This section provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about Ophthamology eye health and vision care.
When exposed to poison ivy, it can cause an allergic reaction to your skin or eyes. This may happen with direct or indirect contact, or if you inhale the vapors from burning poison ivy.
Poison ivy causes a delayed reaction where a rash usually begins 1 to 3 days after exposure. The rash can last from 2-3 weeks. On the eyelid skin, you may notice an extremely itchy, red and bumpy rash directly where you had contact with the poison ivy. It may also cause swelling and blistering of the skin. In the eyes, you may notice extremely red, itchy, watery eyes and small bumps on the insides of the eyelids.
If you think you've been exposed to poison ivy, you can use cool compresses or chilled artificial tears to reduce the itching and discomfort. You should also see your eye doctor to see if you need further treatment that can include topical antihistamines or steroids.
Generally, only far away vision—probably 20 feet and beyond. Anything intermediate (computer or speedometer) or near will be out of focus without glasses.
Cataract surgery is done once per eye and never repeated. In some cases, cataract surgery can lower high pressure caused by certain types of glaucoma (most commonly narrow-angle glaucoma). If your pressure is too high after cataract surgery, talk with your ophthalmologist about possible treatments, which include drops, laser, or surgery.
No, the prescription can only correct the vision you have at the time of the exam. Using some artificial tears just before the exam will usually work to get the best result.
It is often not necessary to check the near vision separately from the distance vision. Knowing your age, your current bifocal prescription, along with your distance vision and exam findings, it then becomes a simple matter to calculate what the bifocal segment will require. If one were having issues with reading vision, then assessing the near vision separately may be helpful.
We usually recommend using a lubricant eye drop (standard, not gel which would be too thick) 10 to 15 minutes before using your glaucoma drops. This may relieve the stinging sensation, which is often due to dry eye. Cold is also an effective anesthetic (pain killer). So consider keeping the lubricant eye drops in the refrigerator for additional relief from the temporary stinging, burning and itching.
Cataract surgery is done once per eye and never repeated. In some cases, cataract surgery can lower high pressure caused by certain types of glaucoma (most commonly narrow-angle glaucoma). If your pressure is too high after cataract surgery, talk with your ophthalmologist about possible treatments, which include drops, laser, or surgery.
While some types of waviness (like that caused by astigmatism) can be corrected with glasses, the waviness that you are experiencing is more likely related to some distortion of the retinal tissue. This type of waviness cannot be corrected with glasses.
Forever is a very long time. A scleral shell, if comfortable, may be a good choice for years. Over time, if the eye shrinks or becomes uncomfortable there are procedures such as evisceration or enucleation that will allow you to wear a shell and retain movement. So, no need to be fearful of the future.