FAQs
33012 7 Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152 248.482.2020
Dr. Gerald Blaize
How often should I have an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends a complete eye exam every 1 to 2
years depending on your age, medical condition and risk factors for eye disease.
Because everyone is different, you should ask Dr. Blaize how often you should be
seen.
Children should have their first eye exam at age 5, or earlier if the parents have a
concern. After the initial visit they should be seen yearly. This is important because
during the early years a child’s vision is most likely to change. .
Why do my eyes have to be dilated?
It is highly recommended to have your pupils dilated as part of your comprehensive eye
examination. Dilation allows for the evaluation and detection of diseases such as
glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts and macular degeneration. After your dilation, you will
be sensitive to light and experience blurry vision, especially when reading. These
effects will start to improve after about 2 hours. Our office provides sunglasses to
reduce the discomfort. If it is inconvenient to get your eyes dilated on the day of your
examination, we will be happy to schedule it for another time.
What is the difference between an optometrist, optician, and an ophthalmologist?
Optometrists are primary eyecare providers that specialize in eye related disease, corrective lenses and contacts.
Optometrists perform comprehensive examinations of the entire visual system including internal and external structures of
the eye, neurological, muscular and other eye related systems. They diagnose and treat conditions such as glaucoma,
allergies and infections by the use of pharmaceuticals, minor surgery and other proven treatments. A large portion of an
optometrist’s work is related to improving their patients’ vision with glasses and contacts lenses.
Ophthalmologists specialize in eye related disease and surgery. Some ophthalmologists are sub-specialists in areas
such as cataracts, retinal diseases, plastic surgery and pediatrics. Ophthalmologists are not trained to the extent of
optometrists in prescribing corrective lenses and contacts.
Opticians are an important part of the eye care team. They specialize in the fitting and dispensing of eye glasses.
Opticians help determine which eyeglasses are best suited to each patient's lifestyle and visual needs. They take eye
measurements to insure proper lens placement in the eyeglasses and verify the accuracy of the finished product.
Opticians also instruct patients in the care and handling of contact lenses. Opticians are not doctors, but their knowledge
and expertise are crucial to overall patient care.
Can diabetes cause blindness?
Yes. Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Diabetes causes the blood vessels in the back
of the eye to become fragile. Sometimes the vessels leak fluid and can affect central vision. In many cases this fluid will
be reabsorbed. In later stages of diabetic eye disease new blood vessels are formed. They can bleed and destroy large
areas of vision and potentially cause blindness. Diabetics have a higher risk of other eye problems such as glaucoma and
cataracts.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs gradually, so early stages are
impossible to detect without an eye exam. In most cases, damage to the optic nerve is due to increased eye pressure, but
checking pressure alone is not enough. In our office we have specialized equipment to determine whether you have even
the very earliest stages glaucoma. Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, but vision loss can be prevented with early
detection. Treatment consists of eye drops, laser and occasionally surgery.
What is a macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the third largest cause of blindness in the United States. It is a medical condition that generally
affects older adults. The macula is the center area of the retina. It is supplied with blood from the choroid. When the
macula deteriorates it is unable to make the images which are sent to the brain. This results in loss of central vision, thus
making it difficult or impossible to read and sometimes, even recognize faces.
There are two types of macular degeneration, “dry” and “wet”. Dry macular degeneration is when yellow spots called
drusen bubble up out of the choroid and deposit on the retina resulting in a gradual blurring of central vision. Sometimes
dry macular degeneration advances to a stage known as geographic atrophy. Geographic atrophy is the culmination of
prolonged, progressive changes in the retina and is the main cause of vision loss in dry macular degeneration patients.
Unfortunately, dry macular degeneration can progress to wet macular degeneration. In the wet form, newly created
abnormal blood vessels grow under the center of the retina. These blood vessels leak, bleed, and scar the retina. This
distorts or destroys central vision. Wet macular degeneration usually starts in one eye and may affect the other eye later.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the lens of the eye obstructing the passage of light. Cataracts typically progress
slowly to cause vision loss, and can potentially lead to blindness if left untreated. The condition always affects both the
eyes, sometimes one more than the other. Luckily, advances in medicine allow us to remove the cloudy lenses and
replace them with clear artificial lenses.
What is nearsightedness or myopia?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision condition in which you can see objects up close clearly, but not as well at distance.
Nearsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
What is farsightedness or hyperopia?
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a condition which causes muscles in the eyes to become fatigued. People that are far
sighted can see objects far away much easier and clearer than those up close. Farsightedness can be corrected with
glasses or contact lenses.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism causes vision to be blurry at distance as well as at near. It is caused by the cornea having an oval rather than
round shape. This impairs focusing ability and causes blurred vision. Astigmatism is common condition and can be
corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
What is presbyopia?
Inside the eye there are a set of muscles connected to a lens. In order to focus your eyes, you contract the muscles to
change the shape of the lens. When you’re young the lens is soft and flexible, so focusing is easy. As you age the lens
gets hard and rubbery. This results in presbyopia, or the inability to focus. Presbyopia can be corrected with bifocals,
progressive lenses or reading glasses.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Bayview Optical
33012 7 Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152
Phone:
248.482.2020
Fax:
248.476.6441
Office Hours:
Monday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This Site is copyright protected by Bayview Optical, Incorporated. Bayview Optical is an optometric practice located in Livonia Michigan and serves Wayne County,
Livingston County and Oakland Counties. It’s primary patient base consists mainly of patients located in: Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Redford, Northville,
Plymouth, Southfield, Novi, and Wixom. Bayview Optical provides the following services: Comprehensive eye examinations, eyeglasses, contact lens fittings and
services, assessment and or treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, eye injuries, infections, allergies, pink eye and diabetic eye disease. Bayview
Optical is the premier provider of designer glasses disposable contact lenses and toric contact lenses for astigmatism. We are a preferred retailer of Acuvue contact
lenses. We take most major medical insurance and vision care plans including but not limited to: Medicare, Blue Cross, VSP, Aetna, Davis Vision and Eyemed.
Bayview Optical is incorporated as an optometric practice in the city of Livonia, owned and operated by Dr. Gerald N. Blaize, Doctor of Optometry.
