Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Honest Answers from the Eyesight Medical Center Team
Cataract Surgery FAQs
Q: How is vision restored after the natural human lens is removed during cataract surgery?
A: An intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in the space where the clouded natural lens was removed. The power of the lens implant is specific to each individual eye and is determined by a test prior to surgery.
Q: What are cataracts and why do they affect my vision?
A: Cataracts occur when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy, often due to aging. This cloudiness can blur your vision, make lights seem too bright, and cause difficulty reading or driving, especially at night.
Q: How do I know if I need cataract surgery?
A: If cataracts are interfering with your daily activities, like reading, driving, or seeing clearly, our team at Eyesight Medical Center can perform a full evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. The decision to proceed with surgery is always the patient’s choice.
Q: What are premium lenses, and are they worth it?
A: Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) can reduce or eliminate your need for glasses after cataract surgery. These lenses offer vision correction for both near and far distances and may be ideal for active lifestyles.
Q: Is cataract surgery painful or risky?
A: Cataract surgery is a safe, outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort. At Eyesight Medical Center in Tonowanda, we use advanced techniques to ensure fast recovery and excellent outcomes.
Dry Eye Treatment FAQs
Q: What causes dry eye syndrome?
A: Dry eye can be caused by aging, screen time, certain medications, dry environments, or medical conditions like diabetes. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Also dry air in the winter or air conditioning in the summer can affect tear film.
Q: What are the symptoms of dry eye?
A: Common symptoms include burning, gritty or sandy feelings, watery eyes, and blurry vision. If you’re experiencing these, schedule a dry eye evaluation with our team.
Q: What treatments do you offer for dry eyes?
A: At Eyesight Medical Center, we offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, lifestyle recommendations, and advanced diagnostics to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Q: Can dry eyes be cured?
A: While dry eye is a chronic condition, we can manage it effectively with the right combination of treatments to help you feel more comfortable and protect your vision.
Diabetic Eye Treatment FAQs
Q: Why do people with diabetes need regular eye exams?
A: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams help catch issues early, before they cause vision loss. Control of blood sugar levels is extremely important to protect vision.
Q: What is diabetic retinopathy?
A: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes where blood vessels in the retina leak or swell, leading to vision problems or even blindness if untreated.
Q: What are the signs of diabetic eye disease?
A: In early stages, there may be no symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice blurry vision, dark spots, or difficulty seeing at night. That’s why annual exams at Eyesight Medical Center are essential.
Q: What treatments are available for diabetic eye problems?
A: Depending on the condition, treatment may include laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or surgery. The most important step is early detection and consistent monitoring.
Adult Eye Exam FAQs
Q: How often should I get an eye exam?
A: Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years. If you’re over 60 or have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, annual exams are recommended.
Q: What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?
A: At Eyesight Medical Center, we check your vision, screen for eye diseases, assess your eye pressure, and evaluate your overall eye health. It’s painless and takes about 30–45 minutes.
Q: Do I still need an eye exam if I don’t wear glasses?
A: Yes! Eye exams check for more than just your prescription. Many eye conditions develop without symptoms and can be caught early through routine exams.
Q: Can I get contact lenses during my exam?
A: Absolutely. We offer customized contact lens fittings to ensure a perfect fit and clear, comfortable vision, even for hard-to-fit prescriptions.
Glaucoma Treatment FAQs
Q: What is glaucoma and why is it dangerous?
A: Glaucoma is a condition that increases pressure in the eye and damages the optic nerve, often leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. It’s known as the “silent thief of sight” because it often shows no symptoms early on, and increased pressure in the eye usually does not cause pain or discomfort.
Q: How is glaucoma diagnosed?
A: At Eyesight Medical Center, we use painless tests to measure your eye pressure, evaluate your optic nerve, and assess your peripheral vision. Early detection is key to preserving your sight.
Q: What treatment options are available for glaucoma?
A: We offer medical eye drops, SLT laser therapy, and MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery), depending on the stage and severity of your condition.
Q: Can glaucoma be cured?
A: While it cannot be reversed or cured, glaucoma can be managed effectively to prevent further vision loss, especially when diagnosed early and treated consistently.
Optical Center FAQs
Q: Do I need an appointment for the optical department?
A: No appointment is necessary, and patients usually visit our shop after their exam.
Q: Does my insurance cover the cost of my glasses?
A: The majority of insurance plans do not cover the cost of lenses or frames; however we do participate with 2 of the most recognized providers V.S.P and Eyemed.
Q: What brand name frames do we offer?
A: We offer brands such as Ray Ban, Coach, Kate Spade, Eddie Bauer, David Beckham, Diva, Vogue, Versace and American Optical. We also offer 2 major brands of frames that include sunglass clip-ons.
Q: Are polarized and tinted lenses the same?
A: The question of the difference between “tinted” and “polarized” lenes is very common.They are not the same thing. “Polarized lenses reduce glare and offer UV protection from various surfaces like water and roads. They enhance visibility and comfort in bright conditions. Tinted lenses can offer UV protection but will not reduce glare, offering basic sun protection.
Q: Do we fit Contact and specialty Contact lenses for various conditions, including Keratoconus?
A: Contact lenses are not a simple solution for every person suffering from vision problems. Some eye conditions make wearing contacts tricky. Patients need to discuss options with our eye care specialists and obtain specialized hard-to-fit contacts for their specific vision problems. Our contact lens specialist Janet Acara is known in the Buffalo area for her ability to handle these issues so that you can wear contact lenses.
Reasons for Hard to Fit Contacts: Finding contact lenses that fit and wearing contact lenses, in general, can be made more difficult when these conditions affect your eyes:
-Astigmatism
-Dry eyes
-Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
-Keratoconus
-Presbyopia
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Hours of Operation
MEDICAL OFFICE HOURS
Mon, Wed, Thu. 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tue, Fri. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sat – Sun. Closed
OPTICAL HOURS
Mon, Wed, Thu. 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tues. 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fri 8:30 am – 2:00 pm.
Sat – Sun. Closed