Just as important as the eye itself are the structures that support and protect the eye-the eyelids, the eye socket, the muscles that move the eyes, the soft tissues that surround the eyes, and the tear system that helps keep the eyes moist. These structures can be affected by injuries, infections, inflammations, tumors, congenital anomalies and problems related to aging. The oculoplastic surgeons at the Eye Institute combine in-depth knowledge of the eye with expertise in reconstructive surgery to treat a broad range of conditions:
Eyelid Abnormalities
There are several eyelid problems that can be present at birth or that can result from injuries or aging. Examples include entropion (the turning in of the lower lid), ectropion (the turning out of the lower lid) and ptosis (the drooping of the upper lid)-see eyelid and tear duct conditions. These conditions are normally treated with surgery to reposition specific muscles.
Eye Socket Injuries, Cancers and Other Problems
The eye socket is subject to certain injuries, tumors, and congenital abnormalities that can be corrected with outpatient surgery. Oculoplastic surgeons are also instrumental in treating ocular tumors.
Tear System Disorders
Tear ducts are an essential part of the eye’s lubrication system (see eyelid and tear duct conditions). Surgery on the tear ducts is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Facial Muscles
Facial muscle disorders can impact vision, as when a repeated involuntary muscle contraction produces a disturbing winking motion. Contractures, facial injuries and other conditions can be treated with Botox, a substance that paralyzes the muscle for three to six months. Botox injection is a short, 15-minute procedure. Continued treatment carries some risks, so it is important to choose a physician who is experienced with Botox and very knowledgeable about the eyes and their surrounding anatomy.
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Understanding Your Vision and Medical Insurance
Routine Vision Exam
A routine vision exam usually covers:
- A vision screening
- An eye exam
- A refraction (the test used to determine your glasses prescription)
- A prescription for glasses
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, there may be an extra fee for a contact lens fitting. Coverage for this varies by plan, so please check with your vision insurance provider.
If a Medical Issue Is Found During Your Exam
During your eye exam, your doctor may identify a medical condition such as dry eye, an eye infection, diabetes-related changes, or another issue that requires medical care.
If this happens, your doctor may recommend one of the following options:
- Return for a separate medical visit.
- The medical visit would be billed to your medical insurance.
- Your routine vision exam would remain billed to your vision insurance.
- This is necessary because vision and medical insurance cannot both be billed on the same day.
- Address the medical issue during the current appointment.
- The current appointment would be billed to your medical insurance instead of your vision insurance.
- You would return another day for the routine vision exam, which would be billed to vision insurance.
- Please note that refraction (the test used to determine your glasses prescription) is not covered by medical insurance.
Your doctor will help you choose the option that best meets your individual care needs.
Questions About Costs
For an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost, please call Patient Financial Services at 414-777-0539. Please note, Medicare and most medical insurance plans do not cover refraction. The refraction service will be billed to you.
