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Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who have completed medical school and a residency in ophthalmology, allowing them to perform eye surgery and prescribe medications. Optometrists (O.D.) are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care, including eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis of certain eye conditions. While both play important roles in eye care, ophthalmologists are trained to handle more complex medical and surgical eye conditions.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam at age 40 for adults with no risk factors. After age 65, exams should be every one to two years. However, if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, or currently wear glasses or contacts, you should have more frequent exams. Children should have their first eye screening as infants, again at age 3, and before starting school. Your eye doctor can recommend the best schedule for your individual needs.

Cataracts develop gradually and may not affect vision early on. Common symptoms include blurry or cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare, difficulty seeing at night, seeing halos around lights, fading or yellowing of colors, frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions, and double vision in one eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our ophthalmologists for a comprehensive evaluation.

In many cases, yes. Patients with glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy can often still have cataract surgery. However, the presence of other eye conditions may affect the surgical approach, the type of intraocular lens chosen, and the expected visual outcome. Our ophthalmologists will thoroughly evaluate your eyes and discuss the best options for your specific situation, including any additional precautions that may be needed.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Good candidates are generally over 18, have had a stable prescription for at least one year, have adequate corneal thickness, and have no significant eye diseases. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, very thin corneas, or autoimmune diseases may affect your eligibility. Dr. Warren and our laser vision correction team will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if LASIK is right for you.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes measuring eye pressure (tonometry), inspecting the drainage angle (gonioscopy), evaluating the optic nerve, and testing the visual field. Treatment aims to lower eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Options include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy (such as SLT), micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and traditional surgery. Our glaucoma specialists use the latest diagnostic technologies to detect and monitor glaucoma at its earliest stages.

Yes, many patients with glaucoma can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments. Prescription eye drops are the most common first-line treatment, working to either reduce the production of aqueous humor or improve its drainage. Oral medications may also be prescribed. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure that can lower eye pressure without traditional surgery. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to find the treatment plan that best manages your condition with the fewest side effects.

Refractive surgery, including LASIK and PRK, offers the benefit of reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Benefits include improved quality of life, convenience for active lifestyles, and long-lasting results. Risks, while rare, can include dry eyes, glare or halos around lights (usually temporary), under-correction or over-correction, and in very rare cases, infection or vision loss. Our team will provide a thorough consultation to help you understand the risks and benefits specific to your eyes.

Preparation varies depending on the type of surgery, but general guidelines include: stop wearing contact lenses for a specified period before surgery (usually 1-2 weeks for soft lenses, longer for hard lenses), arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, avoid wearing makeup, lotions, or perfume on the day of surgery, follow any medication instructions provided by your doctor, and eat a light meal before your appointment unless instructed otherwise. Our team will provide detailed pre-operative instructions specific to your procedure.

Most medical insurance plans cover ophthalmology services when they are medically necessary, including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and treatment of other eye diseases. However, elective procedures like LASIK are typically not covered by insurance. Vision insurance plans may cover routine eye exams and eyewear. We accept most major insurance plans and can help verify your coverage before your appointment. Our billing team is available to answer any questions about insurance, payment options, and financing plans.