FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our eye care services, from cataract surgery to LASIK, dry eye treatment, and more.
Get the Answers You Need
We understand that choosing the right eye care treatment comes with many questions. Whether you’re considering lens implants, glaucoma treatment, or a routine eye exam, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you feel informed and confident about your vision care.
(Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK has been performed in the United States since 1995 and as such has withstood the test of time in terms of safety, efficacy and predictability. PRK has advanced in overall patient comfort and visual recovery as compared to the PRK procedures performed in 1995. Laser technology as well the availability of newer treatment medications make PRK of today an excellent choice for many patients. The PRK procedure is somewhat similar to LASIK in that a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct your vision. The key difference between PRK and LASIK is that no “flap” is created during PRK. Instead, the laser is used to produce your optical correction by reshaping the outermost surface of the cornea, rather than under a flap, as in LASIK. PRK requires the removal of a thin layer of the corneal epithelium, which may produce varying degrees of temporary discomfort for up to a few days after your treatment.
With PRK, we will often prescribe additional medications and a thin, soft bandage contact lens to make you more comfortable for a few days after your treatment. Despite a longer healing time, PRK is the preferred procedure for some patients. PRK is recommended for those patients: 1) whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK safely, 2) whose corneas display evidence of scarring from infection or trauma, or 3) some active or reserve military personnel with special assignments.
LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure, so most insurance plans do not cover it. However, some vision plans or employer benefits may offer discounts or financing options. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can often be used to help cover the cost.
No, LASIK is generally not painful. Numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Some patients may feel slight pressure, but the actual laser treatment is painless and lasts only a few seconds per eye. Mild discomfort or dryness may occur in the hours following surgery but usually subsides quickly.
For many people, LASIK is a life-changing procedure that provides clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts. It can be a worthwhile investment, offering long-term savings on eyewear and enhancing daily activities. A consultation with a LASIK specialist can help determine if you’re a good candidate and if the benefits outweigh the costs for your lifestyle.
Common temporary side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and mild discomfort. These symptoms typically improve within a few weeks as the eyes heal. Serious complications are rare, especially when LASIK is performed by an experienced surgeon.
Yes, LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to create a more even curvature. Many patients with astigmatism achieve clear, sharp vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses after the procedure.
Yes, LASIK is a widely performed and FDA-approved procedure with a strong safety record. Millions of people have successfully undergone LASIK with minimal risks. Choosing an experienced surgeon and undergoing a thorough pre-surgical evaluation are key factors in ensuring the best possible outcome.
Sometimes home care, such as over-the-counter drops, can improve eye dryness on its own or paired with medical treatment. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, however, see Dr. Levine.
Lens implants are designed to last a lifetime and typically do not need to be replaced.
No, once the lens implant is placed inside your eye, you will not feel it.
Yes, some lens implants, like toric lenses, are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
No, cataract and lens implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients feel no pain.
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for a couple of weeks.
LipiFlow treats the root cause of evaporative dry eye by clearing blocked meibomian glands, while artificial tears only provide temporary symptom relief.
No, LipiFlow is a gentle, warm massage-like treatment that most patients find relaxing.
The procedure itself takes about 12 minutes per eye, with the entire appointment lasting around 45 minutes.
Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks after LipiFlow treatment, with full effects often developing over a few months.
Some patients benefit from periodic treatments, typically every one to two years, depending on their dry eye severity.
No, glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential.
No, but it can be effectively managed with medications, laser therapy, or surgery to prevent further vision loss.
Those with a family history, individuals over 60, and people with diabetes or high eye pressure are at greater risk.
Adults over 40 should have an eye exam every 1-2 years, while those at high risk may need more frequent screenings.
Many treatments, including medications and some surgical procedures, are covered by medical insurance.
Cataracts usually begin developing in people over 40, but they become more noticeable around age 60 or older.
No, cataracts cannot return after surgery, but some patients may develop a secondary clouding called posterior capsule opacification, which is easily treated with a quick laser procedure.
The procedure itself typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye, though patients spend a couple of hours at the clinic for preparation and recovery.
It depends on the type of lens implant chosen — monofocal lenses may require reading glasses, while multifocal lenses can reduce dependence on glasses altogether.
Yes, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgical procedures, with a high success rate.
Common causes include aging, screen use, environmental factors, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications.
While dry eye is a chronic condition, treatments like LipiFlow and prescription drops can provide long-term relief.
Staying hydrated, using artificial tears, reducing screen time, and avoiding smoke and wind exposure can help.
Yes, medications like Restasis, Xiidra, and steroid eye drops can help increase tear production.
Yes, some contact lenses can contribute to dryness, but specialty lenses like scleral lenses can help retain moisture.
Adults should have an eye exam every 1-2 years, while children, seniors, and those with medical conditions may need more frequent check-ups.
A routine exam checks vision and prescriptions, while a medical exam focuses on diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
Yes, bring your current glasses or contact lenses, a list of medications, and any vision-related medical history.
Dilation is often part of a comprehensive exam to allow a better view of the retina and optic nerve.
Yes, an eye exam can reveal signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and neurological conditions.
Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that move in your vision and are caused by clumps in the vitreous gel inside the eye.
The laser breaks up floaters into smaller particles that are less noticeable or absorbed by the eye.
No, the laser floater removal procedure is painless, though some patients may experience mild discomfort or temporary visual disturbances.
The laser floater removal procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and most patients resume normal activities immediately.
In many cases, floaters are significantly reduced, but some may require additional treatments.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is called “the sneak thief of sight,” because vision loss is often the first sign. If left untreated, it leads to vision loss by causing damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is located in the back of your eye and sends images to your brain, allowing you to see. Damage to the optic nerve is often caused by high eye pressure. High eye pressure is the #1 risk factor for glaucoma. With early diagnosis of high eye pressure and effective treatment options, your risk for vision loss due to this disease can be reduced.
Your eyes naturally produce fluid that gives them their pressure and shape. Healthy eye pressure is maintained as fluid flows in and out of your eye. Everyone has an eye pressure range that is healthy and normal for them. If fluid builds up inside the eye, eye pressure can increase. High eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.
There are many different treatment options for glaucoma including medication, surgery, and laser therapy, such as SLT.
SLT is a cost-effective therapy that provides long-term control of eye pressure SLT may reduce or eliminate your need to take eye drop medication for glaucoma. SLT is typically covered by Medicare
The most common side effect of SLT therapy is mild eye irritation. Your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat the mild irritation for a short-time after the procedure. For many patients, the mild irritation goes away on its own in a day or two.
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor to determine how effective SLT was in lowering your eye pressure. Your eye doctor may have you continue taking your current eye drop medication or may prescribe a new medication. Only your eye doctor can determine if and when you can stop taking your medication.
Yes, you can have SLT therapy more than once. Your eye doctor may perform a series of treatments over weeks or months to help reduce your eye pressure effectively.
Do You Still Have Questions?
If you don’t see your question here, our team at Cliffside Eye Center is happy to help. Contact us to speak with a knowledgeable staff member or schedule a consultation with Dr. Levine to get the answers you need.
