FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE ANNUAL EYE EXAMS?

A comprehensive eye exam is important for detecting eye problems at their early stages, even if you have 20/20 vision. An exam can detect stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and more.

WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy and less transparent. You may experience light sensitivity, blurry vision, and distorted colors. Smoking also contributes to the development of cataracts. The most common reason for the development of cataracts is the natural aging process. Other causes are trauma to the eye, excessive ultraviolet exposure, and certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

WHY DO I NEED MY EYES DILATED?

Dilation allows the doctor to get a good view of the back of the eye, including the optic nerve, retina and macular. The dilation typically lasts about 4 hours, it will cause light sensitivity and up close vision to become blurry. (remember to bring sunglasses).

CAN DIABETES AFFECT MY VISION?

Yes, diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula, which is called diabetic macular edema. Over time, this disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye, leading to partial vision loss or blindness.