Frequently Asked Questions
Here's some common questions we get, with answers. If anything else comes to mind, just give us a call!
Do I need an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist?
Both are eye doctors that diagnose and treat many of the same eye conditions. The American Optometric Association defines Doctors of Optometry as: primary health care professionals 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. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and medications as well as perform certain surgical procedures.
The main difference between the two, is that ophthalmologists perform surgery, where an optometrist would not, preferring to specialize in eye examinations, as well as eyeglass and contact lens related services.
Optometrists would be involved in all of the pre- and post-operative care of these patients; collecting accurate data, educating the patient, and insuring proper healing after the procedure. An ophthalmologist is more of a medical related specialist, who would need only to be involved if some kind of surgery were being considered. An optometrist can treat most any eye condition, including the use of topical or oral medications if needed. This might include the treatment of glaucoma, eye infections, allergic eye conditions and others, to name just a few.
A third "O" that often is overlooked, is the optician. An optician is not a doctor, and they cannot examine your eye under their own license. However, a highly trained optician plays an indispensable role in the most successful eye doctors' offices. An optician most often handles the optical, contact lens, and glasses side of things. Based on their vast knowledge of lenses, lens technology and frames, they manufacture eyeglasses, as well as assist in the selection of eyewear, based on the requirements of each individual patient.
What are your weekly hours of operation?
Our hours are as follows:
M, W, F: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tu, Th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sun: CLOSED
Where are your patient forms?
We manage our patient forms in a convenient online portal! Click this link to find what you're looking for, and give us a call if you're having any trouble.
How do I find glasses that look great on me?
We are fortunate to be staffed with fashion experts. They'll assist you in finding the "look" that is most flattering to your features and taste, but they will ensure that your new fashionable eyewear will function nicely with your needs and lifestyle as well. This is easier said than done, but we've got a great team!
How often should I get new glasses?
This is a personal concern as well as a medical one. You should change your eyeglasses when you feel that your existing eyeglasses no longer are supporting your needs, lifestyle, taste, or vision.
In any case a visit to your doctor should not be only considered when you feel it is time for new glasses. You should visit your eye doctor at least once every year, unless otherwise instructed by your eyecare provider.
Do regular glasses protect my eyes from the sun?
Plastic lenses do not protect your eyes. You need to have UV protection from UV rays, which are not inherent in a plastic lens. You can have a UV protective coating applied to a plastic lens, but polycarbonate lenses have built-in UV protection.
Glass lenses protect your eyes from harmful UVB rays but not from UVA. Some experts think UVA rays might have long-term, damaging effects to your eyes and skin.
Why are my lenses so thick?
Your prescription, your personal measurements, and the size of your frame are the 3 key factors that will determine final lens thickness.
If you are farsighted your lenses will be thicker at their center, in contrast, if you are nearsighted your lenses will be thicker at their edges. New innovative technology in lens designs, and materials, have allowed us to reduce overall lens thickness by as much as 60% in many cases. Our staff will guide you toward the best possible results in helping you choose the best frame-lens combination for your ocular and fashion needs.
Am I a good candidate for laser vision correction?
By having a consultation and eye examination at our office, our doctor will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. Patients who are at least 18 years of age, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye diseases are generally suitable.
Many patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism are potential candidates. We will also discuss your lifestyle needs to help you decide if LASIK is the best alternative for you.
Can reading & TV / Computer usage cause dry eyes?
During reading and TV or computer viewing, the rate of eyelids blinking reduces significantly. This causes the tear film to evaporate leading to dryness of the eyes. This may happen in some people, especially more when they are tired, or have spent long hours watching TV or computers. Computer Users tend to blink much less frequently (about 7 times per minute vs. a normal rate of around 22 times/minute).
This leads to increased evaporation along with the fatigue and eye strain associated with staring at a computer monitor. Ideally, computer users should take short breaks about every 20 minutes to reduce this factor. Also, adjusting the monitor so that it is below eye level will allow the upper lid to be positioned lower and cover more of the eye’s surface, again to reduce evaporation..
What are signs/symptoms of Glaucoma?
In the vast majority of cases, especially in early stages, there are few signs or symptoms. In the later stages of the disease, symptoms can occur that include:
- Loss of side vision.
- An inability to adjust the eye to darkened rooms
- Difficulty focusing on close work
- Rainbow colored rings or halos around lights
- Frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions
What are signs/symptoms of Cataracts?
You may not notice a slight change in your vision, as cataract starts out very tiny, but as it grows from the size of a pin head, you may notice that your vision is becoming blurry, and you may feel you are looking through dirty lenses. Object edges may appear to fade into one another and colors may not appear as bright as they should.
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
- Cloudy or blurry vision.
- Problems with light, headlights that seem too bright, glare from lamps or very bright sunlight.
- Colors that seem faded.
- Poor night vision.
- Double or multiple vision.
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses.
- Optical aids such as eyeglasses or contact lenses are no longer effective.
