FAQs

What does an eye doctor do during an exam?

The doctor will review your history of eye health as well as your family history, determine your visual acuities, check your intraocular pressure and examine the response of your pupils to light.  The doctor will also dilate your eyes to examine the posterior structures of your eye and if necessary perform a variety of specialized tests.

What is dilation?

The doctor will put a drop in your eyes to make the pupils larger allowing the doctor to see the back of the eye including the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels.  The doctor will be able to look for signs of damage or abnormalities including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.  Your vision may remain blurry for a few hours but will return to normal.

How much does an eye exam cost?

We offer a comprehensive eye examination that will include your glasses prescription and dilation to check your overall eye health.  Contact lens fitting and evaluation is an additional examination.  The fee for fitting and evaluation of contact lenses and follow up to determine the final contact lens prescription is determined by the complexity of the prescription.  Please contact our office for prices.

Why do I need a prescription for contact lenses?

A contact lens is a medical device and can be worn to correct vision, as well as for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons.  In the United States, all contact lenses, even purely cosmetic ones, require a prescription.  They must be properly fitted and prescribed by an Eye Care Professional.

An eye examination is needed to determine an individual’s suitability for contact lenses.  This typically includes a refraction to determine the proper power of the lens and an assessment of the health of the eye.

Prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses may be similar, but are not interchangeable.

Contact lens prescriptions generally expire on a yearly basis, unless otherwise determined by your eye doctor.  Seeing your eye doctor regularly for a comprehensive eye exam will not only assess your vision and need for updated prescriptions, but it may also help identify and lead to a diagnosis of other health concerns such as hypertension and diabetes.

How much are the contacts you provide?

We offer a variety of competitively priced contacts.  Prices vary by brand, type and prescription.  Contact us for more information.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist? What is an optician?

An ophthalmologist is a medically and surgically trained physician (MD) who specializes in comprehensive eye care.  Ophthalmologists can examine, diagnose and treat eye disorders and perform intricate eye surgery.  Most ophthalmologists have had additional training in a subspecialty.

Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry (OD).  They are skilled professionals who also examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for many eye disorders and injuries or will refer to the appropriate specialist when necessary.

Opticians are trained or licensed to fill eyewear prescriptions and help fit patients into glasses and contacts.

How often should I have an eye exam?

Our doctors suggest scheduling regular eye exams every year, unless otherwise directed, because many eye disorders exhibit no warning symptoms though they can be treatable when discovered early.  Certain ethnicities are at higher risk for developing glaucoma and diabetic patients are at a higher risk for vision loss.

Will my computer harm my eyes?

There is no scientific evidence that computer screens cause damage to your vision.  However, you can suffer eyestrain or fatigue from extended computer use, ergonomics and lighting as well as a variety of other related factors.

What do I do if I injure my eye?

If you receive an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention.  Call our office immediately and let us help determine if the injury is within the scope of practice of our office, or where you should go for the appropriate treatment.  If our office is not open, you can reach Dr. Miller at 310-489-2424 or go to an emergency room to reduce the risk of permanent damage.  In the case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Are there any specific foods or vitamins that prevent loss of eyesight?

Studies have shown that diets rich in dark-green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.  Many multi-vitamins can help prevent vision loss.  Ask your doctor at your next eye exam what is best for your eye health.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Lasik surgery?

Dr. Miller will examine your eyes and based on the shape of your eye and your prescription will determine whether Lasik surgery is an option for you.

Do you have eyeglasses for sale?

Yes.  We have a great selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses to fit your needs as well as many lens options.  Additionally, we have our own onsite lens finishing lab to fabricate most glasses while you wait.  However, if you plan to use your insurance, many require us to use their contracting labs to process the prescription.