A routine eye exam is the right step when your vision is stable or changing only slightly. A surgeon consultation makes sense when your vision keeps getting worse, glasses and contacts no longer give you sharp sight, or everyday tasks like driving and reading have become harder. Sudden changes are different: new flashes, a flood of floaters, or a dark curtain over your vision need care right away. At Chicago Cornea Consultants, our team can help you sort out which path fits.
Every eye is different, so use this guide as a starting point and talk with a qualified eye doctor about your symptoms. Our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists see patients every day who are trying to answer this exact question.
What symptoms mean you should get care right away?
Sudden new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain across your vision need care right away. The National Eye Institute (NEI) calls retinal detachment a medical emergency and advises going to your eye doctor or the emergency room immediately. An eye injury also deserves a prompt exam.
NEI explains that seeing a few floaters is normal, but a sudden jump in floaters is worth getting checked right away. It also notes that treatment for retinal detachment is successful for about 9 out of 10 people, especially when the problem is caught early (NEI: Retinal Detachment). If you notice these symptoms, do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
When is a routine eye exam enough?
A routine eye exam is enough when your vision is stable, your glasses or contacts still work well, and you have no sudden changes. Eye exams also catch problems early. For adults age 60 or older, NEI recommends a dilated exam every 1 to 2 years.
A routine exam is also a smart first step if you are unsure. It gives your doctor a baseline and shows whether a specialist visit would help (NEI: Cataracts). If you want a quick read on your own symptoms first, our online self-evaluations can help you decide when to book.
Which signs suggest you should see an eye surgeon?
See an eye surgeon when your vision keeps getting worse, your glasses or contacts need frequent changes, glare and halos disrupt night driving, or everyday tasks feel harder. These signs can point to cataracts or a cornea concern, and a specialist can find the cause with detailed imaging. NEI lists frequent prescription changes as a cataract symptom.
Finding the cause takes the right tools. Our practice uses advanced diagnostic technology, including corneal topography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and Pentacam imaging. For cornea shape problems such as keratoconus, Mayo Clinic notes that your first eye doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist with special training in corneal disease and surgery (Mayo Clinic: Keratoconus).
Not every vision problem leads to surgery. Many people do well with specialty contact lenses, including options for keratoconus. If your eyes feel gritty or your vision fluctuates, a dry eye evaluation may be the right next step. Our ophthalmologists also care for patients with glaucoma.
How do you know if cataracts are ready for surgery?
Cataracts are ready for surgery when they get in the way of everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV. NEI says most people don't need to rush, and waiting usually won't harm your eyes or make surgery harder later. When you decide to move forward, 9 out of 10 people who have cataract surgery see better afterward.
NEI also reports that more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. Many of our patients arrive when blur, glare, or night-vision trouble starts to affect daily life. Our cataract self-evaluation is a simple place to start.
If surgery is right for you, we offer advanced cataract surgery, including femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). You can explore intraocular lens options, including presbyopia-correcting IOLs for near and far vision, toric IOLs for astigmatism, the Alcon PanOptix trifocal IOL, and the Vivity intraocular lens. Our practice also offers intra-operative wavefront aberrometry (ORA).
Can an eye surgeon help if you're tired of glasses or contacts?
Yes, if you are a good candidate. Laser vision correction such as LASIK, SMILE, and PRK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors, and a consultation shows which option, if any, fits you. The FDA says a prescription change in the past year, or being under 18, can make LASIK a poor fit.
If glasses and contacts feel like a daily chore, laser vision correction may be worth a conversation. Start with our overview of laser eye surgery, then learn how LASIK, SMILE, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and advanced surface ablation (ASA) differ. You can also read about our LASIK technology and Contoura Vision assisted LASIK.
Candidacy depends on more than your prescription. The FDA's checklist also looks at factors such as corneal thickness and dry eyes, which is why a full evaluation matters (FDA: When is LASIK not for me? and FDA: LASIK Surgery Checklist). Our SMILE/LASIK self-test offers a first look, and our page on refractive laser surgery cost helps you plan.
What happens at a surgical consultation?
A surgical consultation is an evaluation, not a commitment to surgery. Your ophthalmologist reviews your history, examines your eyes, and uses imaging to map your cornea and the structures inside your eye. You leave knowing what is causing your symptoms and which options, including no surgery yet, make sense for you.
To make your visit smoother, you can complete our patient forms online before your appointment. Mayo Clinic suggests bringing a list of your symptoms, how long you've had them, your medications, and your questions. That preparation helps your doctor give you clear, personal answers.
Who should you call, and where?
Call the Chicago Cornea Consultants office nearest you to schedule a consultation. We see patients in Chicago, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, and Arlington Heights, and our ophthalmologists can help you decide whether you need a routine exam or a surgical evaluation.
- Chicago office: 1725 W Harrison Street, Suite 928, (312) 741-3270
- Highland Park office: 806 Central Ave, Suite 300, (847) 306-8883
- Hoffman Estates office: 1585 N Barrington Rd, Bldg 2, Suite 502, (847) 318-3933
- Arlington Heights office: 1602 W Central Rd, (847) 595-0091
See all of our office locations and directions, or browse more eye health articles on our blog.
Whatever you're noticing, you don't have to figure it out alone. If your symptoms are sudden, get care right away. If they are gradual, a consultation with a qualified eye doctor can show whether a routine exam, a cataract evaluation, or laser vision correction is your best next step. Request an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor trained to perform eye surgery, and many people start with either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for routine care. As Mayo Clinic notes about keratoconus, your first eye doctor may refer you to a specially trained ophthalmologist. Chicago Cornea Consultants has both ophthalmologists and optometrists on its team.
Can an optometrist refer me to a surgeon?
Yes. Mayo Clinic notes that if your eye doctor suspects a cornea condition like keratoconus, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist with special training in corneal disease and surgery. That specialist can interpret corneal imaging and recommend next steps. Our office is happy to answer referral questions.
How long can I wait before cataract surgery?
Many people can wait. NEI says most people don't need to rush into cataract surgery, and waiting usually won't harm your eyes or make surgery harder later. The right time is when cataracts start interfering with reading, driving, or watching TV. Your ophthalmologist can help you decide when that point arrives.
Does a surgical consultation mean I have to have surgery?
No. A consultation is an evaluation that gives you information about your eyes and your options. You decide what, if anything, comes next. Your ophthalmologist examines your eyes, explains what is causing your symptoms, and discusses whether a routine plan, a cataract procedure, or laser vision correction fits.
Can I get LASIK if my prescription keeps changing?
It depends. The FDA says needing a change in your glasses or contacts prescription in the past year can make you a poor LASIK candidate, because your vision hasn't stabilized. A consultation measures your eyes and checks other factors, such as corneal thickness and dry eyes, so you know whether LASIK, another procedure, or waiting fits best.
Are floaters and flashes always an emergency?
Not always. NEI says seeing a few floaters is normal. But a sudden jump in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain over your vision needs care right away, because retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you are unsure, contact your eye doctor or go to the emergency room.
