Wilmington Eye works with various health insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, United Healthcare, TriCARE, Medicaid, and Medicare. We also accept vision plans from Community Eye care. To view the full list of insurance providers we work with, visit wilmingtoneye.com/insurance. We also encourage patients to call their insurance provider directly to understand your insurance coverage requirements and verify the terms of your insurance plan to minimize any issues with your bill.
The out-of-pocket cost for an eye exam varies from patient to patient and depends on a multitude of factors, including the reason for your visit and the type of insurance coverage you have. For patients who want to utilize our self-pay options, it is best to contact our office prior to your visit to get an estimate of your eye exam. Most exams can cost up to $300, however this does not include any additional testing your doctor may order, contact lens fittings and fees or prescriptions.
Wilmington Eye has 6 optical shops located throughout southeastern North Carolina. To view the entire list of Wilmington Eye locations that have optical shops, visit wilmingtoneye.com/locations.
Dilation is required to perform a comprehensive eye exam. All new patients and yearly exams for established patients will require dilation.
A refraction is a test performed at your eye exam that measures a person’s prescription for glasses or contact lenses. The refraction test is often performed by a highly trained ophthalmic assistant or your optometrist. There is no pain or discomfort during your refraction.
Wilmington Eye is currently accepting new patients. Please visit wilmingtoneye.com/make-an-appointment to begin the process of scheduling your new patient appointment or call 910.763.3601.
You can request a copy of your medical records by logging into your Wilmington Eye portal. You can also call 910.763.3601 ext 1917 to request a copy. Please note that Wilmington Eye must have a signed Authorization for Disclosure of Protected Health Information on file.
At this time, Wilmington Eye does not have a retina specialist. However, we work closely with several providers and can refer you to a highly qualified retina specialist.
To receive a copy of a prescription for medication, you can log into your Wilmington Eye patient portal or call 910.763.3601 and speak to Triage. For a copy of your glasses prescription, please contact our optical department at 910.762.8135.
Most private medical insurance companies will not cover the refraction fee, which means that a patient using their medical insurance will be required to cover the $60 refraction fee.
Dilation is required to complete a comprehensive eye exam. All new patients and yearly exams for established patients will require dilation.
Vision insurance will cover your routine well eye exam. During your routine or wellness eye exam, your optometrist will check your prescription for accuracy. Vision insurance DOES NOT cover medical eye exams in which a known vision problem exists. Medical insurance will be required for those visits with pre-diagnosed conditions.
Most new patients will begin their patient journey with Wilmington Eye by seeing an optometrist. Our optometrists are highly-trained eye doctors that can diagnose and medically treat most ocular diseases. If you have been referred by your existing OD, you will see the specialist your eye care provider specified.
Depending on the type of eye surgery or procedure, you will see your surgeon immediately following your procedure to monitor for any signs of infection and ensure proper healing is occurring. After that, it is typical for an OD to continue your long-term post-operative care.
Wilmington Eye will not issue you a new glasses or contact lens prescription unless the changes to your vision warrant a new prescription. Oftentimes, the changes to your vision are minimal and do not justify the purchase of new glasses or contact lenses.
We use a combination of topical anesthesia and IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable during your surgery. Most patients report feeling no pain at all during the procedure.
Your cataract procedure will not be performed on the same day as your initial cataract evaluation. During your initial cataract evaluation, our cataract surgeon and surgery coordinator will work with you to determine a date and facility most convenient for you.
Cataract surgery is highly effective at improving your vision. Once the cataract has been removed and the IOL implanted, most patients report an improvement in their overall vision.
Cataract surgery in itself typically lasts 15-20 minutes (per eye). However, due to pre-operative preparation and a brief post-op recovery, your entire stay at the surgical center will be approximately 2-3 hours for each visit. Please remember that one eye is done at a time, so you will have two surgery dates.
You will not be allowed to drive to or from the surgical center on the day of your surgery. You will receive a mild sedation during surgery, which means that you cannot legally operate a car for 24 hours. Please arrange transportation to and from the surgery facility for both of your surgery dates. A responsible adult must accompany you and stay at the facility during your surgery.
Cataract surgery is performed on one eye at a time, typically two weeks apart. This means that you will have two surgery dates. This is done to ensure your safety.
Most insurances, including Medicare, will cover traditional cataract surgery and a monofocal IOL. For patients that would like to take advantage of blade-free laser cataract surgery, this is generally not covered by insurance and will require out-of-pocket fees. As always, consult with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage details.
During a cataract evaluation at Wilmington Eye, one of our exceptionally skilled surgeons will help you determine if cataract surgery is right for you. With the latest diagnostic tools and the experience that comes with being a leader in cataract surgery, our surgeons will review your ocular history and identify the best options for your procedure, from the different procedure types—blade free and traditional—to the various lifestyle IOLs.
We use a combination of topical anesthesia and IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable during your surgery. Most patients report feeling no pain at all during the procedure. However, scratchiness, foreign body sensation, and a mild headache have been reported during the first 24 hours following surgery.
