• Eye Health

    Eye Problems

    • I THINK I MAY HAVE AN EYE INFECTION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

      Eye infections can be very serious and can have multiple causes that need to be treated in different ways. If you suspect you have an eye infection, call our office immediately for an appointment.

    • MY VISION HAS CHANGED SUDDENLY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

      If your vision has changed in a sudden or dramatic way, there is a reason for it. While many of these reasons are benign, some reasons are sight-threatening. Please call us IMMEDIATELY, especially if you are experiencing any of the following: fogginess, veils, curtains, flashes of light or floaters.

    • WHAT IS NEARSIGHTEDNESS?

      Nearsightedness (also called myopia) is a condition where objects up close appear clearly, while objects far away appear blurry. 

    • WHAT IS FARSIGHTEDNESS?

      Farsightedness (also called hyperopia) is a common type of refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near.

    Exams

    • EYE EXAM FAQS: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY EYE EXAM?

      If you haven’t had an eye exam in a couple of years, if you’re a parent looking to schedule your child’s first eye exam, or if you’re new to MyEyeDr. vision care centers, this section is for you!

    • HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE AN EYE EXAM?

      We recommend that everyone over the age of five have a complete eye exam every year. If you’re experiencing eye discomfort, vision loss, or blurry vision, you should schedule an eye exam even if your last eye exam was less than a year ago.

    • WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE HIS/HER FIRST EYE EXAM?

      Our doctors recommend that every child have their first eye exam by an eye doctor before they start school. If parents notice vision problems before, make sure to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted doctors.

    • HOW OFTEN SHOULD CHILDREN HAVE EYE EXAMS?

      Children should have eye exams every 12 months.

    • HOW MUCH DOES AN EYE EXAM COST?

      We accept most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, and we will gladly file your insurance claim for you. If you don't have insurance, MyEyeDr. offers options to help make vision care affordable. 

    • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EYE EXAM AND A CONTACT LENS EVALUATION?

      A comprehensive eye exam consists of a series of tests to determine overall eye health and vision correction needs. A contact lens exam is additional testing to fit the patient in the best contact lenses for their eye and prescription.

    • WHAT ARE RETINAL PHOTOS AND WHY DO I NEED THEM?

      The retina is the cellophane-thick layer in the back of the eye composed of rods and cones that is responsible for sending light images to the brain for processing what we experience as vision. Retinal photos allow your doctor to evaluate your retina the day of your exam and furthermore document its appearance for comparison at subsequent exams. This is crucial to maintaining lifelong vision health.

    • WILL MY EYES BE DILATED DURING MY EXAM?

      Dilation is not necessary for every patient, every year. However, this is largely dependent on the health of your eyes at the time of your visit.

    • CAN I DRIVE IF MY EYES HAVE BEEN DILATED?

      Dilation usually affects near vision the most, leaving distance vision relatively unchanged. This means that with a good pair of sunglasses, most people are able to comfortably drive. If you are concerned about this, however, we suggest you bring someone with you to drive.

    • WHY DO I NEED THE PUFF OF AIR TEST?

      During a routine eye test, we test your intraocular pressure (IOP), which measures your risk for several potentially blinding diseases such as glaucoma. This is done with an instrument known as a non-contact tonometer. This “puff of air” is an excellent way for patients to have this test, as it is quick and painless. If you prefer, we have other options for measurement. We want to ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible!

    Cataracts

    • What Are Cataracts?

      Cataracts are a progressive clouding or hazing in the eye’s natural lens. The eye’s lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus on light or an image. In a healthy eye, the light passes through the transparent lens to the retina before it changes into nerve signals that are delivered to the brain.

    • Are Cataracts Painful?

      This eye condition is painless and can occur when specific proteins in the eye’s lens form into abnormal groups or clumps. Without treatment, these clumps can gradually enlarge and can interfere with vision by distorting or blocking the passage of light through the eye’s lens.

