Eyecare Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Your eyes are essential, so here at Buenau’s Opticians, Inc., your vision care is our top priority, and it all starts with an annual eye exam. It’s important to understand that annual eye examinations are much more than just a simple vision check. It is a somewhat complicated process that checks not only your visual acuity but also neurological function, eye pressure, eye muscle coordination, and the overall health of the external and internal structures of the eye. Severe several eye diseases are asymptomatic in the early stages, so early detection and treatment play a crucial role in preventing vision loss. Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts develop so gradually over time that many patients fail to realize there is a problem until severe damage has already occurred.

Contact lenses are a medical device regulated by the FDA, and it’s because of this that annual exams and contact lens evaluations are required by law. Besides ensuring your prescription is up-to-date, eye doctors check the health of your eyes and the curvature of your corneas and inspect your eyes for microscopic, related complications associated with wearing contact lenses. As we age, so do our eyes, and a small problem Today—left unchecked—could turn into a severe problem. You only get one set of eyes, so why chance anything? At Buenau’s Opticians, Inc., we specialize in hard-to-fit contact lens patients. With our wide selection and great prices, you can be assured that we will do everything possible to ensure you’re wearing the safest contact lenses possible.

Many parents often wonder just how well their children can see. Typically, at around six months and again at three years of age, most pediatricians screen kids for potential eye problems, but it is a general screening. If you are concerned about your child’s vision health, or have a family history of childhood eye problems, then your child should be seen by an optometrist. It is also recommended that a comprehensive eye examination be performed between the ages of 4 and 6 because children are entering school now. Studies show that undetected vision problems at a young age can contribute to learning disabilities, bad behavior, and poor grades.

In most cases, LASIK or PRK can treat degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, LASIK or PRK eye surgery is not right for everyone, and it’s important to understand the treatment’s risks, benefits, and side effects. Only after a comprehensive examination and consultation by our licensed optometrists can it be determined if you fit the general requirements for surgery. The goal of Laser Vision Correction is to reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses, and in most cases can result in the successful improvement of one’s visual acuity. So, if you’re interested in finding out whether LASIK or PRK eye surgery is right for you, call today and schedule an appointment.

A complete eye exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. First and foremost, it doesn’t hurt. The doctor may use odd-looking instruments, aim bright lights directly at your eyes, and request that you look through a seemingly endless array of lenses. Each test evaluates a different aspect of your vision.

The eye exam usually begins with your doctor asking about your medical history and any vision problems you might be experiencing. Next, your eye doctor quickly checks your eyes using a light to ensure the exterior parts of your eyes are functioning correctly. Finally, your doctor measures your visual acuity, assesses your need for glasses, and examines your eyes for signs of disease. The doctor may also perform a retinal examination to examine the structures in the back of your eyes. Usually, before your doctor can see these structures, your pupils must be dilated with special eye drops.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend other- more specialized eye tests besides these common tests performed during a standard comprehensive eye exam. Often, such tests are performed by other eye doctors, such as retinal specialists, on a referral basis.

Most patients can comfortably drive home if they have sunglasses. However, if you are unsure about driving while your eyes are dilated, please be safe and bring another driver with you to your examination.