The Doctors at TSO Kingwood want to make sure that you receive all of the information that you need to make educated decisions about your eye health. We are always available to answer your questions.
Dr. Pham answers frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I take a photo of my retina during my eye exam?
A. Examining the retina, vessels, and optic nerve is crucial in maintaining vision and overall eye health. Many eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, and retinal tears can develop without the patient having any symptoms. The optomap was developed to be suitable for all ages. It is recommended to have an Optomap retinal exam as part of your annual comprehensive eye examination. The image is archived in our system which allows the doctor to compare images from year to year to detect any changes. Early detection and treatment is essential in successfully treating eye disease to prevent vision loss.
Q. Is wearing makeup or eye mascara harmful to my eyes?
A. Not if used properly. Use FDA approved makeup that is labeled “ophthalmologist tested”, “safe for contact lens wearers”, hypoallergenic, and oil and fragrance free. Make sure to wash and dry hands before inserting contacts then applying moisturizer or makeup. A primer will help keep eyeshadow in place. Do not wear eyeliner on the waterline under the lashes. The liner may get on contacts or in your eyes and also block the oil glands around the eyelids. Avoid fiber mascara because it can flake and irritate the eyes. Dispose of old eye makeup, mascara, and liquid eyeliner every 3 months. Eye makeup, especially mascara and eyeliner, can cause blepharitis if not disposed of frequently and washed off at the end of the day.
Q. Will my insurance plan cover my new glasses?
A. The wonderful eye care staff at TSO Kingwood will check your insurance for your benefits. Plans usually contribute to any frames here in our office. We will check how much your insurance gives towards frames, lenses and any additional tints or coatings prescribed by the Kingwood eye doctor.
Q. Are carrots really good for my eyes? Are there other foods that are beneficial for my vision health?
A. Carrots provide beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A, necessary in retina and corneal health. Vitamin A deficiency is more common in developing countries with poor diet and nutrition. The first signs of Vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. Carrots are not the only food good for your eyes. Sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale also provide beta carotene. Omega-3 fatty acids help with dry eyes and can be found in salmon, herring, flaxseeds, or in fish oil supplements. Lutein and Zeaxanthin is found in leafy green vegetables may prevent macular degeneration.
Q. Can I wear contacts when I’m swimming?
A. No. The Food and Drug Administration recommends not wearing or exposing contacts to any form of water. Water contains microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba and other bacteria that can cause serious eye infections and potentially vision loss. These microorganism can attach to the contact lens which swells when exposed to water causing micro breaks on the cornea’s surface allowing the microorganisms to penetrate the cornea.
Q. Why shouldn’t I buy my eye wear over the internet?
A. Glasses should be custom fitted for prescription needs and comfort. We ensure our frames and lenses meet quality and safety standards to protect the eyes. About half of the glasses purchased online do not meet prescription compliance and impact resistance. The buyer may not be aware that with certain prescriptions the frame must allow a specific minimum amount of room to accommodate the full prescription. Our trained opticians help you select the appropriate frame for your prescription, face shape, and lifestyle. We accurately measure pupillary distance (PD) with Optikam on your selected frames once they have been adjusted for comfort. Most websites do not accept vision insurance, offer protection plans, or warrantees. Here at our office we guarantee the quality of our products, offer extended protection plans, and maximize your insurance benefits with our trained professionals.
