FAQ

For most adults, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended once a year. Children, seniors, and people with conditions like diabetes may need more frequent visits. Our optometrist in Long Beach, CA, will recommend a schedule based on your unique needs.

An eye exam near you is more than just a vision test. At Vision Care Center, we check your prescription, screen for eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts, and evaluate overall eye health. We'll also look for signs of systemic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that can affect your eyes.

Even if you don't notice vision problems, many eye diseases progress silently in the early stages. A yearly eye exam in Long Beach, CA, helps catch issues before they cause permanent damage. Preventive eye care is the best way to protect your sight.

Yes. Your eyes can reveal signs of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more. That's why an annual eye exam isn't just about vision — it's a key part of monitoring overall health.

Absolutely. Eye exams aren’t just for updating prescriptions. They are vital for preventive eye care and early detection of hidden problems.

Basically, dry eye means your eyes aren't making enough tears or the tears evaporate too fast.

If you find yourself rubbing your eyes a lot or they feel irritated most days, it might be time to see someone.

You could grab over-the-counter drops, sure, but they don't always fix the problem. At Vision Care Center, Dr. Justine Gonzalez takes the time to understand what's really causing your dry eye and helps you figure out the best way to get relief.

Besides what your eye doctor says, some easy things can help. Taking breaks from screens, using a humidifier, drinking plenty of water, and staying out of dry or smoky places all make a difference.

Short answer? Not really. The first few times might feel a bit odd, sure — it's not something most people are used to. But once they're in, most folks forget they're even there. Today's lenses are softer and thinner than ever, and they're made to sit right on the eye without irritating it. If you're unsure, the best thing to do is try them out. Everyone's eyes are different, and part of our job here is helping you figure out what'll work for yours.

More than likely, yeah. People are sometimes told they can't because they've got astigmatism or their eyes get dry, but those things don't usually rule out contacts anymore. There are so many types now — daily, extended wear, multifocal — you name it. What you need is a proper contact lens exam near you, which we do right here in the office. Our optometrists walk you through everything — what kind of lenses make sense, how to put them in, take them out, and all the stuff you didn't know you'd need to know.

Contacts don't take a ton of effort, but you can't ignore them either. Wash your hands first, always use fresh solution, and don't stretch the wear time longer than you're supposed to. That last part's big — if they're dailies, toss them after a day. If they're monthlies, mark your calendar. And don't sleep in them unless they're designed for it. Your eyes need air just like the rest of you.

It depends on the type, but honestly, a lot of insurance plans help out. And when you look at the cost of replacing glasses all the time — or how often kids lose them — contacts can be a pretty solid option. If you're trying to price out contact lenses near you, we can help sort through brands and pricing without making your head spin.

Start with the exam. A standard eye test won't cut it if you're going into contact lenses. You'll need a contact lens exam, which checks things like the shape of your eye and tear production. It helps make sure you don't end up with lenses that feel off or don't fit right. If you're in Long Beach and looking for an optometrist near you, come by. We've been doing this for a while now, and we'll take the time to make sure you're comfortable and know what to expect. At Vision Care Center, it's not just about eye care — it's about helping you see your life more clearly, however that looks for you.

If you've noticed headaches, eye strain, or trouble focusing — especially when reading or driving — it may be time for new eyeglasses. Changes in your vision can happen gradually, so even if your current pair still feels comfortable, your prescription might not be as accurate as it once was. Our optometrist in Long Beach, CA, can perform a quick eye exam to determine whether your lenses need updating.

Most people benefit from having their eyes checked once a year. Regular exams help ensure your eyeglasses provide the clearest, most comfortable vision possible. They also allow your optometrist to monitor your overall eye health. If you experience frequent squinting, blurry vision, or discomfort, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment sooner.

At Vision Care Center, we offer a wide variety of frames and lenses to match your needs and style. From lightweight everyday options to durable sports eyewear and stylish designer frames, we'll help you find the perfect fit. Our optical team can also explain the differences between single-vision, bifocal, progressive, and blue-light-filter lenses — so you can choose what feels best for your eyes and your lifestyle.

To keep your lenses clear and scratch-free, use a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution made for eyeglasses. Avoid using paper towels or household cleaners, which can damage coatings. When you’re not wearing them, store your glasses in a case to prevent bending or breaks. Regular adjustments and cleanings at our office are also included as part of our eye care in Long Beach, CA.

A contact lens exam is different from a standard eye exam. During this appointment, our Long Beach optometrist not only checks your vision and overall eye health but also takes precise measurements of your eyes to ensure your lenses fit comfortably. The goal is to find the best lens type and prescription to match your lifestyle. Whether that means daily disposables, extended wear, or specialty lenses for astigmatism.

Contacts sit directly on your eyes, so they need to fit perfectly. A regular vision test won't provide the detailed measurements or surface evaluations required for safe, comfortable wear. During your contact lens exam, our optometrist evaluates how the lenses interact with your cornea, ensuring proper oxygen flow and clear vision. This extra step helps prevent irritation and keeps your eyes healthy long-term.

Most people benefit from having a contact lens exam once a year. This allows your optometrist to check for changes in your prescription, lens fit, and eye health. If you experience dryness, blurry vision, or discomfort while wearing your lenses, it's a good idea to schedule a visit sooner.

In many cases, yes! After your exam, our team can often provide trial lenses so you can test comfort and clarity before ordering a full supply. For certain prescriptions or specialty lenses, we may need to custom order them to ensure the best fit.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain. Over time, high blood sugar levels can weaken these vessels, causing them to leak or grow abnormally. Without treatment, this can lead to vision loss or even blindness.

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may experience:

• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Dark spots or floaters
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded colors
• Sudden vision loss

Regular exams with an eye doctor near you are essential for catching these signs before they become serious.

Anyone with diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, or gestational—can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk increases the longer you've had diabetes, especially if your blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels are not well controlled.

Your eye doctor in Long Beach, CA uses specialized imaging tools during a comprehensive eye exam to check for signs of retinal damage. This includes dilating your pupils to get a clear view of the retina and identifying any leaking or abnormal blood vessels. Early detection is key to preventing permanent vision loss.

Depending on the stage and severity, diabetic retinopathy treatment near you may include:

• Laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels
• Injections to reduce retinal swelling
• Surgery in advanced cases to remove blood or scar tissue

Along with medical treatment, managing your blood sugar and blood pressure plays a critical role in slowing progression.

While it can't always be completely prevented, regular visits to your eye doctor near you, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and following your doctor's care plan can significantly reduce your risk.