Frequently Asked Questions
We Try To Address Common Questions That Patients Have Regarding Eye Care. Other Questions? Feel Free To Contact Us.
- If you are in overall good health, and to the best of your knowledge you have not been diagnosed with any eye health problems or eye diseases, scheduling an eye examination every two years is reasonable.
- If you have any family member with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or if you have diabetes or rheumatologic disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc) and taking certain medications (plaquenil, some immunomodulators), you need to be examined at least once a year or as directed by your eye doctor or family doctor.
As with many diseases, eye problems become more frequent with age. In particular, cataract formation and other age-related macula problems increase in frequency for patients over 55 years of age and even healthy people should consider scheduling a baseline eye exam each year.
It is better to be proactive than reactive. Allow me the opportunity to keep your eyes healthy! If you are coming in for a specific issue, Dr. Xu will provide you with a customized follow up plan.
A complete dilated exam may take up to an hour. A full cataract evaluation or glaucoma consultation including testing and counseling may take up to an hour and a half.
If you are coming in for care of an acute complaint such as an irritated eye or eyelid, the exam may take 15-30 minutes.
A comprehensive exam include a dilated fundus exam, which required eyedrops that enlarge your pupil so Dr Xu can have a full view of your retina and optic nerve. This is typically done yearly, or more commonly in particular retina conditions. Dilation typically lasts 3-4 hours. It will mainly affect your near vision, for example, making it more difficult to read on your cellphone. It is not dangerous to use your eyes during this time, it just may be be a little difficult to focus. You may be sensitive to sunlight and may want to wear sunglasses. It is safe to drive if you feel comfortable with your vision as your distance vision is typically similar to baseline.
I don’t do well with drops or people near my eyes!
Please be assured and not to worry! Dr. Xu sees many “first timers” and has an incredibly gentle touch. Many patients are pleasantly surprised the exam is significantly easier than they thought!
- Medicare
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Centers Plans
- MetroPlus
- United Health Care
- VNS Medicare
- Villagecaremax Medicare
- Aetna
- Affinity
- Emblem
- Elderplan
- Fidelis Care
- Healthfirst
- Humana Medicare
- Elderman
- Humana
- SEIU 1199