Frequently Asked Questions
Here we provide the answers to the pre-appointment questions we are most frequently asked by our patients.
If you do not see the answer to your question, please call our office at (208) 733-2400.
If you do not see the answer to your question, please call our office at (208) 733-2400.
How often should I have an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends that adults wearing glasses or contacts and adults aged 61 and older should see their eye doctor every year or as recommended. If no vision correction is required, adults aged 18 to 60 should have eye exams every two years.
What is the difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, causes objects in the distance to be blurry while farsightedness, or hyperopia, causes near objects to appear blurred.
I have “spots” floating around in my eye. Should I be worried?
Spots and floaters are usually harmless and very common; however, if you see a shower of floaters and spots, sometimes accompanied by light flashes, you should seek medical attention immediately.
What should I bring to my eye exam?
You should provide your doctor with a list of prescription medications you are currently taking. You should also bring insurance information and cards. Depending on which type of appointment you are coming in for, you may want to bring/wear your contacts or glasses. You may be dilated during your eye exam, so bringing sunglasses is also a good idea, especially if your eyes are sensitive to the light.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An Ophthalmologist (MD) has a medical degree and is licensed to practice medicine and perform eye surgery. They can treat all eye diseases, perform surgery, prescribe and fit both glasses and contact lenses.
An Optometrist (OD) has a degree in optometry and is licensed to practice optometry. They offer routine eye exams and are trained to fit and dispense eyeglasses or contact lenses.
I’m interested in having LASIK done. What information do I need to know?
Although we not offer LASIK surgery at our office, we are more than happy to help. We do however offer pre-op and post-operative services for anyone interested in LASIK surgery. We would be more than willing to set up an appointment with you to look into various LASIK surgery options.
What exactly does “20/20 vision” mean?
20/20 vision is commonly accepted as the standard of normal distance vision for a human being. Basically it means “good visual acuity at 20 feet.” What you can read at 20 feet, someone may be able to read at 15 feet, therefore they would have better visual acuity at 20/15. However, if someone has 20/30 vision, they have worse distance vision than you, meaning that what you can read at 20 feet, they can read at 30 feet.
How can I buy contact lenses?
You can buy contact lenses fitted to your personal prescription here at our own office, but only after you have been evaluated, fitted, and provided with a contact lens prescription.
Will working at a computer screen hurt my eyes?
No, there is no evidence that working at a computer damages the eyes. However, long hours of work can be fatiguing to the eyes, neck and back. It is often helpful to take periodic breaks to give your eyes a rest from looking at a computer screen.
Will reading in dim light hurt my eyes?
No, but most people are more comfortable reading with proper lighting which is bright enough to provide good illumination, but not too bright to cause a glare.
How do I know if I need surgery?
You should begin by consulting your eye doctor before deciding if surgery is needed. Your eye doctor will be able to determine if you need additional corrective surgery.