Most insurances, including Medicare, will cover traditional cataract surgery and a monofocal IOL. For patients that would like to take advantage of blade-free laser cataract surgery or premium IOLs, these are generally not covered by insurance and will require out-of-pocket fees. As always, consult with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage details.
Every patient heals differently. Following your procedure, you will have a clear shield placed over your eye for protection and will have a postoperative drop regimen to follow for 4 weeks. This is typically the length of time it takes most patients to heal.
It is very common for patients who have undergone cataract surgery to need a follow-up procedure months and even years following cataract surgery. The capsule that holds your new IOL in place may become cloudy or wrinkled, causing blurry vision. A simple procedure called a posterior capsulotomy or “yag procedure” uses a laser to create an opening in the cloudy or wrinkled capsule, restoring clear vision. This procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes and occurs at Wilmington Eye Surgery Center.
Since your eye’s natural lens has been replaced with an artificial IOL, there is no chance of a cataract reforming. However, the capsule that holds your new IOL in place may become cloudy or wrinkled, causing blurry vision. This is not a cataract. A simple procedure called a posterior capsulotomy or “yag procedure” uses a laser to create an opening in the cloudy or wrinkled capsule, restoring your clear vision. This procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes and occurs at Wilmington Eye Surgery Center.
Our pediatric ophthalmologist can see patients as young as 6 weeks old. Make an appointment today!
At this time, Wilmington Eye has the only pediatric ophthalmologist who serves the entire community. We greatly appreciate your patience in getting your child seen.
Drops that we use for pediatric exams are stronger than the drops we use for adults. Your child’s eyes will stay dilated for several hours.
While patients don’t usually grow out of these conditions, in some cases there are options for treatment such as patching or surgery, if needed.
If your child is scheduled for their annual eye exam (during which dilation will take place), please plan to be at our office for approximately two hours. We want to allow time for the dilating drops to take effect for a thorough exam and answer any questions the patients and parents may have. If your child is not scheduled for an annual eye exam, please plan on being at our office for approximately one and a half hours.
We note any concerns or problems you or your child may have and check your child’s vision (the methods vary depending on the age of the patient). The technician may perform additional tests based on your child’s needs and your child’s eye doctor will conduct a thorough eye exam and perform a final check of any potential glasses prescription.
While many patients do need to wear corrective lenses full time to correct their vision, some only need to wear them for certain activities. Your child’s eye doctor will discuss with you what’s best for your child’s visual needs.
Patches are worn in an effort to improve vision in patients with amblyopia. By wearing a patch on the better seeing eye, the goal is to have the weaker eye strengthen and hopefully see better. Please closely follow the directions of your child’s eye doctor. Usually, patches must be worn between 2-6 hours per day for the best results.
There are several easy ways to make a transition into glasses or patching easy for your child. Letting them pick out their own frames or the type of patches they wear is an effective way to get them excited about the new expectations. You can also have guidelines in place at home, such as, no glasses, no screen time. The number one thing is to be consistent and supportive.
That depends on each individual patient and situation. Some patients can adapt very quickly and only need a couple of days while others can take weeks to fully adapt. Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP’s) typically take longer and require your eye to adapt over the course of a couple of weeks, and sometimes longer depending on the changes made or if new to the lenses.
The short answer is no. A contact lens can become dislodged and get stuck in the corners of your eyes or eyelids, however, the anatomy of the eye does not allow for contact lenses to get behind the eye.
This largely depends on the patient. More mature and responsible children can start earlier than others. If your child expresses an interest in wearing contacts, it’s important to bring this up to your child’s optometrist during their annual appointment. Your doctor can first determine if your child is a good candidate for contact lenses.
Contact lenses require a lot of maintenance and responsibility. A person must be responsible for cleaning their lenses before and after each use and committing to the safe use of their contact lenses. This includes not leaving them past the recommended time. Dryness in the eye, certain prescriptions, or poor hygiene can disqualify someone from being a good candidate for contact lenses. This should be a conversation had with your doctor before scheduling a contact lens appointment.
We believe that disposable contact lenses are worth the difference in cost. They are better for your overall ocular health as well as promoting good eye hygiene and habits.
Yes, you will need to schedule an appointment to be fitted for contact lenses. Our contact lens technicians are available Monday through Friday, from 8 pm to 4 pm.
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It’s common to accidentally fall asleep while wearing your contact lenses. When you wake up, your eyes will typically feel dry, gritty and will likely feel irritated. If this happens frequently, it may be time to consider switching to glasses or trying extended wear contact lenses that allow up to 30 days of continuous wear.
Even if a lens has received FDA approval for extended wear, any time someone sleeps in their lenses it dramatically increases the risks of negative outcomes caused by overuse. Potential issues that could arise include, but are not limited to, infections and ulcers. Either of these will cause varying levels of discomfort and can have a potentially permanent negative impact on a person’s ability to be corrected.
When your contact lens comes into contact with water, it will absorb the surrounding water. If there happens to be bacteria in the water—which is very common because water has high bacterial activity—that bacterium is now in your contact lens and consequently, in your eye. This can lead to infections and ulcers, as well as other potentially painful and vision-threatening issues.
When contact lenses are not worn properly, cleaned properly, or disposed of correctly, it can lead to serious infection and may even lead to vision loss. Always make sure that you are caring for and disposing of your contact lenses properly to avoid any issues.
Color contact lenses are only available for certain prescriptions. If you would like color contacts, ask your contact lens technician if your prescription comes in different color options.
If you need to order contact lenses, simply email our care team at Wilmington Eye. Email our team now.
Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most commonly diagnosed eye diseases. While there are several causes of dry eye, the most common is inadequate production of tears. With inadequate tear production, the eye can begin to feel itchy, gritty, burn and even cause blurry vision.
The cornea copes very well with minor injuries or abrasions. If the highly sensitive cornea is scratched, healthy cells slide over quickly and patch the injury before infection occurs and vision is affected. If the scratch penetrates the cornea more deeply, however, the healing process will take longer, at times resulting in greater pain, blurred vision, tearing, redness, and extreme sensitivity to light. These symptoms require professional treatment.
A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces all or part of your damaged cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. The goal is to replace damaged or diseased corneal tissue that is severely impairing a person’s vision.
The best way to develop a treatment plan for corneal issues is to first schedule an exam with your optometrist. As your regular eye doctor, your optometrist can monitor and detect any severe issues related to your cornea. If corneal issues are uncovered and cannot be treated with non-surgical methods, you will be referred to our ophthalmic surgeon and corneal specialist, Dr. Clark Springs.
The cornea copes very well with minor injuries or abrasions. If the highly sensitive cornea is scratched, healthy cells slide over quickly and patch the injury before infection occurs and vision is affected. If the scratch penetrates the cornea more deeply, however, the healing process will take longer, at times resulting in greater pain, blurred vision, tearing, redness, and extreme sensitivity to light. These symptoms require professional treatment. Deeper scratches can also cause corneal scarring, resulting in a haze on the cornea that can greatly impair vision. In this case, a corneal transplant may be needed.
Wilmington Eye does not offer free consults for cosmetic services. However, your consultation fee will be applied to the cost of your cosmetic service or procedure.
Our cosmetic procedures are non-invasive and do not require hospitalization. All cosmetic services and procedures will be administered at our Oculoplastic Center, located at 1025 Medical Center Drive, Suite 201.
Discuss with your physician how often you should return for additional procedures. Typically, neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin will require additional visits every 2-4 months.
Insurance will not cover aesthetic cosmetic procedures. Wilmington Eye does accept HSA and FSA funds.
Results are typically seen immediately, and in seven days you’ll have full correction.
Neurotoxins like Botox and fillers are injected using a syringe. There may be a slight pinch upon injection, however most patients report no discomfort.
Seeing an experienced, highly trained medical provider for cosmetic treatments is essential for receiving optimal results. At Wilmington Eye, our cosmetic team consists of board-certified doctors and licensed physician assistants that collectively offer 30+ years of experience.
Ask your eye care professional about care following your treatment. In most instances, the use of drops or artificial tears are encouraged to maintain lubrication of the eyes and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye.
Most treatments are non-invasive, in-office procedures that do not require you to take any time off from work. Please consult with your dry eye doctor on specific instructions regarding post-treatment care.
Most patients report feeling no pain at all during treatments. However, soreness, foreign body sensation and moderate pressure are typical during and immediately following treatment. Any discomfort following your treatment is often controlled with Tylenol.
Most treatments will not be covered by insurance and will therefore require payment at time of service. Wilmington Eye does accept most HSA or FSA funds and patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to find out if there are other ways to get reimbursed for payments made to Wilmington Eye.
Yes, you will be able to drive yourself to and from your treatment. You will be able to safely return to all your daily activities immediately following your procedure.
Fillers range in price from $300 to $600 per vial. Your cosmetic doctor or physician assistant will determine how many vials of fillers are required to treat the area of concern and achieve your desired cosmetic goals.
Anesthesia is not used when administering fillers.
Results vary patient to patient and depend on the type of filler you receive. Typically, most patients will see optimal results within 7 to 14 days (about 2 weeks).
Insurance does not cover the cost of fillers. You can, however, use qualified funds from an HSA or FSA account.
Bruising is common, along with a mild soreness to the injection sight. These will typically clear up on their own and do not require any additional treatment.
Floaters may become less noticeable over time, but they are permanent and stay in the eye.
Each person has their own unique description of what floaters look like. The most common descriptions include spider-like shapes, medusas, clouds, squiggly lines, black or dark spots, thread-like strands or shadowy shapes.
