Home Call Contact Locate

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Corona Virus Update: June 5th, 2020
We ARE fully open. Santa Paula office will start seeing patients on July 1st.
- All our Equipment is sterilized per the CDC guidelines.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about the eye care services provided at Miramar.

  1. Retina-Vitreous Surgery
  2. Diabetic Retinopathy
  3. Diabetic Evaluation and Treatment
  4. LASIK Surgery
  5. Refractive Surgery
  6. Glaucoma Surgery
  7. Cataract Surgery
  8. Adult Strabismus Surgery
  9. Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
  10. Forehead & Brow Lifts
  11. BOTOX® Cosmetic
  12. Comprehensive Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric Eye Care
  13. Other Eye Health Topics

Retina-Vitreous Surgery

What is the retina?


What is the vitreous?


How can retina-vitreous problems be treated?

Problems with the retina and vitreous -- including retinal tear, retinal detachment, severe intraocular infection (endophthalmitis) and trauma -- can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Surgery can correct problems before vision is lost or prevent further deterioration from occurring.

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). When these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss occurs. In its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots - and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible.

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?


Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?


Diabetic Evaluation and Treatment

I have diabetes. Should I have an eye exam?

Yes! Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined once a year. The eye is examined through a dilated pupil, and our ophthalmologists look for signs of developing problems in the eye's structures and blood vessels. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain a steady blood-sugar level, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.

LASIK Surgery

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It adjusts the curvature of the cornea to improve the eye's ability to focus light.

During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome creates a flap in the outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium. Patients are given topical anesthesia and a mild sedative so they are awake but calm and cannot feel the instruments. The epithelial flap is lifted and an excimer laser beam adjusts corneal curvature so objects no longer appear blurry. The flap is then closed.

The entire LASIK procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave the office within an hour or two.

Refractive Surgery

How does refractive surgery improve vision?

The cornea is the clear covering on the front of the eye which bends, or refracts, light rays that focus on the retina in the back of the eye. A certain shape, or curvature, is required in order for light to focus exactly on the retina rather than in front of it or behind it. Corneal curvature may be surgically corrected using LASIK, LASEK or other refractive procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. A thorough eye examination and consultation are necessary before a treatment decision can be made.

Glaucoma Surgery

What is glaucoma?


Does glaucoma have any symptoms?

Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Symptoms are occasionally present and should be taken as warning signs that glaucoma may be developing; these include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes.

Is glaucoma treatable?


Cataract Surgery


A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications.

Will it hurt?

We will apply topical anesthetic drops to your eye to maintain comfort, as well as deliver mild sedatives through an IV administered by an anesthesiologist (MD).

Is the procedure safe?

Although a perfect outcome cannot be promised, cataract surgery is considered to be one of the safest surgeries today.

When can I get back to work?

Most people return to work the day after surgery. Contrary to what most people hear, due to our technique, you may bend and lift the next day after surgery.

How long does surgery take?

Plan to be at the surgery center for about two hours, although the actual surgery takes about 5-10 minutes.

Am I a suitable candidate?

You will have a thorough examination of your eyes at your consultation, and discuss the options that are best for your eyes and your lifestyle.

Can I drive after my surgery?

Although your vision may be blurrier due to swelling immediately following surgery, most people drive the next day after surgery.

When can I wear makeup?

We generally recommend waiting a week or so after surgery before applying makeup around your eyes.

What eye drops will I need to take?

We recommend using three different eye drop medications beginning the day before surgery and continuing for 1 month after surgery to achieve best healing results: antibiotic, steroid, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

Can cataracts be prevented?

They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.

Are there symptoms associated with cataracts?


  • Blurred/hazy vision
  • Spots in front of the eye(s)
  • Sensitivity to glare
  • A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
  • A temporary improvement in near vision

How are cataracts treated?


Adult Strabismus Surgery

What is strabismus?

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is the term for when a person cannot align both eyes on an object at the same time. Strabismus can be constant or intermittent (i.e. due to stress or illness). The condition may manifest at first as double vision. Eventually, the brain begins to ignore, or suppress, information from the weaker eye. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to visual impairment, loss of binocular vision, and blindness in the weaker eye.

Can adults be treated?

Strabismus affects about 5% of children, and treatment is recommended before the age of six for the most effective results. However, adults can be treated too.

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

What are the advantages of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?

By removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes, giving a more youthful appearance. The procedure is also done to remove puffy bags under the eyes. It is typically a cosmetic procedure but can also improve vision by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient's field of vision.