    • Who Can Get Cataracts?

      While cataracts can happen to anyone, it is known as an age-related eye condition that worsens over time and may be genetic. Cataracts begins to form in most people over the age of 40. Cataracts may also develop as a side effect to certain medications like those used to treat asthma or diabetes. This eye condition can also develop due to sun exposure and trauma to the eye. It is estimated that over 60% of Americans will develop some form of cataracts during their lifetime.

    • What Are The Symptoms Of Cataracts?

      People who are diagnosed with cataracts often describe the condition as being similar to looking through a piece of wax paper with a gradual blurring or distortion of vision. There are a handful of symptoms associated with cataracts, including:

      • Loss of depth perception
      • Difficulty reading
      • Reduced quality of night vision
      • Blurred vision or distorted vision
      • A change in the color of the pupil to a milky white or yellow hue
      • Sensitivity to light
      • Double vision in one eye
      • Colors appear dim or faded
    • Are There Ways To Prevent Cataracts?

      While there is no known cure-all for cataracts, there are always things you can do to be proactive with your eye health. If you’re looking for ways to slow the progression of cataracts, consider these tips:

      • Schedule routine eye exams for early cataracts detection
      • Avoid smoking
      • Wear protective eyewear when active, such as during sports or manual labor
      • Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
      • Adopt a diet rich in vitamins E and C
    • What Are The Treatments For Cataracts?

      Since cataracts is an age-related eye condition, it’s important to note that treatment will be different for each patient. Initially, your eye doctor may recommend stronger prescription glasses or contacts. The most common treatment for cataracts is eye surgery. During this procedure, the cataract is removed through a tiny incision in the eye. Most eye surgeons utilize an ultrasonic tool to help break up and remove the natural lens, which is what becomes cloudy from cataracts.

    • Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?

      A majority of people who undergo cataract surgery experience little eye pressure and discomfort during the procedure. Medication is often administered to patients prior to surgery, as well as eye drops to anesthetize the eye and dilate the pupil.

    Myopia

    • What is Myopia or Nearsightedness?

      As we mentioned above, myopia is an eye condition (known as a refractive error), that can cause objects in the distance to appear blurry. This often happens when eye growth is rapid, or the eye becomes too long. It can also occur if your eye’s cornea is more curbed than normal, which makes the eye focus harder than it should. When someone with myopia tries to read a sign in the distance, the rays of light are focused in front of the eye’s retina, instead of directly onto it. This causes your vision to become unclear and blurry.

    • What Causes Myopia?

      There are a couple of different causes of myopia or nearsightedness. In most cases of myopia, the structure of the eye is the main cause of the eye condition. Essentially, the eyeball is too long or the cornea (this is the protective layer of your eye) is too curved. When the cornea is in this state, the light that enters the eye won’t focus properly. Rather than having images focus directly on your eye’s retina, images focus in front of the retina. This causes blurry vision and eye strain.

    • When Does Myopia Start?

      Myopia often begins in childhood; however, nearsightedness can stabilize in early adulthood as well. Myopia is known to continue to progress with age, so don’t be surprised if your child needs new eyewear or contact lens prescriptions each year or so.

    • What are the Symptoms of Myopia?

      Adults and children who have difficulty reading or seeing distant objects clearly may be suffering from myopia or nearsightedness. Other symptoms of myopia include:

      • Frequent squinting
      • Headaches
      • Eyestrain
      • Feeling fatigued when driving
    • Can Myopia be Cured?

      There is no absolute cure for myopia or nearsightedness, however, there are eye treatments that can slow the progression of the eye condition. There are specialized contact lenses, eyewear lenses, and eye drops that can help with symptoms of myopia. Your local eye doctor will be able to recommend the best myopia treatment option for you.

    • Is Myopia an Eye Disease?

      Many people think that myopia is an eye disease, but this is a false assumption. Myopia or nearsightedness is what is known as a refractive error of the eye. In the layman’s terms, a refractive error of the eye is an imperfection. Unfortunately, this imperfection can lead to eye strain, blurry vision, feelings of fatigue, and headaches when left untreated.

