Frequently Asked Questions : Urban Eyes Vision Care, P.C - Denver Optometry - EyeCare FAQ:
I
have a hard time seeing at night and far distances, what could be the
problem?
If your eyes check out as being healthy you might have what is called
myopia or near-sightedness. An eye exam can determine if your eyes are
healthy and what prescription you may need in order to see better at
night.
I
am in my early forties and I have a hard time focusing up close, what
is the problem?
As we age, there is a progressive change in the focusing system of the
eye that occurs which causes a condition called presbyopia. If you do
have presbyopia, single vision reading glasses, bifocals or progressive
lenses can be used to help you see better.
I
have an old frame; can I put new lenses in it?
Yes, as long as the frame is still in good shape. We would not want you
to put expensive lenses into a frame that will break in a few months!
I
would like to have Lasik done, but don’t know who to use. Can you
suggest someone for me?
There
are many factors to consider when thinking about laser vision
correction. Once evaluated at our office, we like to refer
our
patients who are interested in corrective laser surgery to Colorado
Laser Surgeons (www.coloradolasersurgeons.com)
because they are very stringent in their screening process and will let
you know if they think you are a good candidate based on your eye
health, prescription and expectations. If you desire, we will take care
of all your pre and post-op appointments here and they will perform the
surgery. The pricing is the same whether you choose CLS or Urban Eyes
for your pre and post-op care.
What
is the difference between a bifocal and progressive lens?
A bifocal lens only allows you to have two vision distances (near and
far) while progressive lenses give you all your range of vision from
distance, intermediate and near in a smooth progression. Most people
like the newer technology of the progressive because it
allows
for more natural vision and cosmetically they look nicer because there
is no line. The upside to standard lined bifocals is that the
peripheral vision is sometimes better. We will help you decide which is
best for you based on your lifestyle and job requirements.
How
much do you charge for an eye exam?
Please call the office and we will gladly provide you the price for an
exam. It all depends on what type of exam you need, whether it is for
eyeglasses only, a contact lens fitting or an office visit for an
infection or “pink eye.”
How
often should you get your eyes examined?
We recommend that you get your eyes examined every year especially if
you wear contact lenses because they are considered to be a medical
device requiring yearly monitoring to ensure good corneal health. It is
important to make sure that the internal and external ocular health is
good since many eye diseases do not have obvious symptoms. Early
detection is essential for maintaining optimal vision and eye health.
What
is the earliest age I should have my son/daughter’s eyes examined?
We recommend that your child should be seen for a well baby exam at the
age of 1 or sooner if the parents or pediatrician notices any
abnormalities. If at that point everything looks healthy and normal,
age 3 would be the next visit and then age 5. Most young children
cannot articulate vision or focusing difficulties and the purpose of
the early childhood exam is to objectively identify and treat any
deficiencies. Aside from eye health one of the biggest concerns is eye
movement/focusing problems (strabismus), which can cause a permanent
vision loss (amblyopia) if not caught early in life.
What
type of insurance do you accept?
We do not bill insurances although we are more than happy to give you
an itemized invoice so that you can try to submit it to your insurance
company for reimbursement.
If
I get my eye exam somewhere else, can I bring in the prescription and
fill it there?
Yes, definitely, you can bring in your prescription and we will help
you find the best suitable eyeglasses for you. We have many patients
that do this because of our unique selection of eyewear.
Can
your doctor see me for an eye infection or do I have to see an
Ophthalmologist?
Yes, Dr. Patel, an optometrist can see and treat you for an eye
infection and various other eye conditions. If needed you will be
referred to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation,
treatment or surgery.
Can
I be assured that my medical information will not be used for any
purposes other than my own use?
We respect your privacy and our office is HIPAA compliant. Part of this
compliance includes the fact that we cannot release any of your
information without your written permission.
What
are cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens making it difficult to
focus light on the retina at the back of the eye. The most common form
of cataracts is age-related usually starting at the age of 50.
Cataracts develop at different rates and certain things such as
diabetes, smoking, and exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the
development of cataracts. A comprehensive eye exam can determine
whether or not you have a cataract. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which
the fluid in the eye builds up and causes increased pressure which can
damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries vision information to
the brain and if damage occurs to it, less information is sent to the
brain and can create loss of vision. It is important to have regular
eye exams because if detected early, glaucoma can be controlled with
little or no further vision loss. Unfortunately, once vision is lost it
cannot be restored. Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of vision
loss among people over the age of 50. It results from changes to the
macula, which is located in the center of the retina at the back of the
eye. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a disease that affects
your central vision. Because only the center of your vision is usually
affected, people rarely go blind from the disease. However, ARMD can
make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities
that require central vision. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if
you have macular degeneration.
I
am seeing floaters, is that something I should be concerned about?
Floaters are tiny "specks", "bugs" or "dust spots" that many people see
shifting back and forth in their field of vision. They become most
noticeable and annoying when they interfere with clear vision. The
inner chamber of the eye is filled with a clear jelly-like fluid called
the vitreous. Floaters are tiny bits of this gel clumped together and
floating around. It seems as if they are in the front of the eye, but
in reality they are moving around in the vitreous and are seen as
shadows by the retina (which is the light-sensing inner layer of the
eye). Flashes and floaters can be symptoms or signs of either vitreous
detachment or retinal detachment. It is important to have a
comprehensive exam if one is experiencing flashes or floaters or if
they increase in number or intensity.
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