My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Gregg Gayre, MD
Ophthalmology: Oculoplastic
Welcome to My Doctor Online, a web site that my colleagues and I developed to make it easier for you to take care of your healthcare needs. On this site you will find answers to many of your questions about my clinical practice. Also included are several online features that will allow you to e-mail me, check your laboratory results and refill prescriptions. I hope you find its content informative and useful.
My Offices
- San Rafael Downtown Medical Offices
- Appt/Advice: 415-444-2990
Quick Links
- Eyelid Surgery
- Orbital Surgery
- Surgery to Remove An Eye
- Tearing
- Examples of supplements used Pre and Post Op
- Oculoplastic Post Operative Instructions
- Blood Thinners to avoid prior to surgery
- Wellness Coaching
- Eye Videos
- Prepare for Your Procedure - Emmi
- Laser Vision Correction
- Dry Eye Handout
- Cataract Class
- Using the Amsler Grid
- Blepharoplasty
- Blepharoptosis
- Blowout Fracture
- Brow Ptosis
- Ectropion
- Entropion
- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
- Strabismus and Amblyopia
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
- Thyroid Eye Disease
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Cataract Surgery
- National Eye Institute
- Vision Essentials
General References
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ophthalmology FAQ
Frequently Asked Ophthalmology Questions
Patients commonly want to know if cataract surgery is required when they have been diagnosed with a cataract.
First, the diagnosis of a cataract should not be met with depression or fear. Cataracts can develop at any age. In fact, some babies are born with cataracts and you should not interpret the diagnosis as a sign of aging or ill-health.
Cataracts are simply opacifications in the natural lens inside your eye. As the lens gets cloudier, it becomes harder to see. Think of it as a “dirty windshield” on your car. Every driver tolerates a few spots, but at some point –which may be different for everyone – the spots begin to affect how well you can see. Every patient, like every driver of a car will tolerate a certain amount of reduced vision before they personally feel that intervention is necessary. It is the PATIENT and not the doctor, who usually determines when cataract surgery is needed. Granted your physician will need to make sure that a cataract is the likely source of reduced vision and that non-surgical options are not available to improve your eyesight. It is important to remember that although very safe, that cataract surgery does care a small risk of complications that could leave you with worse vision than you started with before surgery. It is the role of your surgeon to make sure that your choice to have cataract surgery is the correct and relatively safest option for you.
In general cataracts can be diagnosed by any eye care provider including Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. Either is capable of assessing the likely impact of the cataract on vision. Because ophthalmologists are surgeons, it is important to meet with them at least one time prior to your planned procedure to discuss the risks and benefits in your particular instance with the surgeon that you have selected to perform your procedure. For uncomplicated surgery, you can be followed post-operatively by either an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, if your surgery was complicated or if you are considered high risk for post-operative complications then you will likely receive your post-operative care from the operating surgeon.
Who can diagnose and treat cataracts?
In general cataracts can be diagnosed by any eye care provider including Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. Either is capable of assessing the likely impact of the cataract on vision. Because ophthalmologists are surgeons, it is important to meet with them at least one time prior to your planned procedure to discuss the risks and benefits in your particular instance with the surgeon that you have selected to perform your procedure. For uncomplicated surgery, you can be followed post-operatively by either an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, if your surgery was complicated or if you are considered high risk for post-operative complications then you will likely receive your post-operative care from the operating surgeon.
What are my costs involved in cataract surgery?
The cost of cataract surgery will differ according to your health plan. To deterine your actual cost of surgery, please call 1-800-390-3507. Remember to factor in co-pays required for any pre-operative testing (including ultrasound measurements to determine the appropriate intra-ocular lens), the cost of premium intra-ocular lenes, and the cost of prescription medications and time off from work.