    • What are Myopia Treatments?

      There are several different myopia treatments available, from single vision spectacle lenses and contact lenses to refractive eye surgery and pharmaceutical agents, your optometrist will be able to identify the best myopia treatment for you. Some of the most common myopia treatments are listed below.

      • Eyeglasses. Most adults and children who suffer from myopia are prescribed eyeglasses to help correct their vision. Your optometrist may recommend only wearing glasses during certain activities, such as driving a car at night or watching a movie. Most eye doctors will recommend single vision lenses, however patients who suffer from stress-related myopia may need bifocal or progressive lenses.
      • Contact lenses. If you have myopia or nearsightedness, your optometrists may recommend you try contact lenses for clearer eyesight and a better field of vision.
      • Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT). If you suffer from severe myopia, your eye doctor may suggest that you try corneal refractive therapy. This is a nonsurgical procedure where the patient is instructed to wear a series of specially designed contact lenses to help gradually reshape the cornea. These special contact lenses place pressure on the cornea to help flatten its curve, which can help improve symptoms of nearsightedness.
      • Laser procedures like LASIK. Also called laser in situ keratomileusis, LASIK is another possible eye treatment for nearsightedness. LASIK surgery is the process of removing tissue from the inner layers of the cornea.
      • Vision therapy. Another type of therapy to treat myopia is vision therapy. This is an ideal option for patients who experience blurred vision from spasms of muscles in the eye. This requires taking the time to do various eye exercises to improve your eye’s ability to focus.
    • Will Glasses Help my Nearsightedness?

      If you have myopia or nearsightedness, prescription eyeglasses may be a great treatment option for you. Your optometrist may recommend high-index lenses or lenses with anti-reflective properties. When your eye doctor hands you your eyeglasses prescription or contact lens prescription, you’ll notice a couple of numbers on them. The first number, known as the “sphere”, will be followed by a minus sign (-). The higher the number behind the minus sign, the higher your eyewear prescription will be.

    • What is Degenerative Myopia?

      Degenerative myopia is a type of nearsightedness that is considered to be progressive and severe. Also known as pathological or malignant myopia, degenerative myopia is believed to be hereditary and often begins in childhood. Degenerative myopia can result in a quick and severe loss of vision. Men and women who suffer from this type of nearsightedness are at a greater risk of retinal detachment and other eye conditions.

    • Is Myopia or Nearsightedness Genetic?

      There is evidence that suggests myopia or nearsightedness is genetic and can be inherited from generation to generation.

    • I Have Trouble Seeing at Night, am I Nearsighted?

      Some people experience blurred vision only at night. Eye doctors have coined this issue as “night myopia.” Lack of light can make it difficult for some people’s eyes to focus properly. This can be especially difficult when trying to read road signs when driving. If this sounds like you, visit your local optometrist for a myopia eye exam.

    • How Can I Slow the Progression of Myopia?

      Many of our eye care patients ask us if there are ways to slow down the progression of myopia or nearsightedness. Your optometrist may recommend taking regular breaks from screen time every 30 minutes or so. If you work on a computer, tablet, or cell phone, make sure you give your eyes time to rest throughout the day. In addition to resting your eyes, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and eye drops may help reduce myopia symptoms as well.

    • Does Myopia Cause Blindness?

      Most cases of myopia do not lead to blindness, however in extreme circumstances, nearsightedness can cause vision-threatening complications. While it is very rare, patients with severe myopia can become blind. This stage is called degenerative myopia. When nearsightedness progresses at a fast pace, it can also lead to eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and even retinal detachment. Regular eye exams can help your optometrist catch early signs of myopia.

    • What’s the Difference Between Refractive and Non-Refractive Errors?

      Myopia or nearsightedness is known as a refractive error. These errors happen when the eye does not focus the light entering into it, which causes blurred vision. Non-refractive errors, on the other hand, are errors that stem from eye diseases.

