Frequently Asked Questions

When should a person see an ophthalmologist?

It is best to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience any changes in your vision or eye health, such as: 

• Vision changes: Blurry vision, double vision, or difficulty seeing clearly 

• Eye pain: Aching, throbbing, itching, or burning pain that doesn't go away 

• Light sensitivity: Your eyes are very sensitive to light 

• Floaters or flashes of light: You see new floaters or flashes of light in your vision 

• Eye injury: You've experienced a significant eye injury or trauma 

• Family history: You have a family history of eye disease 

Other symptoms that warrant seeing an ophthalmologist include: 

• Redness, swelling, or inflammation in your eyes

• Sudden loss of sight

• Difficulty seeing at night

An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who can perform surgical treatments for serious eye diseases or advanced ocular problems. 

Is it better to go to an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?

An ophthalmologist is best suited for more complex eye conditions, potential surgeries, or serious eye diseases that require specialized treatment.  Consider an optometrist for prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and an ophthalmologist as a specialist for advanced issues. ​​

How do I prepare for cataract surgery?

The evening before surgery:

NOTHING to eat or drink, no gum or candy, and no smoking 7 hours prior to surgery (except small sips of water for medications only)

Prepare a list of all medications you are currently taking.  Please make sure you have your insurance cards and your drivers license for check in at the facility.

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The day of surgery:

DO NOT use any eye drops the morning of your surgery.  Wear simple, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.  Do not wear jewelry or make up to the surgery facility.  If you normally take medications in the morning for high blood pressure, seizures, breathing problems, or heart problems, take them in the morning with small sips of water.  If you are diabetic DO NOT take any diabetic medications the day of surgery, but bring them to the hospital and they will be administered after the surgery.  

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After surgery:

If you have discomfort this is normal and you may use over-the-counter medication (Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil, etc).  If you develop severe eye pain, headache, nausea, or vomiting that is not managed by these medications, please contact our Torrance office at (310)543-4546.

How do I care for my eye after cataract surgery?

Following cataract surgery, you should anticipate some blurry vision which will gradually improve each day.  It is normal for your eye to be moderately red, sore, and sensitive to light.  Wear sunglasses as needed for light sensitivity.

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DO NOT rub the eye.  Wear the clear plastic shield for 1 week while sleeping.  Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 1 week after surgery.  

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Start your eye drops as directed by your doctor.  Contact us immediately if you experience increasing pain in the eye, sudden decreasing vision, flashes of light or new onset floaters.  

How do I care for my eyes after upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery?

Following blepharoplasty surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling and bruising, and for the eyelids to remain slightly open for up to a few days.  Apply gentle pressure if your incision is oozing.  DO NOT rub the incisions.  Apply your ice packs 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while awake for the first two days.  Use your antibiotic steroid ointment three times a day for 2 weeks after surgery.  Use artificial tears as needed for dry eyes.  Contact our office if you experience severe pain, redness, swelling, or reduced vision. 

What is astigmatism and how do I treat it?

Astigmatism is a distortion in the shape of the front window of your eye, also known as your cornea.  A normal cornea should be round and spherical like a basketball, whereas in a person with astigmatism it may be shaped more ovaloid like a football.  Astigmatism can cause your vision to be blurry especially in the distance, requiring correction either with glasses or contact lens.  If you are a candidate for cataract surgery and have significant astigmatism, you can improve the quality of your vision at the distance by upgrading to a monofocal Toric intraocular lens implant at the time of surgery.  

How do I decide which type of intraocular lens is right for me?

The choice of intraocular lens is a personalized decision that will differ from patient to patient.  Factors to consider include your glasses prescription, the presence of other corneal or retinal disease, history of previous eye surgeries, your motivation to become spectacle independent, and your daily activities and hobbies.  Your doctor is happy to discuss what lens will be the best for your lifestyle.

Why can't I read up close anymore and what can I do about it?

At approximately age 45-48, individuals who have had good vision at the distance and near without glasses will start to notice more difficulty seeing up close, requiring the use of reading glasses, bifocals, or bifocal / monovision contact lenses. This is due to a normal age-related change in the lens of the eye.  If the lens becomes cloudy and develops a cataract, then you have the option of choosing an upgrade to a multifocal intraocular lens at the time of surgery.  A variety of options exist, including Panoptix, Symfony, and Vivity lenses.  These lenses will allow you to see both far and near with less dependence on glasses.

What are the side effects associated with a multifocal lens?

Some people notice mild glare and halos or spiderwebbing with night driving following implantation of a multifocal lens.  Usually these symptoms are less noticeable than the glare and halos that occur with a cataract.  Symptoms usually resolve over time as you become more accustomed to your new vision.  Additionally, the aid of a low power reader may be necessary if you are reading for extended periods of time or reading in low light situations.

What are advantages of femtosecond cataract surgery?

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has several advantages, including more precise incisions, reduced trauma, and faster healing. 

Precision

• Micron-level incisions: Surgeons can design incisions with micron-level accuracy

• Capsulotomy formation: The laser can precisely create the opening in the capsule bag 

Reduced trauma

• The laser can remove the cataract more gently, which minimizes trauma to the eye 

Improved visual outcomes

• Customized procedure: The laser can customize the procedure to each patient's eye anatomy 

• Astigmatism correction: The laser can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism