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Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Health

1. At what age should a child have their first eye exam?

All children should have their eyes examined before entering kindergarten or first grade. Good vision and good visual processing is vital to learning. If a child has any issues with their eyes, it is extremely important to correct it before they start learning to read. Failing to identify and address a child’s visual impairment will likely hinder their learning process.

2. What should I bring with me to my eye exam?

If you wear glasses, it is important to bring your current glasses with you to your eye exam. If you wear contact lenses it would be very helpful to the doctor to bring your current prescription to your exam as well. Please see question 4 below regarding our recommendation to bring sunglasses with you as well. Lastly, you should bring a list of questions and concerns that you would like the doctor to address with you at the time of your exam.

3. Do I need to have my eyes dilated?

The dilation is actually the most important part of the exam. It is the method eye doctors utilize to evaluate your retina, which is the inner lining of the eye and the part of the eye that gives us our vision. Without dilating your eyes I cannot make a determination that your eyes are fully healthy. By dilating your eyes we can check for cataracts, glaucoma macular degeneration and many other eye disorders. Of course, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable in our office, so we do respect any patient’s wish to decline having their eyes dilated if they feel apprehension about doing so.

4. What are the side effects of a dilation?

The dilation of the pupils in your eyes occurs when we put drops inside the eye which causes your pupils to enlarge. When your pupils are enlarged (or, as we say, dilated) your vision becomes sensitive to the sunlight. The drops will also make it difficult to read and work on the computer for approximately three to four hours after the drops are put in. If you have a good pair of sunglasses, please bring them and wear them home. If you don’t have a pair of sunglasses, our office will give you a disposable pair to take home with you.

5. How long will my exam take?

A routine eye exam with a dilation can take approximately 30-45 minutes. Please leave some extra time to browse our great selection of glasses and sunglasses.

6. How often should I have my eyes examined?

At NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare, we recommend a yearly exam. Early detection of certain eye diseases is key to preserving one’s vision. A lot can change in a year and our goal is to help you keep your eyes happy and healthy for a very long time.

7. Is it important to have quality sunglasses?

Absolutely! Not all sunglasses are created equal. Especially in south Florida where the sun is out all the time, it is extremely important to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. When you wear sunglasses, you cut down the light level to which the eye is exposed. This actually makes your pupil dilate (enlarge). If you are wearing sunglasses of poor quality, this will allow more UV light to get to the back of th eye and can cause more harm than not wearing a sunglass at all. Please visit us at NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare and peruse our inventory of quality sunglasses that will protect your eyes against harmful UV light. Many of the sunglasses we sell have polarized lens that significantly decrease the glare caused by the sun and the sun’s reflections.

8. My eyes always feel dry, can an eye doctor do anything to help?

Over the last 10 years Dr. Sonneberg has helped many patients experiencing dry-eye symptoms find relief. If you are experiencing any of the following: burning, itching, tearing, a sandy, gritty sensation or redness, please let Dr. Sonneberg know so that she can tailor a specific treatment plan for your symptoms.

9. Do you offer warranties on glasses purchased from your store?

We stand behind the products that we sell. You will always receive a one-year manufacturers warranty on all frames and lenses purchased in our store. For additional assurance and peace of mind, we offer our WOW warranty. The WOW warranty is a warranty you may purchase exclusively at NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare for $25.00 and provides you with a “no questions asked” warranty on the glasses you purchase from our store. If you break, scratch or damage your glasses in any way, even if it is not covered under the manufacturers warranty, we will replace them for FREE!

10. Will my eyes be dilated during my BVD exam?

During your BVD exam with Dr. Sonneberg, your comfort and consent are of utmost importance. Typically, Dr. Sonneberg prefers to dilate the eyes during a follow-up visit rather than the initial appointment. However, she will recommend dilation if you haven’t undergone the procedure in the past year. Rest assured, no procedure will be conducted without your informed consent.

11. How thick are prism glasses?

We Prism glasses are designed to appear as inconspicuous as any regular eyewear. To an outsider, they seem just like a standard pair of glasses, ensuring your privacy and confidence. For a more detailed visual explanation on how prism glasses look and work, you can refer to this YouTube video: Prism Glasses Explained.

12. Is it possible to wear contact lenses with prismatic correction?

While glasses with prismatic correction are the recommended choice for most patients, contact lenses with prismatic properties can be an option in rare instances. These are generally considered for special occasions or specific needs.

13. Will I need to wear prism glasses for the rest of my life?

The need for prism glasses varies from patient to patient, given that no two eyes are identical. The duration for which you might need to wear prism glasses will be determined based on your eye condition, the results of your evaluation, and the doctor’s recommendations. It’s crucial to have an in-depth discussion with Dr. Sonneberg at the end of your evaluation to understand your unique needs and the best course of action.

NeuroVisual Specialists of Florida and iSee VisionCare is a full-service optometrist you can trust with the whole family. We offer eye exams, glasses, contact lenses and pediatric vision care and are also the only neurovisual specialist in the state of Florida. We would love to hear from you — contact us by phone at (561) 733-9008 or through our online contact form.