Frequently asked questions

Most patients feel little or no pain. Numbing drops and medication keep you comfortable, and mild scratchiness for a day or two afterward is common.

Medicare and most medical insurance plans generally cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens. Premium lens options and some astigmatism-correcting services usually involve an additional out-of-pocket cost. Our team will review your coverage and costs before surgery.

A cataract cannot return because the natural lens is removed. Some people later develop haziness of the thin membrane behind the implant (posterior capsule opacification), which is treated with a quick, painless in-office laser procedure.

It depends on the lens you choose. With a monofocal lens most people need reading glasses; toric, multifocal, and extended-depth-of-focus lenses can reduce how often you need glasses. Your surgeon will set realistic expectations for your eyes.

Typically no. Eyes are usually treated on separate days, often a few weeks apart, so the first eye can begin healing.

Numbing drops prevent pain during the procedure. You may feel brief pressure. Afterward, mild burning or scratchiness for a few hours after LASIK — or a few days after PRK — is normal.

A small device gently holds your eyelids open, and modern lasers track eye movement and pause automatically if your eye moves out of position.

The corneal reshaping is permanent, but your eyes still age. Most people eventually need reading glasses in their 40s or later because of presbyopia, and other conditions such as cataracts can develop.

Yes, both eyes are commonly treated in the same session, though your surgeon may recommend otherwise in some situations.

Most insurance plans consider laser vision correction elective and do not cover it. Some plans offer discounts, and HSA or FSA funds can often be used.

There is no cure, and lost vision cannot be restored. But treatment is very effective at slowing or stopping further damage when glaucoma is found early and managed consistently.

Not always. Some people have high pressure without nerve damage (ocular hypertension), and some develop glaucoma with normal pressure. That is why a full evaluation includes imaging and visual field testing, not pressure alone.

MIGS stands for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery — procedures that use tiny devices or incisions to improve fluid drainage with faster recovery than traditional surgery. It is often performed at the same time as cataract surgery.

Most patients with glaucoma are seen every 3 to 12 months, depending on how stable the disease is. Your doctor will set a schedule for you.

When the eye surface is irritated, it can trigger a flood of reflex tears. These tears are mostly water and don't lubricate well, so the dryness continues.

Yes. People blink less when looking at screens, so tears evaporate faster. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

For many people dry eye is a long-term condition, but symptoms can usually be controlled well with the right combination of treatments.

Often, yes. Dilating drops relax the focusing muscles so the doctor can measure an accurate prescription and examine the back of the eye. The drops sting briefly and blur near vision for several hours.

Yes. Glasses, patching, or special eye drops can strengthen the weaker eye. Treatment works best when started early in childhood.

Some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits. Check with your plan before the appointment.

Many people can drive after dilation, but vision may be blurry and bright light uncomfortable for several hours. Bring sunglasses, and bring a driver if you are unsure.

A refraction is the measurement used to write a glasses prescription. It is often excluded from medical insurance coverage, so it may be billed separately at the time of your visit.

An ophthalmologist (M.D.) is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease and performs surgery. An optometrist (O.D.) provides eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. NVOA has both on the same team.

Recovery depends on the procedure. After DMEK or DSEK, many patients notice improvement within weeks, while full-thickness transplants can take many months to reach final vision. You will need regular follow-up visits and eye drops.

In some cases, yes. Your surgeon may recommend combining or staging the procedures depending on the health of your cornea.

Donor corneas come from eye banks that carefully screen and test tissue for safety.

Uveitis itself is not contagious. In the uncommon cases caused by an infection, your doctor will explain whether that underlying infection can spread.

Untreated or recurrent uveitis can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, and retinal swelling. Early and consistent treatment greatly lowers that risk.

Call the office closest to you or submit an online appointment request. Our team will contact you during business hours to confirm a time.

All three offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Yes. NVOA's pediatric ophthalmologists care for infants, children, and teens, and our optometrists see patients of all ages.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for severe injuries or chemical exposure. For sudden vision loss, a new shower of floaters or flashes, or a painful red eye, call your NVOA office right away. Online forms are not monitored for emergencies.

NVOA participates with most major medical plans, including Medicare, Aetna, Anthem, CareFirst, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, plus VSP and MetLife vision plans. See our Insurance & Billing page for the full list.

Refraction is the measurement used to write your glasses prescription. Medicare and many medical plans exclude it, so when it isn't covered the refraction fee is due at the time of service.

Yes. Use our secure online bill pay.

Call any NVOA office for the Practice ID and security code, then register on the portal.

Complete the Medical Records Request Form and return it to any NVOA office.