Why do exams take 90 minutes?

Your exam is a two-part exam: first we check your vision, then we check for eye problems and the internal structure of your eye. To see inside your eye we must use eye drops which may take up to 30 minutes to dilate your pupils. We also want to make sure you have time to get all of your questions answered.

How long will my pupils be dilated?

For most people, pupils will be dilated for 2-4 hours. However, some people may have dilated pupils for up to two days. If you have sunglasses or prescription sunglasses, please bring them. We have disposable sunglasses to give you if you need them.

When should children get their first eye exam? How often should children and adults be examined?

Children with eye or vision problems should be seen as soon as possible, even as young as infants. Children can (and should) receive their first eye exam before beginning school, ideally as young as age two. (Many problems or potential problems can be treated relatively simply if diagnosed early.) Children should receive an eye exam annually and adults every two years, depending upon the patient’s situation and family medical and ocular history

Why does a child need glasses?

Children may need glasses for several reasons—some of which are different than for adults.  Because a child’s vision system is growing and developing, especially during the first 5-6 years of life, glasses may play an important role in insuring normal vision development.  The main reasons a child may need glasses are:

1)       To provide better vision, so that a child may function better in his/her environment

2)       To help straighten the eyes when they are crossed or misaligned (strabismus)

3)       To help strengthen the vision of a weak eye (amblyopia or “lazy eye”).  This may occur when there is a difference in prescription between the two eyes (anisometropia).  For example, one eye may be normal, while the other eye may have a significant need for glasses caused by near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism.

4)       To provide protection for one eye if the other eye has poor vision

 

 

How do you treat crossed eyes?

Once we determine that a child’s eyes are actually crossing, there are four possible treatments: glasses, patching, atropine drops and surgery. Because each child is different, each treatment is different. After an examination we will make recommendations, explain them thoroughly and answer all of your questions. If surgery is required, the surgery is an outpatient operation, and your child will be home within a few hours. If you had surgery for crossed eyes as a child and the surgery was not completely successful, you are also a candidate for a relatively simple surgical procedure.

What is pinkeye or Conjunctivitis?

Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane that covers the exposed surface of the eyeball and lines the eyelids. That inflammation is usually caused by infections, allergies and the environment. the symptoms are generally redness, itching, discomfort and discharge. Infectious conjunctivitis, which is caused by bacteria, viruses and other infectious agents, is highly contagious; conjunctivitis caused by the environment (smoke, dust, fumes, pollution) and allergies is not.

 

Conjunctivitis will sometimes clear up on its own. However, if symptoms persist or if there is pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or continued itching and discharge, please contact us as soon as possible.

What are the types of contact lenses you prescribe? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Rigid gas-permeable lenses: Lenses are made of a stiffer, less flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to the eyes. They offer excellent vision, can be designed for many types of prescriptions, and have a relatively long life. They can slip off the center of the eye or pop out easier than soft lenses, must be worn consistently for maximum comfort, and can trap debris behind the lenses.

 

Soft contact lenses: Lenses are made of a more flexible plastic, which also allows oxygen to pass through to the eyes. they are available for many types of prescriptions including bifocals, astigmatism and cosmetic tints. They generally require little time to get used to and are available in many wearing schedules:

 

Daily wear: Lenses are removed every day to be disinfected and are not thrown away.

 

Daily wear disposable: Lenses are removed and discarded after each wearing. These are ideal for patients who have allergies or are sensitive to contact lens solutions or who want lenses for occasional use.

 

Frequent replacement: Lenses are replaced on a planned schedule, usually every 2-4 weeks.

 

Extended wear: Lenses can be worn overnight.