expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Richard E. Bensinger, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Richard Bensinger is an ophthalmologist practicing in Seattle, WA. Dr. Bensinger specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Bensinger can practice medicine as well as surgery. Opthalmologists can perform surgeries because they have their medical degrees along with at least eight years of additional training. Dr. Bensinger can diagnose and treat diseases, perform eye operations and prescribe eye glasses and contacts. Ophthalmologists can also specialize even further in a specific area of eye care.
55 years Experience
Dr. Richard E. Bensinger, M.D.
  • Seattle, WA
  • Johns Hopkins Univ Sch of Med, Baltimore Md
  • Accepting new patients

What gets rid of pink eye fast?

Pink eye is the name for a viral infection of the conjunctiva. There is no currently available anti-viral  medication against this family of viruses. Depending upon the strain, READ MORE
Pink eye is the name for a viral infection of the conjunctiva. There is no currently available anti-viral  medication against this family of viruses. Depending upon the strain, the condition lasts 3-12 days. It will run its course no matter what you do and will be infectious in its early stages. In this current time of Covid-19 isolation, your child need not worry about this.  

How do you clean an eye with conjunctivitis?

You need only clean off the debris collecting on the lids with a warm wet washcloth. The eye itself makes excess tears when inflamed and these keep the surface of the eye as healthy READ MORE
You need only clean off the debris collecting on the lids with a warm wet washcloth. The eye itself makes excess tears when inflamed and these keep the surface of the eye as healthy as possible. You could apply lubricating eyedrops to help. Almost all conjunctivitis in adults is viral, so antibiotics are not needed. Make sure that items you use are not shared with others as the virus is transmissible.

Are floaters a symptom of cataracts?

They are unrelated and not a symptom of nor causative of each other. At your age, cataracts are very unlikely.

Can glaucoma be cured from surgery?

Glaucoma is treated with a stepladder of treatments usually starting with topical drops, later laser treatment and surgery held aside until the other means fail to work well enough. Glaucoma READ MORE
Glaucoma is treated with a stepladder of treatments usually starting with topical drops, later laser treatment and surgery held aside until the other means fail to work well enough. Glaucoma is very treatable. You should seek out an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma.

Can I go to work with an eye infection?

Depends upon the type of infection. Some are contagious such as ordinary viral pink eye. It could also be a sign of coronavirus which everybody is hyper-nervous about. It could READ MORE
Depends upon the type of infection. Some are contagious such as ordinary viral pink eye. It could also be a sign of coronavirus which everybody is hyper-nervous about. It could be bacterial which is most likely not infectious, but can be painful, vision-threatening, and one you would rather stay home about. Overall, it is best to stay home until the condition is getting better.  

Do computer screens damage your eyes?

Computer and video screen usage will not harm the eyes. They might cause trouble with the brain.

Is an eye exam the same for glasses and contacts?

Sequentially during an eye examination, the vision and need for glasses is measured and then a few measurements or fitting is done for contact lenses depending upon your needs. READ MORE
Sequentially during an eye examination, the vision and need for glasses is measured and then a few measurements or fitting is done for contact lenses depending upon your needs.

What happens if I wear contacts too long?

You may deprive your central cornea of oxygen and it will start to painfully break down.

How often should you change your contacts?

Depends upon the stated wear schedule for the brand you are using. Some are replaced daily; others weekly or two weekly and some monthly. Follow the directions that your eye doctor READ MORE
Depends upon the stated wear schedule for the brand you are using. Some are replaced daily; others weekly or two weekly and some monthly. Follow the directions that your eye doctor prescribed. Also, take them out if the eyes get red for any reason.

Are lenses better than glasses?

Do you mean contact lenses v. eyeglasses? Contacts require more care and handling, but provide comfortable vision when the right prescription and size is prescribed. Eyeglasses READ MORE
Do you mean contact lenses v. eyeglasses? Contacts require more care and handling, but provide comfortable vision when the right prescription and size is prescribed. Eyeglasses can be comfortable but obviously sit on the front of the face which some find objectionable. They do provide protection that contacts do not as they are a barrier from the outside world.

What is the best eye surgery?

LASIK is currently the best with several tens of millions of procedures having been done since inception. You need to consult with a LASIK surgeon to see if your eyes qualify. READ MORE
LASIK is currently the best with several tens of millions of procedures having been done since inception. You need to consult with a LASIK surgeon to see if your eyes qualify.

Can stress cause red eyes?

Some have sensitive systems in their face and eyes. This is seen as flushing and/or blushing which is psychogenic and not due to pathology. The eyes can respond in this way. Treatment READ MORE
Some have sensitive systems in their face and eyes. This is seen as flushing and/or blushing which is psychogenic and not due to pathology. The eyes can respond in this way. Treatment is not necessary.

How can I hydrate my eyes after LASIK?

Have you had LASIK yet? Your LASIK surgeon can suggest hydration methods. The usual means are ointment at night and lubricating drops during the day. Do not use drops that say READ MORE
Have you had LASIK yet? Your LASIK surgeon can suggest hydration methods. The usual means are ointment at night and lubricating drops during the day. Do not use drops that say "gets the red out" as these are drying.

How much does vision correction surgery cost?

The cost varies from region to region and also varies due to the type and amount of correction required. The range for two eyes is about $3000 to $5000. Most vision correction READ MORE
The cost varies from region to region and also varies due to the type and amount of correction required. The range for two eyes is about $3000 to $5000. Most vision correction places will evaluate you for free and cover the costs. Make an appointment to get the information keyed to your eyes.

Do I need to see a doctor with conjunctivitis?

Most adult conjunctivitis is viral. If you have preserved vision, minimal pain and just red eyes with sticky, not pus, secretion, then it is likely viral. Keep it clean with warm READ MORE
Most adult conjunctivitis is viral. If you have preserved vision, minimal pain and just red eyes with sticky, not pus, secretion, then it is likely viral. Keep it clean with warm or cool soaks and recall that it is contagious so wash your hands after manipulating your eyes. Viral will heal itself in 3-10 days depending on the strain of virus.

Is saltwater good for conjunctivitis?

Not useful. If you have classic conjunctivitis, which is viral, then just keep the eye(s) clean with fresh water and know that there are no anti-virals to treat the condition. READ MORE
Not useful. If you have classic conjunctivitis, which is viral, then just keep the eye(s) clean with fresh water and know that there are no anti-virals to treat the condition. Antibiotics, commonly prescribed for this, are of no use.

Is eye twitching a sign of MS?

Eye twitching is common in the middle years (20-50). It is at worst annoying, but is almost always not pathologic. It is not an early sign of MS. In a few cases that are extreme, READ MORE
Eye twitching is common in the middle years (20-50). It is at worst annoying, but is almost always not pathologic. It is not an early sign of MS. In a few cases that are extreme, with prolonged twitching obvious to others, Botox can attenuate the twitching. This is rare. The condition is called "myokymia" if you want to look it up on the internet.

When should you have cataracts removed?

The time to remove cataracts is when they are sufficiently advanced to interfere visually with what is important in your life such as driving, or reading or what you do in your READ MORE
The time to remove cataracts is when they are sufficiently advanced to interfere visually with what is important in your life such as driving, or reading or what you do in your work place. Until then, they will do no harm.