Eye Services
Dr. Benson's practice emphasis is on treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye dises, macular degeneration, dry eye, and other eye problems in addition to providing quality eye care to all ages.
Meet Dr. Benson
Dr. Benson is both types of eye doctors: Optometrist AND Ophthalmologist. Practicing with the motto, "Caring for you, not just your eyes," he has been attending to his patients for more than 25 years.
Frequently Asked
What is an ophthalmologist?
Why should I see an ophthalmologist?
How often should I see an ophthalmologist?
Get these answers and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) is a medical doctor with additional specialized training in all aspects of eye care-medical, surgical and optical. are different from optometrists and opticians in their training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmologists complete: four years of college; four years of medical school; one year of internship; three years, at least, of residency (hospital based training) in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders.
When should I see an ophthalmologist?
You should have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist if you have:
- Decreased vision, even if temporary;
- New floaters (black “strings” or specks in the vision);
- Flashes of light;
- A curtain or veil blocking vision;
- Haloes (colored circles around lights);
- An eye injury or eye pain;
- Bulging of one or both eyes;
- Crossed eyes;
- Double vision;
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- AIDS;
- Thyroid disease-related eye problems (Graves’ disease);
- A family history of eye disease. You should also see an ophthalmologist if your family doctor, pediatrician or internist refers you to one.
How often should I see an ophthalmologist?
Adolescents and young adults should have their eyes checked biennially. People ages 55 and older should have their eyes checked at least once a year. People with eye conditions may need to have eye exams more often to help track and control their diseases.
What happens during an eye examination?
Your ophthalmologist and his or her assistants ask about your current symptoms and review your medical history. Eyedrops to dilate your eyes may or may not be used during the exam.
The examination typically evaluates:
- Visual acuity;
- Need for eyeglasses or contact lenses (refraction);
- Eyelid health and function;
- Coordination of eye muscles;
- Pupil response to light;
- Side (peripheral) vision;
- Intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye);
- The anterior segment in the eye (the area in front of the lens, including the cornea and iris);
- The interior and back of the eye.
How do I insert my eyedrops?
Putting drops in your eye may seem difficult at first but becomes easier with practice. Follow these steps:
- Wash your hands prior to using your eyedrops.
- Remove the cap. Do not touch the dropper tip.
- Tilt your head back slightly.
- Pull your lower lid away from the eye to form a “pocket”
- Hold the dropper tip directly over the eyelid pocket. (You may wish to brace your hand against your face or forehead to keep it steady.)
- Look up and let the eyedrop fall into the pocket without touching the bottle to your
eye or eyelid (to prevent contamination of the bottle). - Close your eyes (do not blink) and apply pressure to the point where the lids meet
the nose. Hold for two to three minutes. - Before opening your eyes-and this is very important- wipe unabsorbed drops and tears from the closed lids with a tissue. Then open your eyes.
- If you need to take more than one kind of eye medication at the same time, wait three to five minutes before using the second drop.