Floater treatments do not hurt; however, some patients report minor scratching and foreign body sensations.
Yes, eye floaters are normal and a common part of the aging process. There are some rare instances in which floaters are a sign of a serious condition such as retinal detachment. Regular eye exams by your optometrist can rule out any underlying ocular issues.
Eye floater treatments typically lasts 2-60 minutes (per eye).
Yes, this is an in-office procedure that does not require anesthesia.
It is very common for patients who have undergone one floater treatment to need additional treatments. Please consult with your ophthalmologist on the number of procedures required.
No, you do not need an appointment to visit our optical shop and order new lenses or new frames. Simply stop by any of our 4 optical shops and someone from our team will assist. You will, however, need an updated prescription.
PD stands for pupillary distance. It’s the distance between your two pupils and is extremely important in ensuring an accurate lens fitting. We keep your PD on file so that we can order and fit new lenses when you need them.
We will replace the nose pads, screws and make adjustments on your glasses anytime for free. Simply stop by one of our 5 optical centers.
Stop by our optical department to find out if your lenses are still covered under warranty. If they are, we will order replacement lenses free of charge and call you when they arrive. If they are no longer covered under warranty, we will order replacement lenses that you can pay for with cash, credit card, or HSA/FSA funds.
It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month to become accustomed to a progressive or bifocal lens. We strongly suggest waiting a minimum of two weeks to allow your eyes to adjust to the new lenses. If you have been wearing progressive or bifocal lenses for 2-4 weeks and they still do not feel comfortable, please come to our optical shop for a recheck.
Be compliant with your medications and use as prescribed. When applying your drops, wait ten minutes in between medications to allow time for absorption. Apply light pressure to the inside of your eye at the tear duct for a full minute after inserting a drop. This will prevent the medication from draining into your nasal cavity and increases its effectiveness by up to 50%. Use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to open the lower lid and the thumb of your dominant hand as a guide and to rest on your index finger.
The goal of frequent testing is to detect and treat vision loss or optic nerve damage before it becomes permanent. Patients who are treated for glaucoma should be seen every 3-6 months to monitor the intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, and peripheral vision.
Glaucoma medications are the first step in treating elevated pressure inside the eye and can be effective in delaying the onset of glaucoma. In some cases, we may recommend surgery and likely, you will continue to use glaucoma medications even after surgery.
At first, glaucoma has no symptoms but as it remains untreated, people may notice that although they see things clearly in front of them, they miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye.
The EVO ICL is designed to be completely unobtrusive after it is put in place. It stays in position by itself and does not interact with any of the eye’s structures.
No. The EVO ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and the observers.
Although the lens is intended to remain in place permanently, a surgeon can remove the implant if necessary.
Extensive research and development preceded the introduction of the EVO ICL. It is now being used by more than 800,000 patients worldwide. The satisfaction rate among patients is extremely high – above 99%. The EVO ICL provides unparalleled quality of vision and has excellent and stable outcomes for patients with moderate to severe myopia.
Yes. The EVO ICL is approved by the FDA to treat a wide range of myopic (nearsightedness) correction needs.
Injectables range in price from $12 to $15 per vial. Your cosmetic doctor or physician assistant will determine which injectable is right for you and how many vials of injectables are required to treat the area of concern. A typical appointment can include anywhere from 30 to 120 vials.
Your cosmetic doctor or physician assistant will determine how many vials of injectables are required to achieve your desired skincare goals. This can vary from patient to patient and depends on several different factors including age, water intake, sun exposure, skin health, and genetics. A typical appointment can include anywhere from 30 to 120 vials.
BOTOX, Dysport and Xeomin are all brands of what’s called a neurotoxin. These neurotoxins perform the same basis function: relax select muscles in your face and limit their ability to contract. The primary difference is where the injectable can be administered. Your cosmetic physician will determine which neurotoxin is right for you.
Anesthesia is not used when administering injectables like BOTOX, Dysport or Xeomin.
Results vary from patient to patient and depend on the type of injectable you receive. Typically, most patients will see results immediately, with optimal results within 5 to 14 days.
Insurance does not cover the cost of aesthetic BOTOX. You can, however, use qualified funds from an HSA or FSA account.
Most patients will see maximum results by coming in 2 to 4 times per year. Discuss with your physician how long you should wait between appointments.
To help make vision correction procedures affordable, we offer payment plans through CareCredit. Our patients can enjoy monthly payments as low as $250. See if you prequalify today.
While this varies greatly on your specific vision correction procedure, most patients will begin to see clearly as soon as 2-3 days following their vision correction procedure. For patients who undergo LASIK, it’s common to begin to see as soon as a few hours after your procedure.
Vision correction procedures are considered elective procedures, which means that insurance companies will not cover the costs. You can, however, use funds from your HSA or FSA accounts to cover the cost of vision correction.
Most patients report feeling no pain at all, only a slight pressure sensation. Prior to your LASIK procedure, eye drops are used to numb your eyes and suppress your natural urge to blink. After LASIK, your eyes may feel scratchy or watery, but these symptoms are temporary.
