FAQs

How often should I have my eyes examined?

Most people should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every one to two years. However, if you have a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or other risk factors, you may need more frequent exams. Children should have their eyes examined annually, and adults over 60 should have exams every year or as recommended by their ophthalmologist.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

An ophthalmologist is a physician (MD or DO) who specializes in eye care and can perform surgery, prescribe medications, and treat complex eye diseases. An optometrist is a licensed healthcare professional who can perform eye exams and prescribe glasses and contacts, but is not a physician and cannot perform surgery. At Omphroy Eye Care in Aiea, Dr. Omphroy is a board-certified ophthalmologist providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care.

What should I expect during a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam includes checking your vision, eye pressure, and the health of your eye structures. We’ll test your color vision, peripheral vision, and eye alignment. You’ll also receive a dilated exam to check your retina and optic nerve. The entire exam typically takes 60-90 minutes, allowing us to thoroughly assess your eye health.

Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism?

Yes, you can wear contacts with astigmatism. We offer toric contact lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism. During your eye exam at our Aiea office, we’ll discuss whether contacts are right for you and fit you with the appropriate lens type for your prescription and vision needs.

What are the signs of glaucoma?

Glaucoma often has no early warning signs, which is why regular eye exams are crucial. As glaucoma progresses, you may notice a gradual loss of peripheral vision or blurred vision. Some people experience eye pain, headaches, or halos around lights. The only way to detect early-stage glaucoma is through routine eye pressure and optic nerve screening during comprehensive exams.

How is dry eye treated?

Dry eye treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Initial treatments may include artificial tears, warm compresses, or eyelid hygiene. For more persistent dry eye, we may recommend prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other advanced treatments. At Omphroy Eye Care, we customize treatment plans to address your specific dry eye symptoms and improve your comfort.

What causes cataracts, and when do they need surgery?

Cataracts develop when the lens becomes cloudy, usually due to aging, injury, or certain medications. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, and prolonged sun exposure. Cataract surgery becomes necessary when the cloudiness significantly affects your vision and quality of life. During your exam, we’ll evaluate your cataracts and discuss treatment options if surgery is recommended.

Can diabetes affect my eyes?

Yes, diabetes can cause serious eye problems including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you have diabetes, regular eye exams are especially important to detect these conditions early. We offer specialized diabetic eye exams to monitor your eye health and catch any complications before they affect your vision. Controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure helps prevent diabetes-related eye disease.

What are floaters and when are they a concern?

Floaters are small specks or threads that appear to float in your vision, usually caused by changes in the gel inside your eye. While most floaters are harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially accompanied by flashing lights or vision loss, may indicate a serious condition like retinal detachment. Any sudden changes in your vision should be evaluated promptly at our Aiea office.

How can I reduce my risk of age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. You can reduce your risk by eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, protecting your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses, not smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and having regular eye exams. Early detection allows for treatments that can slow AMD progression.

What causes red eyes and when should I seek care?

Red eyes can result from allergies, dry eye, infections, or more serious conditions. Minor redness from allergies or fatigue often improves with rest and artificial tears. However, red eyes accompanied by pain, vision loss, or discharge may indicate a serious infection or inflammation requiring immediate medical attention. When in doubt, contact our office for evaluation.

How do UV rays harm my eyes?

Prolonged UV exposure can damage the cornea, lens, and retina, potentially leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems. UV damage is cumulative and can occur even on cloudy days. Wearing quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is the best protection. We recommend UV-protective sunglasses for outdoor activities year-round.

What is presbyopia, and how is it treated?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. It typically begins around age 40 and affects most people eventually. Treatment options include reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, or multifocal contact lenses. During your exam, we’ll help you choose the best vision correction option for your needs.

Can eye problems run in families?

Yes, many eye conditions have a genetic component, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and color blindness. If you have a family history of eye disease, inform Dr. Omphroy during your exam so we can monitor you more closely. Genetic counseling may be helpful for certain hereditary conditions. Regular screening is especially important for those with affected family members.

What should I do if I have a scratched cornea?

A scratched cornea causes pain, light sensitivity, and tearing. Seek immediate care, especially if the scratch was caused by a foreign object or chemical exposure. Do not rub your eye or wear contact lenses until evaluated. Minor scratches may heal with antibiotic drops and pain management, while more serious corneal injuries may require additional treatment. Contact us immediately for urgent eye injuries.

How often should children have eye exams?

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam by age 3, with follow-ups every one to two years. School-age children should be examined annually, especially if they show signs of vision problems affecting school performance. Early detection of refractive errors, lazy eye, and other conditions is crucial for normal visual development. We welcome children at Omphroy Eye Care in Aiea.

What is a pterygium, and does it require surgery?

A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that develops on the white of the eye, usually from prolonged UV exposure. While some pterygia remain stable, others grow and may affect vision or cause discomfort. If a pterygium interferes with your vision or causes cosmetic concerns, surgical removal is an option we can discuss. Dr. Omphroy performs pterygium surgery to restore clear vision.

How can I protect my eyes during screen time?

Prolonged screen use can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax your eye muscles. Adjust your screen brightness and position to reduce glare. Ensure adequate room lighting, and use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry. Taking regular breaks from screens is one of the best ways to maintain eye comfort.

What should I do if I get a chemical splash in my eye?

Chemical splashes are eye emergencies requiring immediate action. Flush your eye with clean water for at least 15-20 minutes, and remove any contact lenses. Do not rub your eye. Seek emergency care immediately, or call 911. While flushing, have someone contact us or go directly to an emergency room. The faster you receive medical attention, the better the outcome for chemical eye injuries.