FAQ's

Why are eye exams important?

Routine eye exams are important whatever age or overall health. Regular eye exams can provide early detection of vision problems, eye diseases, and other general health related problems before they become an issue. Based on the results of your comprehensive eye exam, your Optometrist will determine a treatment plan (if needed) for your eye health needs. Further, eye exams can often lead to the early detection of non-vision illnesses. So anyway you look at it, regular eye exams can only be beneficial to you, so you wouldn’t you have them?

What’s the Difference between an Optician, an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

Opticians are not doctors, but in some states they must complete training and be licensed, and after special training, can become certified to fit contact lenses. Most opticians sell and fit eyeglasses, sunglasses, and specialty eyewear based on a prescription written by an optometrist's or ophthalmologist. Some Opticians have equipment on the premises that allows them to grind lenses and put them in frames without ordering from an outside lab.

Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry (ODs). They examine eyes for both vision and health problems, prescribe glasses, and fit contact lenses. They can also prescribe many ophthalmic medications and often participate in your pre- and postoperative care in the event you have eye surgery. ODs must complete four years of post-graduate optometry school for their doctorate.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MD) who specialize in the eye. Ophthalmologists - treat disease, prescribe medication, perform surgery and administer eye exams. They can write prescriptions for medication and for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

I have perfect or "20/20" vision. Do I still need to have a regular eye exam?

Absolutely! Many eye diseases or disorders have nothing to do with your general vision, and are asymptomatic. It is best to detect any condition and initiate treatment as early as possible to avoid or minimize visual impairment.

What are vision screenings?

Vision screenings are limited eye tests that help identify people who are at risk for vision problems. These are the brief vision tests performed by the school nurse, a pediatrician, and other health care providers. These screenings are very basic and are designed to only indicate if an individual is in need of further exanimation by a licensed Optometrist. These screenings can miss important vision problems that require treatment; for a complete and comprehensive eye exam, you need an Optometrist.

Why do I have these annoying floaters and is there a cure?

Floaters are changes within the fluid at the back of the eye, called the vitreous. Most floaters are harmless and temporary, so there is no treatment required. However, should the floaters multiply in number, have any color associations, like red, or if flashes of light are introduced, then contact your Optometrist immediately to rule out retinal detachment (the peeling away of the inner layer) which could lead to loss of sight.

Do you accept “walk-in” appointments?

Our optometrists are happy to accommodate “Walk-In” appointments during regular business hours. However, to minimize your waiting time, it is best to call ahead and you can usually obtain an appointment time for the same day.

Do you take insurance?

All of our Doctors are all approved Medicare providers. We do accept VSP insurance. We also regularly add new insurance plans, so please call our office to see what other insurance plans we accept.

What are the benefits of Contact Lens?

Visibly Better Eye Care offers a wealth of experience in the field of contact lenses and can guide you through the variety of lenses available to find you a type to best suit your needs. The technology used to manufacture contact lens has advanced dramatically, making them incredibly easy to use and comfortable to wear. Some contact lens are - designed for extended use making them suitable for overnight wear. Visibly Better Eye Care can help you find the type of lens to suit your individual needs, so you can enjoy the benefits of wearing contact lens.

What’s involved in a Contact Lens Exam?

In an initial exam, The Doctors of Visibly Better Eye Care will examine your eyes to determine if you can wear contact lenses. Your prescription and the curvature of your eye are measured and any special needs you may have will be discussed. The doctor will then determine the type of contact lenses that best fit your eyes, prescription and lifestyle while ensuring that your eyes remain healthy.

What’s involved in a Contact Lens Fitting?

A fitting examination is a practice session for you to try your new lenses and to become adept at lens insertion and removal. The doctor will also look at the lenses on your eyes and determine if any changes need to be made. If the lenses fit well and you are seeing well with them, a follow up exam is scheduled 1 week after the practice session.

Why do I have to pay for a Contact Lens Fitting?

The Optometrists at Visibly Better Eye Car are responsible for the health and wellness of your eyes, and as such they take that responsibility seriously. Their expertise in proper fitting, brand, different modality and focal points is what ensures that your new contacts will work best for your lifestyle and eye health.

What are the side effects of pupil dilation?

Most people experience few side effects other than blurry vision and a sensitivity to light for a few hours after their eyes have been dilated. You may not be able to do any up-close work that requires eye coordination (such as reading or sewing) for a few hours after dilation. Dilation is a very safe procedure and with the right preparation you should experience little inconvenience and discomfort.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye refers to a condition in which the eye cannot maintain proper hydration. The cause is a result of inadequate tear production or an unbalanced tear composition.

What is the tear film?

Every time you blink, there is a three-layered film that covers the eye, this is the tear film. The three layers consist of: mucus, water and oil.

Why is tear composition important?

In order to keep your eyes properly hydrated, it is important that the three layers of the Tear film remain in balance. The mucus layer aids in the water adhering to the eye surface, while the oil layer prevents the water from evaporating. So when the layers are in balance your eyes have no problem getting and maintaining hydration.

