Below are answers to the questions we receive most frequently from our patients. If you have additional inquiries or need personalized assistance, feel free to contact us.
Mesquite Location: (972) 372-0300
Frisco Location: (972) 372-0333
Our friendly team will be happy to help with anything you need.
Can wearing my glasses too often make my eyes worse?
Your Optometrist will explain the purpose of your prescription and when they should be worn. In most cases, glasses will not cause any deterioration that would not otherwise occur. However, wearing glasses for activities different than recommended (i.e. distance glasses worn to read up close) may make the eyes work harder than they need to.
What steps can I take to prevent worsening vision?
Take frequent eye breaks, look up and away from extended near or computer work, spend time outdoors, don't hold reading material too close to your face, practice eye-focus skills as recommended by your eye doctor, and ensure you are wearing a current lens prescription.
What is the right age for a child’s first eye exam?
A child should have their first vision evaluation as early as 6 months old and annually thereafter unless a visual problem is suspected earlier.
Can I use my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for eyeglasses?
Absolutely! Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a versatile tool when it comes to managing your eye care expenses. Eyeglasses are considered a qualified medical expense, which means you can certainly use your FSA funds to purchase them.
This includes not only standard prescription eyeglasses but also prescription sunglasses, reading glasses, and even safety glasses if they are prescription-based. Whether you're purchasing your first pair, looking for a stylish upgrade, or need a backup pair for convenience, your FSA (and EyeMax!) has got you covered.
But that's not all. Your FSA is also applicable for a variety of other eye care needs. You can use these funds for eye exams, ensuring regular check-ups and the health of your eyes. Contact lenses, along with their cleaning and maintenance solutions, are also covered under FSA.
Moreover, special eye tests, including retina photography, are eligible for FSA coverage. These tests are crucial for detecting eye conditions at an early stage, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
Whether you're purchasing eyewear, scheduling eye health exams, or seeking specialized eye tests, your FSA is your ally in maintaining optimal eye health.
Do you have more questions about how to make the best use of your FSA for eye care? Feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment for personalized guidance!
What are the main causes of cataracts?
Cataracts develop when the natural lens inside your eye, which is normally clear, becomes clouded. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Age: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you get older, the proteins in your eye's lens can clump together, leading to cloudiness.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
- Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, smoking, and radiation can contribute to cataract formation.
- Injury or Trauma: Sometimes, an injury to the eye can lead to the development of cataracts, either immediately or years later.
- Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, notably corticosteroids, can increase the risk of cataracts.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of cataracts can predispose individuals to this condition.
Early cataract symptoms may include blurred vision, increased glare from lights, difficulty seeing at night, and changes in color perception. Regular eye exams can help detect cataracts and other eye conditions at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment and management.
Can LASIK or laser surgery eliminate the need for reading glasses?
Laser eye surgery is used to correct many cases of myopia (blurred distance vision) and astigmatism safely and predictably. Laser correction of hyperopia (farsightedness) is in its advanced testing stages. Results are not as predictable, nor as successful. Presbyopia, which causes the need to wear reading glasses or bifocals, cannot be corrected by laser surgery. As a result, individuals over 45 years will require reading glasses in most cases following surgery. Amblyopia (lazy eye) or other existing conditions that have caused damage to the eye or loss of vision, cannot be repaired by laser surgery.
Can laser surgery fix all types of vision problems?
If you have good distance vision without glasses, but need reading correction only, laser refractive surgery is not an option for you. If you wear bifocals to correct both distance and near vision, you may be a candidate to have the distance vision corrected, but still have to wear reading glasses after.