FAQ

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DOES A CATARACT CAUSE PAIN?

Cataracts cause no pain, redness, infection, or discomfort unless they are mature. Cataracts affect the eye by causing dimming or fogging of vision or requiring a change in glasses prescription.

WHAT ARE THE TINY BLACK SPOTS I SOMETIMES SEE WHEN I LOOK AT SOMETHING?

The spots you are seeing are called floaters. Floaters are small clumps of gel that form in the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside cavity of the eye (the vitreous). Although they appear to be in front of the eye, they are actually floating in the fluid inside the eye and are seen as shadows by the retina – the seeing part of the eye. They are usually more noticeable when you are reading a book or looking at a plain background.

DOES READING IN DIM LIGHT HURT MY EYES?

NO. Most people think that reading in dim light will hurt your eyes. This is not true. You should use good lighting, however, to avoid eye fatigue and strain. Even though eye fatigue may occur using poor lighting, this does not damage your eyes.

WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

A condition resulting from the loss or deterioration of small blood vessels from which the retina feeds to stay healthy and function properly. Someone who is diabetic should be checked regularly by an ophthalmologist. If not treated, Diabetic Retinopathy could possibly lead to loss of vision or blindness. Those with severe diabetic conditions are not suitable candidates for refractive surgery.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma results when dangerous levels of pressure build up inside the eye as a result of improper drainage of the aqueous humor, a clear, saltwater substance that occupies the space between the cornea and the inner lens of the eye. This condition may end up causing damage to the optic nerve, causing permanent loss of vision if left untreated. The most common forms of glaucoma have no symptoms, so regular eye exams and visits to the eye doctor are extremely important for anyone with a history of glaucoma in their family or anyone over age forty. Someone with glaucoma is usually not a very good candidate for refractive surgery.

IS THERE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF GLAUCOMA?

YES. THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF GLAUCOMA:
1. Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. The onset of this glaucoma is gradual and painless and is usually not noticed until some type of irreversible damage has been done. Persons over age 40 should have a glaucoma check every two years. Persons over 60 should be checked once a year.
2. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is not nearly as common as the chronic type. An acute attack usually occurs without warning.

ARE THERE ANY SYMPTOMS OF EITHER TYPE OF GLAUCOMA?

Yes. With acute angle closure glaucoma, the following symptoms may surface, though all may not be present.

1. Severe pain to the eye and face.
2. Sharply IMPAIRED vision, especially in dim light.
3. Rainbow-colored halos around lights.
4. Headaches.
5. Nausea and vomiting.
6. Unusual watering of the eye.

IS ACUTE GLAUCOMA AN EMERGENCY CONDITION?

Acute Glaucoma can be an emergency condition – unless the pressure is relieved within a few hours, serious and permanent visual loss may occur.

IS GLAUCOMA HEREDITARY?

Glaucoma tends to run in families

DOES SOMEONE WITH GLAUCOMA HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE?

If you have glaucoma you will need to take your medicine every day for the rest of your life.

ARE THERE ANY DRUGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE USED BY GLAUCOMA PATIENTS?

Yes. There are a few drugs that should not be used by glaucoma patients – always tell your doctor you have glaucoma and read the label on non-prescription drugs.

WHAT IS LASIK?

LASIK surgery is an elective surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape a patient’s cornea in order to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It is painless and causes little to no discomfort to the patient.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM LASIK SURGERY?

Dr. Broussard, who is a highly experienced LASIK surgeon and ophthalmologist, can answer your questions about LASIK risks and possible side effects. Every FDA-approved laser used in vision correction has various risks and complications associated with them. Following surgery, however, it is common for most patients to see enough to resume their regular activities very quickly.

WHAT IS AMBLYOPIA (LAZY EYE)?

A lazy eye is an eye that never learns to see clearly despite the fact that there is nothing physically wrong with the eye. Because the brain will not tolerate unmatched images from the two eyes, it simply tunes out or ignores one of the eyes. The end result is that an eye physically able to see is tuned out by the brain, and if left untreated until the age of eight or nine the effects will be permanent, just as though the eye is blind.