FAQ
Whether you're a new patient or a regular visitor, our FAQ is a helpful resource to better understand your eye care journey. If you don't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out to us – we're here to help.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist is an eye doctor who evaluates vision defects such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, etc. They are able to prescribe glasses and contacts to correct these. Optometrists are also trained in the diagnosis and management of diseases of the eye (and systemic diseases that can affect the eye) such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes. Optometrists (in most states) do not perform surgery. An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who first completed medical school and then chose to specialize in the eye. While they are able to prescribe glasses and contacts, they tend to focus more on the disease aspect of the eye. They also perform surgery on the eye, including cataract and vision correction surgery. Optometrists and ophthalmologists work together often to comanage different aspects of an individual’s eye care.
Do you guys do the “air puff”?
The “air puff” test, or non-contact tonometry, is used to measure the pressure of the eye, which can be used to identify and monitor conditions such as glaucoma. We actually use a more accurate instrument to check the eye pressure that does not blow air in your eyes. You might feel a little tickle of your eyelashes when we perform the measurement, but it should not hurt.
What is astigmatism? Is it bad?
Astigmatism means that the front surface of the eye is not perfectly round. Commonly people may refer to their astigmatic eyes as “being shaped like a football” vs a basketball. Astigmatism is often perceived as letters having a shadow around them, or seeing a “ghost image” to the side of each letter. This is usually able to be corrected with glasses and contact lenses.
At what age should kids get their first eye exam?
Children should have their first eye exam between 6 months of age and 1 year, according to the American Optometric Association. If there are uncorrected vision defects it can lead to developmental delays. As long as there are no abnormalities noted, they should have another exam at age 3, and the next before entering school around age 5. After that, as long as the eyes are healthy every 1-2 years is adequate.
Why do I have to have a contact lens evaluation each year if I want to order more contacts?
Contact lenses are considered a medical device and it sits directly on your cornea, which is the front layer of your eye. If there is an issue with the fit, material, or movement of the contact lens it could cause damage to the eye. It is important that we re-evaluate both the front of the eye and the parameters of the lenses to make sure that you are wearing the appropriate design.
Can glasses make my eyes worse? Can wearing them make me dependent on them?
A common misconception is that if you wear glasses, you will become dependent on them and your eyes will be worse. Glasses do not cause your vision to deteriorate, but you may find that your prescription changes from year to year. This can be due to aging, visual demands, and changes such as cataracts or diabetes. Another factor could be due to having hyperopia (farsightedness), and having fairly clear vision in younger years when looking far away due to the focusing muscles being very strong. When you wear glasses, the focusing muscles relax because the glasses are doing the work that the muscles had been doing. Then, when the glasses are removed, the focusing muscles must quickly reengage, and so it feels like the vision is now worse. The same effect is seen in reading glasses. It is especially important in young children to make sure that they wear the glasses prescribed so that the brain is able to build a strong connection with the eye.
Should I get blue blocking lenses?
Experts are still not sure of the long-term effects of blue light upon the eyes, so it is a personal choice. Recent studies have shown some benefit in the regulation of circadian rhythms (what tells your brain if it is night or day). Some people have noticed an improvement in the overall comfort of their eyes, while others prefer not to use the technology.
What is the difference between plastic and polycarbonate lenses?
Plastic is the basic material that is used for lenses. Plastic works well for tinting sunglasses and is often used for smaller prescriptions. Polycarbonate is shatter-and impact-resistant and is used for children’s glasses and for those who desire a thinner lens. There are also options that can help to make higher prescriptions thinner.
When will my glasses or contact lenses be ready?
It usually takes between 1-2 weeks for glasses and contacts to be ready for pickup.
Why do you need my medical insurance for my eye exam?
There are certain procedures and diagnoses that are accepted by your vision plan, and others that are only accepted by medical insurance. We sometimes may file to the medical insurance if you have any non-vision related issues.
How much is an eye exam if I don’t have insurance?
Our Comprehensive Eye Exams include a refraction which checks your vision, a glasses prescription, an evaluation of the front of your eye and the back of your eye, and includes an Optos retinal screening to be able to evaluate the inside of your eye for certain diseases. The cost for a vision eye exam without insurance is between $150-160.
What is the Optos photo?
An Optos photo is a wide-field retinal photo that we use to evaluate the health of the inside of your eye. We look at the retina, the optic nerve, and the macula. The retina is the layer of the eye where we are able to diagnose and monitor conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and high cholesterol, as well as diagnosing other conditions such as glaucoma, retinal holes and detachments, and many other diseases. Often we are able to obtain a full enough view that you may not need dilating drops, but your doctor will discuss if they recommend dilating depending on each individual patient.
Does it cost more to buy my glasses from you vs buying online?
This is a common misconception that buying glasses online is cheaper than from your eye doctor or other brick-and-mortar establishment. Often the prices that are advertised either from online companies or from corporate opticals are only valid for a very lmited range of frames, materials, and prescriptions.
Why do I have to fill out paperwork every year?
We ask that you fill out the forms every year because there may be some changes in your health history over the course of a year. You may have changed medications, been diagnosed with a new condition, or had an injury not previously noted. In addition, it allows us to maintain records to protect your privacy.
