Dr. Kristine-Hue Van & Associates | Trusted Eye Doctors in Richmond, VA (2023)

FAQs

What is the best doctor for eyes? ›

Ophthalmologists are doctors that specialize in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system, and also in the prevention of eye disease and injury. They can be either doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO).

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor.

Paul Singh and Dr. Krishna Sanka have been recognized as being two of the top cataract surgeons in America! This honor is given by a group of board-certified ophthalmologists, as well as The American College of Elective Surgery.

Optometrists are basic eye care specialists who can examine, diagnose, and medically treat eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are a type of medical doctor who specialize in surgical procedures of the eye. Opticians are customer service specialists who work in vision care centers and optometry offices.

It's common to experience blurred vision — when you can't see fine or focused details — in the form of nearsightedness or farsightedness. Seek medical care, however, if you experience a quick change in vision, such as a sudden loss of sharp vision.

As a general rule of thumb, everyone should have their eyes checked every two years regardless of their age or overall health.

How long does cataract surgery take? ›

Cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure that usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. It's often carried out as day surgery under local anaesthetic and you should be able to go home on the same day.

These side effects usually improve within a few days, but it can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully. If you need new glasses, you will not be able to order them until your eye has completely healed, usually after 6 weeks.

At age 65 and older, you should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. That's because adults aged 65 or older are at a higher risk for developing a number of eye conditions and diseases that can impair your sight.

If you want to get the best results from your eye exam — and the most accurate prescription — research suggests 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. is the best time to book your eye exam.

Medicare covers cataract surgery that involves intraocular lens implants, which are small clear disks that help your eyes focus. Although Medicare covers basic lens implants, it does not cover more advanced implants. If your provider recommends more advanced lens implants, you may have to pay some or all of the cost.

Astigmatism requires a specific type of IOL called a toric lens in order to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses after surgery. If you have astigmatism, a monofocal toric lens will correct for one vision range only – you can choose near or far, but you'll still need glasses for the other range.

Ophthalmologists can provide all the services optometrists can—they can treat eye diseases, prescribe medication, and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. In addition, ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and perform surgery.

DO you call an optometrist a doctor? ›

Optometrists are eye care professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor.

The role of the optometrist is very important. They can diagnose many eye diseases and they can treat some of them, too! They offer ways to help you maintain optimal eye health and prevent eye diseases from worsening. Optometrists can also uncover other health problems just by examining your eyes.

Refractive error is the most common cause of blurred vision. If refractive error is the problem, corrective lenses or surgery (particularly if cataracts are the cause of the change in refractive error) can usually correct the blurriness.

Reach for green, leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach and try to incorporate salmon, tuna, or other types of oily fish into your diet. Eggs, beans, and nuts are also beneficial as well as oranges and other citrus fruits.

HBP can harm your eyesight in many ways

Blood vessel damage (retinopathy): A lack of blood flow to the retina leads to blurred vision or the complete loss of sight. People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at an even greater risk for developing this condition.

There's no hard and fast rule of how often you need to replace your prescription glasses, although most optometrists recommend you do so every one to three years. If your vision hasn't changed and your glasses are in good condition, you may be able to keep the same pair for a long time.

For Medicare cardholder or recipients over the age of 65, Medicare will cover the cost of a comprehensive eye exam once every year. It is essential to have these yearly examinations to maintain the health of the eyes so that any changes can be detected early.

Sometimes blurry vision is caused by PCO, a fairly common complication that can occur weeks, months or (more frequently) years after cataract surgery. It happens when the lens capsule, the membrane that holds your new, intraocular lens in place, becomes hazy or wrinkled and starts to cloud vision.

Cataract surgery is not painful. While patients are awake during surgery, there is little or no discomfort involved. A mild sedative may be administered before the surgery, which calms the nerves, and eye drops are used to numb the eye.

How do they keep your eye from moving during cataract surgery? ›

When the eye is completely numb, an instrument will be used to hold your eye open while the procedure is completed. This instrument ensures that you will not blink during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful surgeries involving the eye.

While home, you may be allowed to remove your eye shield, but you should wear it when sleeping for at least a week to prevent eye injury. Full recovery from cataract surgery should be complete in about a month, although it can take up to three months for your eye to be completely healed.

Typically, patients are awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia (where you are “put to sleep”) and enables Our Doctors to communicate with you during your procedure. You will be given an oral medication prior to the procedure to help you relax during your surgery.

A long-term consequence of cataract surgery is posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is the most common complication of cataract surgery.

What Happens if You Bend Over After Cataract Surgery? You should not bend over after cataract surgery for at least 2 weeks. Bending over will place pressure on the eye and this may cause unnecessary complications to your eye. The main complication will be a delay in the healing process.

The most commonly prescribed antibacterial eye drops are 4th generation fluoroquinolones, namely gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin. Generally, these 2 are considered the most effective and protect from a wide range of potential pathogens.

Optometrists examine, diagnose, and treat patients' eyes. Ophthalmologists are eye doctors who perform medical and surgical treatments for eye conditions. The three types of eye health professionals also differ in their level of education.

There are three different types of eye care practitioner: optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists. Each has a different level of training and expertise, and each will provide different levels of care.

A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has undergone additional training to become an expert in the diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases and surgery of the vitreous body of the eye (watery gel between the lens and the retina) and the retina.

How can we improve our eyesight? ›

Published on December 12, 2018 by Sidney Gicheru M.D. Cataract surgery is irreversible. This is because the cloudy natural lens that results in a cataract is removed during surgery and cannot be placed back in.

You can visit an ophthalmologist for the same care as an optometrist, such as a routine eye exam or prescription refill. However, an ophthalmologist can also perform eye surgery for various diseases and conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and strabismus surgery, plus more.

You should go see an ophthalmologist if you are suffering from a serious eye condition that requires surgical or medical treatment. For your routine vision care needs like annual eye exams or the refilling of a contact lens, spectacle or medication prescription, visit an optometrist.

The degree they earn at University is a Doctorate of Optometry , therefore they are entitled to be called Doctor. There are several doctorate degrees that have nothing to do with medicine , such as A Dr.

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.), and not a medical doctor. She/he has to work through various vision therapies to treat abnormalities, and can prescribe drugs for the eyes. If surgery is required, the patient is sent to an ophthalmologist (M.D). But you can't write Dr front of your name.

The role of the optometrist is very important. They can diagnose many eye diseases and they can treat some of them, too! They offer ways to help you maintain optimal eye health and prevent eye diseases from worsening. Optometrists can also uncover other health problems just by examining your eyes.

Laser surgery can repair a retinal tear or hole. Your surgeon uses a laser to heat small pinpoints on the retina. This creates scarring that usually binds (welds) the retina to the underlying tissue. Immediate laser treatment of a new retinal tear can decrease the chance of it causing a retinal detachment.

Does a retinal exam hurt? ›

Retinal diagnostic exams typically cause very little discomfort. However, the eye drops that are used to dilate the pupils can temporarily cause light sensitivity and blurred vision.