Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Liu recommends that children have their eyes examined as early as 3 years of age and yearly after that. You can also bring a child at any time you suspect an eye problem or issue. A children friendly exam will be performed typically with pictures, where knowing the alphabet and verbal response is not necessary. Early detection and treatment of various vision disorders will minimize learning issues due to the development of lazy eye (amblyopia) and eye turns (strabismus).

There is a clear lens in our eyes that helps us to focus. As we age, the lens becomes cloudy due to UV absorption and environmental factors. In the early stages of cataract development, changes in glasses prescription can re-solve the focussing issue. As the cataract progresses, surgery will be needed and performed by an Ophthalmologist to remove the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens implant. Cataracts can occur at any age, however typically it is found in patients over the age of 65.

Glaucoma is a silent eye condition where an increase in eye pressure may cause damage to the optic nerve and the patient suffering is often asymptomatic. The condition will first cause the loss of our peripheral vision and eventually our central vision. Glaucoma can be prevented and treated if diagnosed at an early stage. There are many risk factors for developing glaucoma such as age, race and family history.

Macular degeneration is a progressive deterioration of the macula; an area that is responsible for most of our central vision. There is currently no treatment to stop macular degeneration from progressing. Once macular degeneration is diagnosed we can take certain measures to help slow down the progression of the disease. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in patients over the age of 65. This disease can also be hereditary.

Diabetes can cause various changes to your eyes. If the sugar level is not well controlled, the vision may fluctuates and also increase the risk of early development of diabetic cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a result of fluid, blood and/or protein leakages into the surrounding retina and cause potential scar tissues formation. Early detection and intervention may help to slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy.