Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an OPHTHALMOLOGIST, an OPTOMETRIST, and OPTICIAN? Frequently Asked Questions

An OPHTHALMOLOGIST has graduated from medical school with either an M.D. or D.O. degree and has a minimum of three years of specialized training to diagnose and treat problems of the eye. In addition, an ophthalmologist performs eye surgery.

An OPTOMETRIST has graduated from college and then 4 additional years of specialized training to earned an O.D. (“Doctor of Optometry”) degree that prepares him or her to expertly prescribe for glasses and contact lens correction, treat and manage eye disease with drops and/or medications.

An OPTICIAN is trained to fit prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses and is an important member of an eye care team.

Visit aao.org, goaeyes.com or optometricsociety.org for more information.

When is BLEPHAROPLASTY considered a “medically necessary” procedure?

Most insurance companies consider an upper eyelid blepharoplasty medically necessary and consider it a covered service only if the patient’s eyelids are drooping to a level that impairs vision. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons and is not considered medically necessary

Will I still need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery provides an opportunity to substantially reduce one’s dependence on glasses. The degree to which eye glass independence can be achieved following cataract surgery is highly dependent on a number of factors, including the patient’s pre-operative condition, occupational needs, degree of astigmatism, type of implant selected, and tolerance for glare and other possible side effects associated to varying degrees with all types of implants.

Will my cataracts come back after cataract surgery?

No. Following cataract surgery the clouded natural lens has been replaced with an artificial lens and so the eye cannot develop another cataract. However, months or years after surgery, some patients experience what is commonly called a “secondary cataract” (even though it’s not really a cataract at all) when the capsule of tissue that holds the artificial lens in place becomes cloudy. It takes only a few moments to correct this condition with a laser.

What types of IOL’s are available for cataract surgery?

See reference to the website http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/iol-implants.cfm

What is glaucoma laser surgery?

Laser Trabeculoplasty is a painless outpatient procedure performed in order to enhance the natural drainage of fluid from the eye so that the pressure in the eye is reduced to enhance circulation to the optic nerve. A laser trabeculoplasty can improve this outflow for years, but it is not a “cure” for glaucoma.

For more information visit glaucoma-foundation.org or glaucoma.org

What is “DSEK”?

DSEK is a relatively new type of corneal transplant surgery. In the past, a full-thickness graft of corneal tissue was needed, but DSEK involves only a very thin inner layer of the cornea. A DSEK transplant procedure is generally considered somewhat less risky than a traditional full-thickness procedure. The transplanted tissue is often more stable and can provide better vision.

What is the Ex-PRESS™ Mini Glaucoma Shunt?

This FDA-approved glaucoma treatment device, approximately the same size as a grain of rice, can be implanted to improve fluid outflow by bypassing the eye’s normal drainage system that has been damaged by glaucoma.

How does diabetes affect the eyes?

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels that provide circulation to the retina in the back of the eye.

Diabetes causes existing blood vessels within the eye to develop weak spots that leak, and it can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels that also leak. These leaks endanger vision by causing irreversible damage to the retina.

How does Botox work? Is it safe?

When injected into a muscle, Botox® Cosmetic can temporarily block nerve impulses and reduce activity within that muscle. This has the effect of smoothing the skin that covers that muscle. Botox is often injected around the eyelids to reduce “crows feet” and other lines and wrinkles associated with the natural aging process. Botox injections are considered to be a cosmetic in nature and are not covered by health insurance.

Botox is not appropriate for everyone and should be administered only by a physician trained to use it. Your doctor will discuss possible risks and side effects before treatment.