OPTX Optometry - Los Angeles & Valencia

Sometimes I see flashing lights, my vision goes 'watery' & I get a headache. Is this an eye problem?

No. You have probably experienced a migraine attack. Your GP would be the best person to advise you on what to do. Flashing lights that seem fairly constant are more serious as this may indicate a problem with your retina. Fairly urgent assessment of your eyes is then required and you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible

How long will the eye exam take?

This should not take longer than 30 minutes assuming no extra tests or contact lens fittings are required. We endeavourer to have completed our service to you within an hour.

I see black spots floating around in my vision especially when the sun is out - what are they?

These are called floaters. As the eye ages, more of these are seen and they are due to the changes in the vitreous jelly of the eye. The vitreous is simply a clear jelly that fills up the internal space of the eyeball between the lens and the retina. Changes may occur which cause the very fine fibrils contained in the jelly to clump together and become visible as floaters. As long as these are longstanding and not associated with any flashing lights, they are generally okay and all you would need to do is notify your Optometrist and keep a watchful eye on them. If however you have not seen them before and they have only recently appeared, a thorough check with your optometrist or better still, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), is advised. Floaters are most easily seen against a white or bright background. This is why they are more visible in the sunshine, against white walls or whilst flying and looking out at the clouds. Sometimes floaters are an indication of retinal tears and possible detachment of the retina. Although this does not happen all that often it is wiser to be safe rather than sorry so if in doubt, please find out!

What does the eye exam involve?

An Eye Exam allows the Optometrist to:

Determine any relevant prescription for your eyes (far or Near-sighted, Astigmatism, Presbyopia)
Check that the muscles of the eyes work together
Check your Eye Health and screen for any associated general health problems
Perform any further testing as deemed necessary like Eye Pressures, Visual Fields, Color Vision or Pupil Dilation

What are the advantages of glass lenses over plastic lenses?

Plastic lenses are lighter and have 3 x the impact resistance of glass while glass lenses are thinner.