    • Can Children Have Myopia?

      Absolutely. In fact, most patients with myopia develop the refractive error during their childhood. Kids with myopia or nearsightedness often squint their eyes when trying to observe things in the distance. If your child has difficulty reading road signs or landmarks on car rides or they sit too close to the television, it may be a sign of childhood myopia.

    • Does Myopia Get Worse with Age?

      Many people wonder if myopia gets worse with age. The answer is, it depends. Since children are in the development stage of their life, they tend to develop myopia if their eyes grow at a fast pace. By the time a child is in his or her 20s, their nearsightedness may stabilize. Some cases of childhood myopia do worsen with age, as well.

  • Eye Wear

    Contacts

    • WHAT IS A CONTACT LENS?

      Contact lenses are a method of correcting vision. It actually comes into “contact” with the eye and changes the way that light is focused in the eye. A contact lens is a thin, curved lens placed on the film of tears that covers the surface of your eye. Because contacts are a different distance from the eye than glasses, the prescription for contacts can be very different from that of glasses. This is one reason a separate contact lens evaluation is required.

    • DOES MY GLASSES PRESCRIPTION INCLUDE A CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTION?

      No. A contact lens evaluation is a separate set of tests from an annual eye exam. Even if you have worn contacts previously, this evaluation is a requirement every year for the issuing of a contact lens prescription.

    • CAN A CONTACT LENS GET LOST BEHIND MY EYE?

      No, it’s physically impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eye. In the worst-case scenario, if you rub your eye and dislodge the lens from its correct position, you might have trouble finding it under your upper eyelid. If this occurs, you can usually find the lens by adding a few contact lens rewetting drops to your eye and then gently massaging your eyelid with your eye closed. In most cases, the folded lens will move to a position on your eye where you can see it and remove it

    • WHY IS THERE A SEPARATE CHARGE FOR A CONTACT LENS EVALUATION?

      There is a separate charge for a contact lens evaluation because many insurances require us to separate out the cost of a contact lens evaluation from that of an eye exam.

    • HOW MUCH IS A CONTACT LENS EVALUATION?

      The cost of a contact lens evaluation varies based on type of lenses that the doctor prescribes, and the level of continued care needed. Because of variability of the nature of this, it is difficult to state your cost with certainty before the doctor evaluates your eyes. Please contact your local office for further information.

    • WHY DOES MY INSURANCE NOT COVER A CONTACT LENS EVALUATION WITH THE EXAM?

      Because most insurances cover either the cost of contacts or that of glasses, many consider the contact lens evaluation a part of the materials cost rather than part of the eye exam. If your insurance does not cover the cost of a contact lens evaluation, this can mean that your insurance chooses to view contact lenses in this manner.

    • I TRIED CONTACTS YEARS AGO AND THEY DID NOT WORK FOR ME. WHY SHOULD I TRY THEM AGAIN?

      Many people think that if they have tried contacts before without success they are unable to wear contacts, but that’s not always the case. There are a variety of contacts made from different material and your doctor and office staff will recommend the best brand of contacts that can work for you.

    • WHAT IF MY CONTACTS AREN'T WORKING FOR ME?

      Many people experience some difficulty when first trying contacts or when changing their prescription. MyEyeDr. wants to make sure that you are comfortable in the pair that you and your doctor select. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the fit of your contacts, please call us. We will work with you to make any necessary changes.

    • ARE CONTACTS BAD FOR MY EYES?

      The answer to this really depends on you and whether or not you comply with your maintenance plan. If used properly, contact lenses are safe for your eyes. However, there are risks involved with contact lens wearers.

      • Wearing your contacts too long as overuse can cause irritation or infections that can have long-term effects on your vision.
      • Not cleaning them properly and failing to use proper contact solution.
    • WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY ON GLASSES?