Wilmington Eye requires patients to reserve their consultation with a $50 fee. This fee is either returned to you, should it be determined that vision correction is not for you, or it is credited to your procedure. If you do not show up for your consultation and fail to notify us, we will charge you $50.
Our fully comprehensive LASIK fee for both eyes include your consultation, all pre-operative exams, advanced measurements and tests, a personalized surgical plan developed by you and your surgeon, an entire year of post-operative visits, access to your entire eye care team and surgeon, and an as-needed enhancement during the first year following your procedure.
LASIK surgery is the most common vision correction procedure performed in the US; last year alone, nearly 1 million procedures were performed. With the use of lasers, we permanently reshape your cornea to allow you to see clearly without the use of glasses or contacts.
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Your entire LASIK procedure is completed in approximately 10 to 20 minutes! To ensure you have the best possible experience, we advise that all patients make preparations to be at our LASIK Center for 1-2 hours for the entire appointment.
Yes! At Wilmington Eye, we treat both of your eyes on the same day, during the same appointment. This allows for optimal healing and post-surgical results.
Immediately following your LASIK procedure, you will need to go home and take a 4-hour nap, and your first post-op appointment will take place the following day. Therefore, the soonest you will be able to return to work will be 2 days after your procedure. This also depends on visual acuity. While most patients see clearly immediately after their procedure, some patients may take a few days to achieve clear vision. Keep in mind that full recovery and visual stabilization may continue over several weeks. Most patients can resume all normal activities safely one week following surgery.
LASIK permanently corrects your refractive error, giving you crystal clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts. The results of LASIK do not wear off.
While many factors determine your LASIK eligibility, people between the ages of 18-45 are generally considered the appropriate age for LASIK. Learn more about LASIK qualifications.
Yes, LASIK can correct astigmatism.
To view our comprehensive LASIK pricing, download our LASIK pricing guide.
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover LASIK and other elective vision correction procedures.
Wilmington Eye partners with CareCredit to offer flexible payment plans that fit any budget.
Yes! Funds from your HSA and FSA can be used to cover the cost of LASIK. These pre-tax dollar funds can offset the cost of your LASIK procedure.
Unlike other LASIK providers, Wilmington Eye does not charge a variable price based on your prescription or the level of astigmatism you have. Instead, we offer a simple, flat fee that covers your procedure and all post-operative care for an entire year.
LASIK is considered an elective procedure and is not medically necessary to see well. Because of this, insurance will not cover the cost of the procedure. However, due to its popularity, many insurance providers offer rebates or other incentives for those that choose LASIK. Contact your individual insurance carrier to learn more.
Unfortunately, VSP does not cover the cost of LASIK eye surgery. However, you can contact your VSP plan administrator to learn about any incentives or rebate programs they may have.
Yes, LASIK is considered a qualifying medical expense by the IRS and may be tax deductible. Plus, because it is a qualified medical expense, you can use HSA and FSA funds to cover the cost of the procedure.
To be a candidate for LASIK, you need refractive stability. Until the age of 18-21, your eyes are changing. Because of this, you will not be a candidate for LASIK at 16.
Family history of ocular disease does not automatically preclude a person from having LASIK. During your consultation, your LASIK surgeon will conduct multiple tests to determine if you have any existing ocular diseases that exclude you from having LASIK.
If you are in your 60s, you will likely not be a candidate for LASIK. Instead, your surgeon will likely recommend Refractive Lens Exchange or Cataract Surgery.
Yes, LASIK can correct up to 5 diopters of astigmatism, leaving you with clear vision and total independence from glasses and contacts.
Our average LASIK patient has a prescription of -2 to a -4.5. We typically will not perform LASIK on a patient who is -6 or higher. For these patients, we recommend PRK or ICL.
If you have had a prior LASIK procedure, your cornea will need to be evaluated by your LASIK surgeon to determine if another procedure can deliver the best surgical results. Most patients who have had a LASIK procedure will see better results with PRK.
While LASIK is more popular, PRK is an equally effective, safe, reliable procedure. LASIK and PRK are very similar procedures and yield the same surgical results.
No. The Light Adjustable Lens™ is considered a premium IOL and is therefore not covered by insurance. Patients will be required to pay all out-of-pocket costs prior to surgery.
No. You do not need a second surgery after the Light Adjustable Lens™ has been implanted. Your adjustment visits will be performed at your surgeon’s office and do not require an extended stay or anesthesia of any kind.
Your surgeon will determine how many adjustments you will need to achieve optimal surgical results. Typically, patients can expect anywhere from 1-3 adjustment appointments and 2 lock-in appointments.
While your vision is still in the adjustment phase, you will be required to wear glasses that prevent UV light from altering your lens to protect it before the final lock-in.
Most patients enjoy 20/20 following cataract surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens™ and do not require glasses to see well at all distances.
