FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to our Optometry FAQ page! Here, we answer the most common questions patients ask about eye care, vision correction, and eye health.

1. How often should I get my eyes checked?

Adults should have an eye exam every year, depending on age, vision needs, and risk factors like diabetes or a family history of eye disease. Children and seniors may need more frequent exams.

2. What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

Optometrist (OD): Provides eye exams, prescribes glasses/contact lenses, and treats many eye diseases.
Ophthalmologist (MD): A doctor who can also perform eye surgeries and treat eye diseases.

3. Why is my vision blurry?

Blurry vision may result from:

Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
Dry eyes
Macular degeneration
Eye strain
Cataracts
Underlying health issues like diabetes

An eye exam will determine the exact cause.

4. Can staring at screens damage my eyes?

Screens don’t cause permanent damage, but they can lead to digital eye strain & dry eye disease. Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

5. Are blue light glasses effective?

Blue light glasses may reduce digital eye strain for some users. While evidence is still developing, many patients report improved comfort during screen use.

6. Why are my eyes dry or itchy?

Common causes include:

Dry eye syndrome
Seasonal allergies
Prolonged screen time
Contact lens irritation
Your optometrist can recommend drops or tailored treatments.

7. What are floaters, and should I be worried?

Floaters are tiny spots or threads that drift across your vision. They’re often harmless, but if you notice a sudden increase, flashes of light or dark curtain effect in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately.

8. Can vision problems cause headaches?

Yes. Uncorrected vision issues or eye strain from screens or poor lighting can trigger headaches. An eye exam can help identify and correct the problem.

9. Can eye exams detect other health problems?

Yes! Your eyes can show early signs of:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Neurological conditions
Cancer

Routine eye exams can help catch these early.

10. When should my child have their first eye exam?

Children should have their first eye exam before starting school or earlier if you have noticed vision changes from yourself or your pediatrician. Early detection is key for healthy visual development. Here at Seabert Eye Care, we see children as young as 5 years old.