      Frames & Lenses - MyEyeDr.’s Eyewear Protection Plan offers pricing for a full year of coverage from the original purchase date.

    • WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY ON GLASSES?

      We want you to be completely happy with your eyewear purchase! We will do everything we can to make sure your glasses are made correctly. If there are any problems, please let us know within 30 days of picking them up. We will be more than happy to remake your lenses to an equal or lesser value lens to accommodate your vision at no additional charge; however, no refund will be given for the cost difference.

    • WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY ON CONTACTS?

      As a part of our MyAnnualSupply Program, we offer free replacement of torn or lost disposable contact lenses.

    • WHAT DO I DO IF MY FRAMES BREAK?

      MyEyeDr. can repair some frame breaks, depending on the nature and severity of the break. Please bring your frames into any of our locations, and we will evaluate the break and advise you of your options. 

    • HOW CAN I ORDER MY CONTACT LENSES?

      If you are an existing patient, you may order your contacts online.

    Glasses

    • WHAT ARE SINGLE VISION LENSES?

      These are the most common type of lenses, and feature a single field of vision, or one prescription power throughout the entire lens. These are used for correcting nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) and are also used for reading glasses.

    • WHEN WILL MY GLASSES BE READY?

      Depending on your specific vision correction needs your glasses may be ready within 3-7 days.

    • WHAT IS A PROGRESSIVE LENS?

      Also called a “no-line bifocal” or “invisible bifocal,” a progressive lens is an update on bifocal and trifocal lenses. They have multiple prescriptions in one pair of glasses, which allows you to see close-up, middle-distance, or distance viewing without needing to change your glasses. Because of this, many multi-focal patients prefer this kind of lens.

    • WHAT IS A DIGITAL LENS?

      A digital lens is one that is surfaced at multiple curves rather than the usual two. They’re manufactured using precise laser technology, which produces lenses with vision correction that is nearly six times more clear than traditional lenses. They can greatly enhance nighttime vision and peripheral vision and are individually tailored to suit the patient’s unique vision correction needs.

    • WHAT IS A POLYCARBONATE LENS?

      Made of a lightweight material, a polycarbonate lens is the most impact-resistant lens available. In fact, polycarbonate eyeglass lenses are 10 times more impact-resistant than glass or regular plastic lenses, making it a good choice for children and those who require sports lenses. They’re also ideal for rimless styles, given their resistance to chipping and cracking.

    • WHY SHOULD I GO TO THE EYE DOCTOR WHEN I CAN GET A CHEAP PAIR OF READERS ELSEWHERE?
      • The only way to catch "silent" diseases, like glaucoma, in their early stages, is through regular eye health exams. When caught early, they can be treated before sympotoms or permanent vision loss occurs.
      • In many cases, pre-made "readers" can cause eye strain and headaches instead of helping to improve your vision. This is because one-size-fits-all reading glasses don't work well for people who have a different prescription in each eye, an astigmatism, or eyes that are closer together or farther apart than "average."
    • HOW CAN I FIND A PAIR OF GLASSES THAT LOOKS GOOD ON ME?

      Finding the perfect glasses frames that highlight your best features is easier than you might think. Start by checking out our helpful Face Shape Guide to determine which style works best with your particular features and preferences.  When you visit your local MyEyeDr. office, the highly-trained staff will work with you to find the perfect pair that you help you look — see —  and be your best.

    • WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK MY GLASSES?

      You can be as careful as can be, but sometimes accidents still happen, and there’s the chance that you’ll break or lose your glasses. That’s okay! MyEyeDr. practices are proud to offer glasses repairs and adjustments through our Eyewear Protection Plan at all of our office locations.

    • DO YOU ACCEPT WALK-INS?

      Yes, MyEyeDr. optometrists do accept walk-ins. However, availability will vary at each location. In order to guarantee the best patient experience, we recommend calling your local MyEyeDr. office to check current availability of walk-in appointments.

  • Insurance

    Vision Insurance

    • What does vision insurance cover?