Yes. The Light Adjustable Lens™ can accommodate those with astigmatism, specifically corneal astigmatism of at least 0.75 diopters (D).
Following surgery, you must wear the special UV-protective glasses during all waking hours for about 4 to 5 weeks and comply with your doctor’s schedule of LDD light treatments. Failure to wear the UV-protective glasses can result in an unpredicted vision change or loss of vision quality after exposure to UV light, such as from sunlight. This may require a second surgery to remove the LAL/LAL+ from your eye and replace it with another IOL.
During an oculoplastic evaluation at Wilmington Eye, one of our skilled providers will help you understand your concern and determine what treatment option is best for you. With the latest diagnostic tools and the experience that comes with being the regional leader in oculofacial plastic surgery, we are committed to providing you with the care that you deserve.
We use a combination of local anesthesia as well as IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable during your surgery. Most patients report feeling no pain at all during the procedure. However, soreness, achiness, dryness of the eyes, and a headache have been reported during the first few days following surgery. For minor procedures in the office, sedation is not necessary and postoperative discomfort is often controlled with Tylenol.
Most insurances, including Medicare, will cover oculofacial plastic surgery that meets their definition for causing functional impairment. Our doctors will help you determine if you meet these criteria. In situations where the concern does not meet insurance’s criteria, the procedures recommended are generally not covered by insurance and will require out-of-pocket fees. As always, consult with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage details.
There are many types of surgery performed by our oculofacial plastic surgery experts. The type of procedure primarily determines the amount of swelling and bruising after surgery. In addition, other medical conditions and medications also impact recovery. Your provider can provide you with more specific recovery expectations depending on these factors. Recovery can range from a few days to several weeks. The ability to return to normal daily activities typically occurs in one week.
Every patient heals differently. Eyelid, tear duct, and orbital surgery will typically cause bruising and swelling of the eyelids which can last several weeks. Blurred vision typically improves as the swelling resolves. Ointment used on incisions can also get into the eyes and cause temporarily blurred vision. Increased eye dryness is common after surgery and can be addressed with over-the-counter artificial tears.
Time in surgery depends on the actual procedure performed and can range from 30 minutes to several hours. Due to additional pre-operative preparation and a brief post-op recovery period, your entire stay at the surgical center will be approximately 2-4 hours.
You will not be allowed to drive yourself home from the surgical center on the day of your surgery. You will receive sedation during surgery, which means that you cannot legally operate a car for 24 hours. Please arrange transportation to and from the surgery facility for your surgery date. A responsible adult must accompany you and stay at the facility during your surgery.
Any surgery that involves a skin incision will leave a scar. However, with our highly trained surgeons, every effort will be made to minimize the visibility of the scar. A scar cream is available in our office and can be purchased following your first post-operative visit if recommended by your physician.
The primary goal of oculofacial plastic surgery is usually to improve the function of the structures surrounding the eyes, but a secondary goal of surgery is to improve the appearance of these tissues. Most patients start out with some degree of asymmetry, and perfect symmetry after surgery is not a realistic goal. Our physicians have excellent patient satisfaction rates and they will make every effort to work with you to achieve a realistic and harmonious result with which you are satisfied.
Yes. Our pediatric ophthalmologist has special instruments, tools and techniques to assess and diagnose the visual problems for an infant who does not communicate yet.
Yes. Dilation of the eyes is an essential part of a comprehensive eye examination in children. The pupils will remain large for several hours after the exam, and sometimes until the next day. While the drops do not cause pain, they can have a slight burning or stinging sensation.
We ask that parents set aside approximately one and a half to two hours for your child’s eye exam. While we understand that children require timely care to avoid any disturbances, we coincide this with the need to thoroughly evaluate and assess each child.
Dilation can last up to 24 hours. Patients with lighter eyes (blue) may stay dilated longer. Patients with darker eyes are sometimes difficult to dilate and may need up to 3 dilation drops in the office. Dilation drops can cause light sensitivity and blurry vision that will resolve once the eyes are no longer dilated.
If a patient is farsighted, they may grow out of their glasses depending on how strong their glasses prescription is. If a patient is nearsighted, they will likely need glasses for life. If a patient has astigmatism, which is when the eye is shaped like a football, they will likely need glasses for life.
Amblyopia is when one eye is not seeing as well and the other because the brain shuts off use of an eye. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Amblyopia can often be corrected with patching or drops, but it does have a limited timeframe for correction. Amblyopia is treatable until about the age of 10 years old. After age 10, amblyopia is not treatable and cannot be corrected with glasses, surgery, or other therapies. Early intervention is key in treating amblyopia.
If a patient has strabismus (esotropia, exotropia, or one eye higher than the other), the patient will typically not outgrow the condition with a few exceptions. Control is key and if glasses or patching do not improve control, patients may need surgical correction.
