in my contact lenses?
Opinions vary regarding the extended wear of contact lenses. Many ophthalmologists prefer patients to practice daily wear. All ophthalmologists would agree, however, that if extended wear is done, it should be with contact lenses approved for extended wear and duration and replacement recommendations should be strictly followed.
Can I use artificial tears while I’m wearing contact lenses?
Yes. Using thinner types of artificial tears (Systaine, Optive, Genteal) or contact lens rewetting solutions can help with comfort and maintenance of clearer vision.
I have diabetes. How do I know if it’s affecting my eyes, and if so, how is it treated?
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes mellitus which causes abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina. These blood vessels swell and leak blood damaging the retina, the light-sensitive tissue, which lines the back portion of the eye. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in severe loss of vision and ultimately blindness.
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How do I know if I have macular degeneration and how is it treated?
AMD is an eye disease the causes the deterioration, or breakdown, of the macula – the light-sensing, central portion of the retina – resulting in the loss of sharp, central vision. AMD is painless and usually progresses slowly. In fact, once diagnosed with AMD some patients may go for years without any noticeable loss of vision. However, in others the disease may progress faster and can lead to significant vision loss in both eyes.
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A refraction is a process whereby we determine your specific glasses prescription, i.e., whether you are near-sighted, farsighted, and/or have astigmatism. Typically, a device called a phoropter is used for this determination. (It is important to note that your insurance typically does not cover the cost of a refraction, although it is usually a minimal fee).
Should my eyes be dilated at every exam?
Not necessarily. The need for dilating your eyes depends on your age, your symptoms and on certain eye conditions that you may have (e.g., diabetes, macular degeneration, extreme near-sightedness, etc.).
Once removed, will a cataract ever come back?
No, a cataract cannot grow back. Months or years after cataract surgery a film can form across the artificial lens which can blur vision. In the office a painless laser can remove the film restoring vision.
Are there any drops to get rid of cataracts?
No. A quality pair of sunglasses may slow down the development of cataracts.
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Is cataract surgery done with a laser?
No, but lasers are used for other procedures. Painless ultrasound pulses are used to gently remove the cataract.
What visual symptoms would I notice with cataracts?
Blurry vision, difficult reading, difficulty driving especially at night, glare and halos.
At what age are my eyes stable enough for Lasik?
Patients need to be 21 or older with a glasses prescription that has been stable for 1 to 2 years.
How soon after Lasik will I be able to return to work?
Most patients return to work the next day although an appointment to examine the eyes is performed the day after surgery.