      Vision insurance plans typically have benefits that help cover all or part of comprehensive eye health exams, as well as your eyeglass frames and lenses, contact lenses and even additional items like lens protection or non-glare coatings. MyEyeDr.’s vision insurance experts will help you understand and maximize what your benefits cover so you can focus on selecting the best eye wear to fit your lifestyle.

      Some insurance plans also offer FSA and HSA dollars to use along with your insurance that cover deductibles, copays, co-insurance and qualified medical expenses. If you have questions about FSA and HSA dollars, call your local office to speak with one of our insurance experts.

    • Can I purchase eye glass frames, eye glass lenses AND contacts with my vision insurance?

      Most vision plans have a yearly benefit where you can obtain either glasses or contacts lenses. Our insurance experts will help you understand your benefits and what is available to you during your visit. No matter the vision plan, we’ve got you covered with additional options to fit your budget so you can obtain all the eyewear solutions that fit your lifestyle needs.

    • Does MyEyeDr. accept my insurance?

      At MyEyeDr., we’re proud to accept all types of vision insurance plans so you can receive affordable eye care and eye wear when you need it. To learn if your vision insurance plan is accepted, call us today and let our vision insurance experts help you maximize your vision insurance plan and benefits. Don’t have insurance benefits? MyEyeDr. works with all budgets to provide you with the best vision care.

    • How do I use my insurance at MyEyeDr.?

      It’s simple. Provide us with your insurance information when you schedule your appointment. We will verify your insurance benefits prior to your appointment. At your appointment, our vision insurance experts will help you understand and maximize your vision benefits.

      Keep in mind, your insurance plan may provide coverage for your eye health exam separate from your eye wear (materials).

    • Am I able to look up my benefits myself?

      You can look up your benefits through your insurance provider. But at MyEyeDr., we make it easy for you. Our insurance experts will verify your insurance and help you maximize your vision benefits at your appointment.

    • I have a medical eye condition; will my insurance still cover my appointment?

      MyEyeDr. participates in a wide range of medical insurances to ensure we can provide you with the eye care that you need. Your primary medical insurance benefits will cover these types of visits in many instances.

    • How frequently can I use my vision insurance?

      Many vision plans have benefits that renew every year or every other year. Keep in mind, if you do not use your vision benefits annually, you may lose them as some plans do not roll over. Our insurance experts will help you understand what insurance benefits are available to you at your annual eye health exam.

    FSA

    • What is an FSA?

      Established by some employers and typically funded via a pre-tax payroll deduction and in some cases, employers will also contribute.

      They can be used in conjunction with any type of health insurance. FSAs can be used to cover deductibles, copays, co-insurance and qualified medical expenses like eye exams, prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

      FSAs are “Use it or Lose it”money – meaning if the monies are not used by the end of the year (or by March 15th of the following year if the employer offers a grace period) they are forfeited. 

      There are provisions by which an employer can allow enrollees to carry over up to $500 to the next year.  Check with your employer if:

      • They allowed for a carryover
      • They allowed for a full value carryover until March 15
      • Or, did they limit the amount carried over (up to $500) 
    • What is an HSA versus an FSA?

      Established by some employers, an HSA can only be used in conjunction with qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP). HSAs are portable with the employ should s/he change jobs.  It can be used in conjunction with any type of health insurance.

      FSAs can be used to cover deductibles, copays, co-insurance and qualified medical expenses like eye exams, prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

    • What can I purchase with my FSA or HSA?

      MyEyeDr accepts FSA and HSA dollars for all prescription eyewear purchases including eyeglasses, contact lenses, You may also use your FSA or HSA on eye exams.

    • Can I buy prescription sunglasses with my FSA or HSA?

      YES!  Great way to use those benefits!

    • I still have questions.

      We are the experts in insurance.

      Find a location near you and we are happy to discuss all of your options to get you in the right eyewear!

  • About Us

    General Questions