Question 1

How often should I get an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear is important in maintaining your quality of life.  Depending on your age, the American Optometric Association has different guidelines for eye exam frequency.
 • 0-24 Months: By 6 months of age
 • 2-5 years old: By age 3
 • 6-60 years old: Every year for symptomatic or at risk patients. Every 2 years for asymptomatic or no risk patients.
 • 61 years old: Annually
Those at risk for certain eye diseases, chronic conditions such as seasonal allergies or have high prescriptions, may require more frequent monitoring.  Family health diseases such as hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes or genetic vision problems also warrant additional examinations.

Question 2

How long do prescriptions last?

Accepted Answer

In New York state, spectacle prescriptions are valid for 2 years from the examination date.
Contact lens prescriptions are valid for 1 year from the examination date.
If you notice a change in your vision, even if it is within these time frames, return to your eye care professional for an examination.  Not all causes of deceased vision are due to prescription changes.

Question 3

What is the difference between medical and vision insurance?

Accepted Answer

Medical insurance, like the kind you use for your primary care doctor, emergency room or urgent care facility, may be used for vision related problems as well.  Eye infections, eye irritations, or pre-existing eye conditions are all medical conditions that will be covered by your medical insurance.

Vision insurance is a 3rd party insurance plan, sometimes combined with your medical insurance, which provides some payment towards glasses and contacts.

Question 4

What is that black thing floating in my vision?

Accepted Answer

Vitreous opacities, or "floaters", are common eye conditions that occur in almost all people at varying point in their life.  Although it is most common in adults over the age of 45, it can happen to younger people as well. They may present in varying colors, from clear to brown to black.  Typically they are benign, but sometimes they can indicate a potentially vision threatening condition.  When you first notice floaters, it is important to receive an eye examination as soon as possible.

Question 5

Are all contacts the same?

Accepted Answer

Even though most people's eyes look to be the same size and shape, there are small differences on the surface of the eye that make your eyes unique.  During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will determine the correct brand and power of contact lens that will fit your specific eye shape and prescription.  Contact lens prescriptions are not interchangable between brands and wearing a difference contact than prescribed can lead to irritation, damage and possibly eye infections.