Because blepharoplasty cannot be used to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet or dark circles under the eyes, the procedure is often combined with others such as a facelift and BOTOX® treatments.

Will I have visible scars?


How soon after surgery can I wear my contact lenses?


Why should I consult Miramar for plastic surgery to remove excess skin from my eyelids and puffy bags from under my eyes?

Give your eyes a natural, refreshed and more youthful look! In May 2003, renowned plastic surgeon Daniel Ebroon, M.D. joined Miramar. He had been an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Northwestern University for five years, where he taught 25 doctors the very specialized skill of cosmetic eyelid plastic surgery (performed to remove excess skin on the eyelids and to remove puffy "bags" under the eyes). He is one of approximately 400 trained eyelid plastic surgeons in the world. Dr. Ebroon is now a faculty member at the UCLA Medical School and the Jules Stein Eye Institute.

Dr. Ebroon performs plastic surgery to revitalize aging, puffy and tired-looking eyes, and to correct droopy eyelids, under-eye bags and wrinkles around the eyes. He also performs forehead and brow lifts to raise the eyebrows and reduce forehead wrinkles. In addition, he specializes in eyelid cancer, broken bones around the eyes, tearing disorders, thyroid eye disease, and other eyelid disorders.

Forehead & Brow Lifts

What can a brow lift do for me?



What's the difference between endoscopic and traditional methods?

The main difference lies in the type of incision made. In a traditional browlift the surgeon makes a coronal (headphone-shaped) incision behind the hairline, stretching between the ears and across the top of the forehead. In a minimally invasive endoscopic browlift the surgeon makes three to five short incisions (less than an inch long) behind the hairline. The endoscope -- a slim instrument with a camera on the end -- is placed in one incision so the surgeon can see beneath the skin, while he or she lifts the skin and adjusts muscles through the other incisions.

When can I return to work?

Many patients return to work or school in 7-10 days or less.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

What if I don't like the results?

Results will fade after a few months.

How frequently can/should I have injections?

BOTOX® can be used every 3-4 months, depending on how the muscles respond.

Comprehensive Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric Eye Care

Why should I have an eye exam?


What are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism?

Patients with myopia, or nearsightedness, have steep curvature in one or both corneas; they can focus on nearby objects, but distant objects appear blurry. For hyperopic or farsighted patients, shallow corneal curvature causes nearby objects to appear blurry while objects in the distance are clear. Astigmatism causes objects that are close or at a distance to appear blurry or doubled. Most people have some degree of astigmatism, which often occurs in combination with myopia or hyperopia.

What can glasses and contact lenses do for me?

Over 140 million people in the U.S. wear eyeglasses, and over 30 million wear contact lenses. Glasses and contact lenses improve vision by adjusting the way the eyes bend and focus light. Prescriptions are measured for each eye so patients can enjoy optimal vision clarity, usually 20/20. Eyewear may be used for certain activities, such as reading for hyperopic patients and driving or watching television for myopic patients, or may be worn at all times.

When should my child have an eye exam?


Other Eye Health Topics

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the number-one cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the macula -- a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our vision is clear and sharp -- degrades or "degenerates," causing a progressive loss of vision.

Does macular degeneration have any symptoms?

Yes. They include:

  • A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
  • A gradual loss of color vision
  • Distorted vision
  • A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

Can macular degeneration be treated?

The "dry" form of macular degeneration has no treatment, but the "wet" form may be helped by laser procedures if it is detected early. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss.

What is dry eye?

"Dry eye" is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications, climate, injury, and various health problems.

Symptoms include:

  • Irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes
  • A burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes
  • Blurred vision


How is dry eye treated?


What are vascular occlusions?

A retinal vein occlusion occurs when an artery supplying blood to the eye hardens or swells and presses on a nearby vein, making it difficult for blood to leave the eye. The restricted circulation leads to high pressure in the eye, which can in turn cause swelling, bleeding, growth of abnormal blood vessels, and partial or total vision loss.

Vascular occlusions do not cause a change in physical appearance, and they can occur with no pain or noticeable loss of vision. For these reasons, it is important to have routine eye exams and also to check one's own vision by closing one eye at a time.

Can vascular occlusions be treated?

There is no cure for vascular occlusions, but they can be treated. Emphasis is placed on risk management, treatment of symptoms and prevention of further vision loss. It is critical to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other health conditions that increase the risk of vascular hardening, narrowing and blood clotting.

What is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Corneal Cross-linking is a minimally invasive, FDA approved, outpatient procedure that combines the use of riboflavin eye drops, Photrexa® solutions, and safe ultra-violet A (UVA) light for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.