What are some of the more common causes of dry eye?

There are several causes of dry eye, some preventable, and some not. Age is the most common cause. As we age our tear ducts naturally become less productive, causes a less hydrated state for our eyes. Certain medication can cause dry mouth and dry eyes. Temporary causes can include wind causing our tear to evaporate too quickly. Extended computer usage can also cause dry eye, when we “forget” to blink frequently enough.

Is dry eye a serious concern?

If treated, then no. However, if left untreated dry eye can cause chronic redness, itching, blurred vision and overall ocular health. The unprotected corneas could be at risk of damage, disease and potential ulceration.

Can I swim or shower with contact lenses on?

You can, but we advise against it. There are two reasons why we discourage swimming or showering with your contact lenses – 1.) Possible loss of the lenses and 2.) Contamination of the lenses. Contact lenses may be washed out of your eye while swimming or cavorting in water. Contact lenses are likely to absorb any chemicals or germs in the water, which can cause irritation or infection, particularly if you do not sterilize the contacts after the swimming session or shower.

At what age can a child start to safely wear contact lenses?

Kids can safely wear contact lenses whether soft or hard at age 8, although children as young as age 5 have been known to wear contacts safely. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia control and are FDA approved to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at initiation of treatment. Many age-appropriate children are able to take care of their lenses, and safely insert and remove them, and parents can help, too. Daily disposable contact lenses, like MiSight® 1 day, are the most hygienic contact lens option and are considered safe for children under the supervision of an eye care professional.

Are there ways to tell if my child has Myopia?

Sometimes, kids don’t know that they have vision issues and won’t complain about blurry vision, particularly when with near-sightedness the iPad or TV is still clear. The best way to tell is to have a comprehensive eye exam. However, you might notice your child squinting, or repeated behaviors like moving closer to the TV or hearing from teachers that they are sitting closer to the front of the classroom.

Does extended screen time affect my child’s eyes?

When doing extended near work, like reading, using a computer or iPad, there are growth signals in the eye that promote myopia and nearsightedness progression. While screen time is unavoidable, we recommend having the screens an appropriate distance from the face, and a 5-10 minute break for every hour of use.

What is Ocular Disease?

Ocular disease is present when problems occur in the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, or lacrimal (tear) system. An Optometrist is able to diagnose any presence of eye disease or potential issues in related structures (such as the brain). Therefore, it is important to receive annual eye examinations so any problems can be detected early.

Am I a good candidate for laser vision correction?

By having a consultation and eye examination at Visibly Better Eye Care, our doctors will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. Patients, who are at least 18 years of age, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye diseases are generally suitable. Patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism are also potential candidates.

What is LASIK?

Usually the shape of the cornea and the eye are not perfect and the image on the retina is out-of-focus or distorted (refractive errors). There are three primary types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Persons with myopia, or nearsightedness, have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects. Persons with hyperopia, or farsightedness, have more difficulty seeing near objects as clearly as distant objects. Astigmatism is a distortion of the image on the retina caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens of the eye. Combinations of myopia and astigmatism or hyperopia and astigmatism are common.

Glasses or contact lenses are designed to compensate for the eye's imperfections. Surgical procedures aimed at improving the focusing power of the eye (and removing the need for glasses or contacts) are called refractive surgery. In LASIK surgery, precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea changing its focusing power. Call Dr. Kaplan today to see if LASIK surgery is the right choice for you.

What is LASIK co-management?

As a professional partner with the ophthalmologist who performs the surgery, Dr. Kaplan has been trained in all aspects of the procedure. She will ensure that you are well prepared for the surgery and you understand your surgical options. Additionally she will provide you with all of the necessary pre and post-op care up to 12 months following the surgery. So while Dr. Kaplan does not preform the actual surgery, she will be the one who oversees everything leading up to the surgery and everything after the surgery.

Is LASIK vision correction surgery permanent?

LASIK vision correction surgery is a permanent procedure. However, changes in vision can still occur over time. For a more comprehensive discussion on LASIK surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaplan.

Is LASIK vision correction surgery safe?

As with any operation, there are some risks associated with LASIK surgery. There is a risk of being over/under corrected and needing a follow-up LASIK surgery. Patients can also get eye infections, wrinkles in the LASIK flap, or growths in the epithelium, to name a few. However, the risk of such complications is very low. Overall, LASIK is a very safe and effective procedure. For a more indepth discussion, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaplan.

How will my vision be after LASIK surgery?

The new, corrected vision will be noticeable in as little as a few hours after surgery. Most patients that have undergone LASIK surgery find the change is permanent within a few days.

Some patients do not get a fully corrected sphere of vision after their LASIK procedure. This happens in roughly 3% of patients. In all or nearly all cases, the physician in charge will perform an additional LASIK procedure to improve this

Dr. Kaplan will be overseeing your recovery and will aid you in determining if your surgery was successful or not.

Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after LASIK surgery?

Usually someone who has undergone LASIK surgery will no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses. The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. An occasional patient may need to wear a thin pair of prescription glasses for driving at night.