Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the difference between an ophthalmologist and retina specialist?

  Ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of general eye disease. Retina specialists are ophthalmologists that have undergone additional intensive training (4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, 3 years of residency, 2 years of fellowship) focused specifically on medical and surgical care of diseases and conditions related to the vitreous, macula, and retina.

• Why will I be dilated?

  Your doctor needs your pupils dilated to examine your entire retina. Your retina cannot be seen without a fully dilated pupil.

• What are the effects of dilation?

  Dilation only affects your near vision. You will be light sensitive, and it is normal to experience blurry vision for 4-6 hours after dilation. We suggest you wear UV sunglasses for the remainder of the day, especially outdoors and arrange for someone to drive you home.

• Why repeated imaging?

  You may have had subtle changes or an increase in symptoms since your last imaging. We have specific imaging equipment for your retina.

• Why is a new patient visit 3 hours?

  An initial consultation is highly comprehensive. To provide effective care, we need to have as much information about your retina situation as possible, which takes time. We strive to stay timely to cut-down your wait time. We do ask for your understanding as some conditions cannot wait to be seen and need to be added to our schedule on an emergent basis. Some patients require special testing and procedures, making their appointment longer.

• Is treatment performed in-office?

  As a courtesy to patients, when possible retinal conditions are treated the same day as the exam in our clinics. Urgency of treatment is determined by your physician. Some retinal conditions cannot be treated in office and may require out-patient surgery at a later date.

• What to not do before my exam?

  Try to not overexert your eyes. Take a break from staring at screens in the hours leading up to your exam. Also, try to avoid anything that may spike your blood pressure, such as caffeine or stress. While these factors won’t hurt you during a retina exam, they can potentially skew your test results.