FAQs

General Eye Care Questions

How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?

For adults with no known eye conditions or risk factors, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is generally recommended. Patients over 60, those with a family history of eye disease, diabetics, and anyone with a known eye condition should be seen at least annually or more frequently as advised by Dr. Salib. Children should also receive regular eye exams to detect vision problems that can affect learning and development. If you are experiencing any sudden changes in your vision, contact OC Eye Institute at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office right away — do not wait for your next scheduled exam.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and a surgical residency in eye care, and is qualified to perform eye surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses. An optometrist holds an OD degree and provides primary eye care including vision testing, prescribing glasses and contacts, and managing some eye conditions — but does not perform surgery. Dr. George Salib at OC Eye Institute is a board-certified ophthalmologist with expertise spanning cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma management, and a wide range of medical and surgical eye treatments.

What should I bring to my first eye appointment?

For your first visit to OC Eye Institute, please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any current medications and supplements, your most recent eyeglass or contact lens prescription if available, and any previous eye exam records or surgical history. If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to remove them before certain tests. Visit our new patients page for complete first-visit information, and feel free to download patient forms in advance to save time.

Does OC Eye Institute accept my insurance?

OC Eye Institute accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, many major commercial carriers, and select managed care plans. Accepted plans include Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, TRICARE for Life, CalOptima, MemorialCare, Regal Medical Group, and many others. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit our insurance page or call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to verify your specific plan and coverage prior to your appointment.

What payment options are available for procedures not covered by insurance?

Many premium vision correction options — including LASIK, multifocal IOLs, toric IOLs, and refractive lens exchange — are elective procedures that may involve out-of-pocket costs beyond standard insurance coverage. At OC Eye Institute, we offer flexible payment options including CareCredit financing, FSA and HSA payment, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) to help make care accessible. Our team will provide a clear cost breakdown during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Cataract and Lens Procedure Questions

How do I know when it is time to have cataract surgery?

The right time for cataract surgery is when your cataracts are significantly affecting your quality of life — making it difficult to drive safely, read, watch television, recognize faces, or enjoy your favorite activities. There is no medical emergency associated with most cataracts, so the decision is largely based on how much your vision is impacting your daily functioning. Dr. Salib will evaluate your cataract progression and discuss all treatment options, including laser cataract surgery and premium multifocal lens options, during your consultation at OC Eye Institute.

What types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available at OC Eye Institute?

At OC Eye Institute, we offer a full range of intraocular lens options to suit every patient’s lifestyle and visual goals. Standard monofocal lenses are covered by most insurance plans and provide excellent clarity at a single focal distance. Premium options include multifocal IOLs for a broader range of vision and reduced dependence on glasses, toric IOLs to correct astigmatism at the time of surgery, and various combinations thereof. Dr. Salib will evaluate your individual eyes and recommend the lens best suited to your needs.

What is refractive lens exchange and who is it for?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a procedure identical to cataract surgery — removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with a premium IOL — but performed before a cataract has developed. It is an excellent option for patients over 40 with presbyopia, significant farsightedness, or those who are not suitable LASIK candidates. RLE also eliminates the risk of ever developing a cataract in the future, since the natural lens has already been replaced. Learn more on our refractive lens exchange page.

LASIK and Vision Correction Questions

Am I too old for LASIK?

There is no strict upper age limit for LASIK, but candidacy is assessed based on eye health, prescription stability, and corneal characteristics rather than age alone. Patients in their 40s and beyond may develop presbyopia — age-related loss of near vision — which LASIK alone does not fully address. For these patients, monovision correction with LASIK or alternative options such as refractive lens exchange may be a better fit. Dr. Salib evaluates each patient individually to determine the most appropriate solution.

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

Both LASIK and PRK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The key difference is technique: LASIK creates a thin corneal flap before reshaping, while PRK removes the outer epithelial layer without creating a flap. LASIK offers a faster visual recovery, while PRK is often preferred for patients with thinner corneas or active lifestyles. Both procedures deliver equivalent long-term visual outcomes.

How long do LASIK results last?

LASIK produces permanent changes to the cornea, and the vision improvement it provides is long-lasting for the vast majority of patients. However, LASIK does not prevent future age-related changes such as presbyopia (difficulty with near vision after 40) or cataracts. A small percentage of patients may experience minor regression over time and may benefit from an enhancement procedure. Our team at OC Eye Institute will discuss realistic long-term expectations during your consultation.

Glaucoma, Dry Eye, and Other Eye Condition Questions

Can glaucoma be detected before I notice vision loss?

Yes — and this is exactly why routine eye exams are so important. Glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, and meaningful vision loss may not become noticeable until the disease is advanced. At OC Eye Institute, we use state-of-the-art glaucoma testing equipment — including visual field machines, an optic nerve analyzer, and corneal thickness measurement — to detect glaucoma long before it causes noticeable vision changes. We also measure your eye pressure without the uncomfortable air puff method.

What causes dry eye disease and how is it treated?

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears or produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly. Common causes include aging, hormonal changes, medications, prolonged screen use, dry or windy environments, and tobacco smoke exposure. Treatment ranges from preservative-free artificial tears and lifestyle modifications to prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops and in-office therapies, depending on severity. Learn more on our dry eye treatments page or call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to schedule an evaluation at OC Eye Institute in .

What is a pterygium and should I be concerned?

A pterygium is a non-cancerous fleshy growth that develops on the white of the eye and can extend onto the cornea, usually caused by prolonged UV exposure. In many cases it requires only monitoring and conservative management such as sunglasses and artificial tears. When it grows close to the visual axis, causes significant discomfort, or induces astigmatism, surgical removal may be recommended. Dr. Salib is highly experienced in pterygium excision using conjunctival autografting, which significantly reduces the risk of the growth returning.

What is a YAG capsulotomy and do I need one after cataract surgery?

A YAG capsulotomy is a quick, painless in-office laser procedure performed to treat posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — a common occurrence after cataract surgery in which the membrane behind the intraocular lens becomes cloudy, causing hazy or blurry vision similar to a recurrence of the cataract. Not all patients develop PCO, but when it does occur, a YAG capsulotomy restores clear vision almost immediately. If your vision has become hazy after cataract surgery, call OC Eye Institute at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to be evaluated promptly.

How do I schedule an appointment at OC Eye Institute?

Scheduling at OC Eye Institute is easy. You can call us directly at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office during office hours or submit a request through our online appointment form at any time. We have two convenient locations in — our Laguna Hills office at 24422 Avenida De La Carlota #110 (Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm) and our Santa Ana office at 3500 S Bristol St #202 (Monday–Friday, 10:00am–2:00pm). New patients are always welcome; visit our new patients page to learn what to expect and to access patient forms ahead of your visit. We also welcome referrals from other providers.

OC Eye Institute FAQ Schema