Dilated appointments can take up to 2.5 hours and Recheck appointments can take up to 1.5 hours. Appointment times vary based on cooperation of the patient, questions parents/guardians may have, or other extenuating circumstances. Please know we are trying to keep within the timeframes, but emergencies and other factors may cause delays.
During a dilated exam the patient will be assessed by the technician through testing including visual acuity, depth perception, binocular function, eye pressure, and pupils. Then dilation drops will be instilled. After the drops have been instilled and pupils are dilated, the patient will be assessed by the doctor. During this part of the assessment, the doctor will check the refractive error and see if the patient needs glasses. The doctor will also view the back of the eye to make sure everything is healthy or there are no new changes. After all information is collected, the doctor will review results with the patient and parent/guardian. All questions will be answered. For a recheck appointment, the patient will have the technician workup repeated and then will see the doctor. Rechecks are visits to assess any progress or changes that need to be monitored more frequently than yearly.
No. Glasses are used to correct refractive error and clear any blur in vision. Glasses can also be used to relax over focusing causing crossing of the eyes or improve control of drifting.
Unless specified by the doctor, all patients should wear their glasses full time to properly adjust to and benefit from glasses.
Patching is used for different diagnoses. If a patient is patching to improve alignment control, the patient will need to patch until good control is achieved and may need to be restarted if control worsens. If a patient is patching to improve amblyopia, the patient will need to patch until vision is 20/20 in the poorer seeing eye or until visual acuity is equal in both eyes. Patching may be discontinued if the patient is not cooperative, not tolerating patching, or if the patient has reached the age occlusion therapy is no longer beneficial.
If a patient is refusing glasses, we can often send in a drop that is used for 1 week to help patients relax into glasses. If a patient is refusing to patch, the patient may be able to switch to a drop that will blur the vision in the good eye. Not all patients are candidates for the drop instead of patching. Please speak with your child’s doctor to assess other options. Other ways to promote patching are to allow the patient to watch tv, play video games, or perform near tasks (coloring, reading, tracing activities etc.) during the patching time may improve cooperation. Offering rewards for patching is also a good motivator for patients.
Atropine causes the pupil (dark circle in the middle of the eye) to dilate (get big). This is supposed to happen, so DO NOT STOP using the drop. One atropine drop may dilate the pupil for up to one week. Although the pupil remains dilated, the blurring effect of atropine wears off in less than 1 day. Administer the drop as directed by the doctor.
To alleviate any pain or discomfort you may feel during the procedure, your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops. While each patient’s own unique threshold for discomfort may vary, most do not report pain or discomfort during their PRK procedure.
Patients who undergo PRK will see gradual improvements in their vision over the course of several weeks. During the first few days following PRK, you may experience blurry vision or haziness. This is perfectly normal as the eyes work to heal themselves. Full recovery and stabilized eyesight will take several weeks, so be patient.
The entire PRK procedure is completed in less than 20 minutes! However, please plan on being at our facility for at least one hour on your surgery day.
Our surgeons suggest that you take 2-3 days off of work following your PRK procedure to allow your eyes time to heal. Please keep in mind that optimal vision outcomes will likely take several weeks. During your first post-operative exam, your doctor will instruct you on when you can resume strenuous activities such as working out or running.
Like any surgery, there are associated risks of undergoing PRK surgery. Some known associated risks include: infection, edema (swelling), corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism, Dry Eye Syndrome, light sensitivity, glare or halos. While many of these side effects are temporary, there have been rare instances of reported long-term problems. Your PRK surgeon will be able to explain any risks or side effects during your initial consultation. Following PRK surgery, it’s extremely important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to minimize the risk of complication.
The total out-of-pocket cost for PRK is $4,500. Our comprehensive cost for PRK eye surgery includes all pre-operative measurements and exams, a personalized and flexible surgical plan, all post-operative checkups, and an as-needed enhancement during the first year.
There are no hidden fees or variations in pricing based on your refractive errors. In addition, we offer affordable financing options, and we accept funds from FSA and HSA accounts. Please ask us about discounts for teachers, military personnel, and first responders!
Wilmington Eye does not charge for a consultation to determine if PRK is right for you. We do require patients to reserve their consultation with a $50 fee. This fee is either returned to you, should it be determined that vision correction is not for you, or it is credited to your procedure. If you do not show up for your consultation and fail to notify us, we will charge you $50.
Driving is not permitted after surgery, so you will need to make arrangements for a loved one to drive you to and from your PRK procedure.
Opus plasma skin resurfacing is an innovative, first-of-its-kind radio frequency skin resurfacing technology using PLASMA to improve skin tone, texture, wrinkles and fine lines, scars, acne scars, and even stretch marks.
The cost of your procedure will be determined by your physician. During your cosmetic consult, your physician will review your skincare goals and develop a treatment plan that will help you achieve those goals. Typical treatments can range anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per treatment.
Anesthesia is not required for Opus Skin Resurfacing. However, numbing cream is applied prior to the treatment to ensure you are comfortable.
