Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We recommend having a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, even if you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses. Annual exams help detect early signs of eye disease and ensure your prescription is up to date, especially important in Florida’s high-glare, screen-heavy environment.

A vision screening is a quick check, often done at school or work, that only measures how well you can see. A comprehensive eye exam, like the ones we perform at Riverside Family Eye Care, checks your vision and your overall eye health, screening for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.

Yes! Even if your vision feels fine, many eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can develop without symptoms. Regular exams help protect your long-term vision and overall health.

Most eye exams take about 30 to 45 minutes, but plan for up to an hour if you’re a new patient or getting fitted for contact lenses. We take our time to explain your results and answer your questions—no rushed appointments here.

In Florida, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses expire after one year. That means you’ll need a new eye exam to update your prescription.

The American Optometric Association recommends a child’s first comprehensive eye exam at 6 to 12 months, followed by another exam at age 3, and again before starting kindergarten. After that, we suggest annual exams, especially with today’s increased screen time and early-onset myopia.

Watch for:

• Squinting or covering one eye
• Complaints of blurry vision or headaches
• Tilting their head or sitting very close to screens
• Rubbing their eyes frequently
• Struggling with reading or schoolwork

If you notice any of these, schedule an eye exam—kids don’t always know their vision is off.

Yes, we diagnose and manage conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye turn) in children. Early detection is key! The sooner we address these issues, the better your child’s chances of developing strong, healthy vision.

We offer myopia management solutions (including specialty lenses and lifestyle coaching) for children whose nearsightedness is progressing quickly. If your child might benefit from vision therapy, we can refer you to trusted pediatric specialists in the Fort Myers area.

We offer a wide variety of contact lenses, including:

• Daily disposables
• Biweekly and monthly lenses
• Toric lenses for astigmatism
• Multifocal and bifocal lenses
• Colored contacts
• Specialty lenses for dry eye or keratoconus

Not sure which is right for you? We’ll walk you through it during your contact lens consultation.

Yes, today’s lens technology has come a long way! We fit toric lenses for astigmatism and offer specially designed contacts for patients with dry eye or sensitive corneas. During your exam, we’ll assess your eye shape, tear film, and lifestyle to match you with the best option.

Yes. A contact lens exam includes all the tests from a standard eye exam, plus extra measurements for lens fit and tear quality. It also includes a contact lens fitting and trial pair, so we can make sure your lenses feel comfortable and provide clear vision.

Most people, even teens and some kids, can wear contacts safely with the right guidance. We’ll consider your (or your child’s) eye health, maturity, daily habits, and preferences to help determine if contacts are a good fit. We also offer training and support for first-time wearers!

• Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
• Glaucoma (optic nerve damage from high eye pressure)
• Macular degeneration (central vision loss)
• Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss from diabetes)
• Dry eye syndrome

Yes. Every comprehensive eye exam includes screenings for major eye diseases, especially those that become more common after age 60. If needed, we offer advanced diagnostic imaging and long-term management for these conditions.

No, many age-related vision changes can be corrected or managed. While some decline in near vision (presbyopia) is normal, routine eye exams and proactive care can help preserve your eyesight and quality of life well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond.

Yes. If you have diabetes, we recommend a yearly diabetic eye exam to monitor for early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other complications. We work closely with your primary care doctor to ensure your eye health is protected.

These are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome, which happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. You might also notice burning, blurred vision, or a feeling like there’s sand in your eye.

Yes. Florida’s warm weather, air conditioning, pollen, and sun exposure can all contribute to dry eye symptoms, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or on screens. Seasonal allergies also play a big role.

Yes. We offer InMode Lumecca and Forma—non-invasive technologies that utilize intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) to treat inflammation and restore normal tear gland function. These are excellent options for patients with moderate to severe dry eye.

• Use a humidifier at home
• Take screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and UV rays
• Stay hydrated and eat omega-rich foods
• Avoid ceiling fans blowing directly on your face

Any sudden change in vision, pain, or injury to the eye should be treated as an emergency. Common examples include:

• Sudden vision loss (in one or both eyes)
• Flashes of light or new floaters
• Eye injuries or foreign objects
• Chemical exposure
• Eye infections (redness, swelling, discharge, pain)
• Severe eye pain or pressure

If you’re not sure, call us—we’d rather you be safe than sorry.

Yes! We treat a wide range of urgent eye conditions right here in our office. From scratched corneas and styes to conjunctivitis (pink eye) and eye infections, we’ll assess your symptoms and provide prompt treatment or referral if needed.

Call us immediately at 239-500-2020 or go to the nearest emergency room. Sudden vision loss can signal a serious medical issue and needs urgent attention, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, headache, or other symptoms.

We do our best to accommodate same-day appointments for eye emergencies. If you’re experiencing pain, vision changes, or a sudden issue, call our office—we’ll fit you in as quickly as possible.

We carry a curated collection of designer eyewear brands that blend fashion and function. Some of our popular lines include:

• Costa®
• Draper James®
• Charmant Titanium®
• Furla®
• And many more stylish, high-quality options

Yes! We offer:

• Blue light filtering lenses to help reduce digital eye strain from screens
• Prescription sunglasses with UV protection (essential in sunny Fort Myers!)
• Polarized lenses for glare-free vision—great for driving and boating
• Transition lenses that adapt to sunlight automatically

Absolutely! That’s one of our favorite parts! Our experienced optical team will walk you through shape, size, and color options to find frames that fit your face and match your personality. You’ll leave feeling confident and looking great.

Yes, we offer complimentary adjustments and minor repairs. Stop in anytime during business hours, and we’ll help your frames sit comfortably and securely.