Patients will typically see results immediately, with the skin feeling tauter. Once the redness from the procedure fades, patients will immediately see smoother skin.
Depending on your treatment plan, the degree of discomfort will vary. Topical anesthetic is oftentimes recommended to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort.
Treatments are quick. Depending on the treatment area, they can last anywhere from 5-15 minutes.
Recovery will depend on your treatment plan. You may experience 24 to 48 hours of mild to moderate redness and swelling, nothing significant enough to interfere with your daily activities.
Opus plasma skin resurfacing can be used on a wide demographic of patients of different age groups, skin types and skin concerns. Plus, our cosmetic provider can customize the treatment to your exact skin type.
Best results are typically seen after 3 treatments, although noticeable improvements may been seen after just 1 treatment. During your consultation, your Wilmington Eye cosmetic provider will assess your skin to personalize a treatment plan for you.
This will vary depending on the treatment plan recommended by your cosmetic provider. You may experience 24-48 hours of mild to moderate redness and swelling. Makeup may be worn after 24 hours.
Anyone from their early 20s all the way to their 90s is a candidate for plasma skin resurfacing. By customizing the settings, your provider can help you achieve your skincare goals, no matter what they are.
Opus plasma skin resurfacing removes a small fraction of the skin, stimulating the surrounding skin to repair itself.
Anesthesia is not required for Opus Skin Resurfacing but will be used for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing.
Both procedures will produce minor discomfort to mild pain. It’s important to remember that each patient’s skin reacts differently to skin resurfacing treatments and each patient’s pain tolerance will vary greatly.
Treatments last about 30 minutes.
Yes, visible redness and peeling will be seen immediately following your procedure. It will appear as if you have an intense sunburn. Depending on the type of skin resurfacing, this will fade in 1-2 weeks.
No, you do not need an appointment to purchase Obagi skincare products. You can drop by our offices at New Hanover Medical Park Drive or the Oculoplastics Center to purchase any Obagi products. If you are in our offices for an appointment, you can purchase any Obagi skincare products during checkout.
Prolonged exposure to the sun, pollution, and a lifestyle that is not always healthy, aggravate the natural, gradual physiological ageing process, leading to deterioration of the skin structure. This phenomenon is most evident at the level of the epidermis and upper papillary dermis. Clinical aspects include skin thinning, transparency, laxity, wrinkles, uneven colouring, pigmentary marks, vascular marks, and irregular texture.
We have an Obagi® product for every skin type. Please meet with your skin care physician to find out which Obagi products are best for you.
Because your physician may often customize regimens, it is very important that you work with your medical provider before modifying your skin care routine or switching out products.
Check with your physician regarding any topical products you wish to use during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
Because everyone has different skin, the best thing to do is talk to your skin care physician about what’s best for you and your unique skin care needs.
Everyone responds differently while using Obagi products – this is why working with a skin care professional is so important. Please call your physician to talk about what you are experiencing, and please report the adverse reaction directly to Obagi by calling 1-800-636-7546, option 1.
You should use our products as your physician has directed. If you have questions, please consult your physician.
Yes! Adults can benefit from some of the same treatment options that are available to children for treating strabismus. Treatment options may include prismatic glasses, specialized exercises to regain the coordination of both eyes (fusional exercises) and surgery. Most adults with misaligned eyes are able to have successful realignment with surgery. Schedule a strabismus surgical consultation today.
Eye alignment surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure although the need for hospitalization varies depending upon your general health and will be determined by your surgeon.
Most individuals see significant improvement in eye alignment following their procedure. Occasionally the surgery is only partially successful, or changes in ocular alignment may occur over time after initially successful surgery. Additional surgery may be indicated. Correction of residual double vision may be improved with the use of prism glasses.
Discomfort after eye muscle surgery is usually not severe. A feeling of nausea can occur due to some of the medications used for anesthesia or from the surgery itself. Headache, a pulling sensation with eye movement and foreign body sensation in the eye are the most common complaints. The eyes are often red following surgery as the muscle heals. There may be mild swelling of the eyelids. These symptoms typically last only several days. Over-the-counter pain medication often reduces discomfort, although stronger medication is sometimes prescribed. Ice compresses can also be helpful. Most patients return to full activity in several days.
If you wore glasses before strabismus surgery, you will typically need to wear glasses after the procedure.
It’s never too late to correct eye misalignment! Many adults with misaligned eyes have been told that nothing can be done, or that the procedure in adults is purely cosmetic. Both statements are inaccurate. In fact, it has been shown that strabismus surgery has many positive indications for adults, including elimination of double vision, expansion of visual field, and improvement in psychosocial function and vocational status.
In about 25% of patients, a second surgery is required. Occasionally, multiple surgeries are needed.
The cornea helps to shield the rest of the eye from germs, dust, and other harmful matter. It also contributes between 65-75 percent of the eye’s total focusing power, making it essential to clear and healthy vision.
