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

Twitching eye?

This is due to nervous over action and is termed myokymia (you can look it up). In most, it is subtle and is something you feel rather than that others can see it. It is benign READ MORE
This is due to nervous over action and is termed myokymia (you can look it up). In most, it is subtle and is something you feel rather than that others can see it. It is benign and does not arise from anything you need to fear. Only rarely is it so obvious that you are uncomfortable with it. In those rare cases where it is that way, Botox can attenuate it. Best, however, to live with it since it will not cause any harm.

Does Lasik reduce eye pressure?

No. LASIK makes the cornea thinner. The standard method for measuring eye pressure by ophthalmologists is a device called the Goldmann applanation tonometer. It measures pressure READ MORE
No. LASIK makes the cornea thinner. The standard method for measuring eye pressure by ophthalmologists is a device called the Goldmann applanation tonometer. It measures pressure by bending the cornea inwards against the resistance of the cornea and of the fluid pressure inside the eye. LASIK thins the cornea, which reduces its resistance and so the read out looks like lower pressure. But there is a corrective chart which restores the actual pressure and, when applied, it is found that the actual interior pressure is unchanged.

Do you need glasses for eye strain?

Eye strain is too vague a symptom to recommend any treatment. You should consult with an ophthalmologist for this to determine what you need.

Does Lasik flap fully heal?

The flap heals to the extent that vision is fully normalized. There are slightly weak bonds between the back of the flap and the underlying tissue so that the flap can be re-elevated READ MORE
The flap heals to the extent that vision is fully normalized. There are slightly weak bonds between the back of the flap and the underlying tissue so that the flap can be re-elevated several years after it was created along the same border. The overall strength is fine and flap elevation spontaneously is quite rare. The military, however, which performs a great deal of this type of surgery, relies on PRK, which avoids the flap.

How many days rest is required after Lasik surgery?

Generally, you are fully functional by the next day.

Is blue light bad for your eyes?

Consider that when you go outside on a sunny day, you are receiving 50,000 times the blue light you ever get from a video screen or indoor lighting. Your eyes have adapted to be READ MORE
Consider that when you go outside on a sunny day, you are receiving 50,000 times the blue light you ever get from a video screen or indoor lighting. Your eyes have adapted to be protected during the day from blue light. The only effect from video screens and artificial lighting is a shift in the day/night sensitivity, which impacts melatonin release to promote sleep. Those sensitive to this might have insomnia to a small degree. Otherwise, the issue of blue light "harm" is a marketing tool to sell you unnecessary blue light blocking eyeglasses. Spend your money elsewhere.

Vaccination for Mysthina Gravis patient?

There is no reason to avoid vaccination due to myaesthenia. However, you are also on Prednisolone, which might inhibit your ability to respond fully to the vaccine. You should READ MORE
There is no reason to avoid vaccination due to myaesthenia. However, you are also on Prednisolone, which might inhibit your ability to respond fully to the vaccine. You should check with the doctor who prescribed this. Also, I would look up the sinovac on the internet to see if it is the best option given the alternatives out there.

Eyes red From masturbation?

No relationship between the two. You probably had an eye infection or irritation.  

How long do I have to wear sunglasses after Lasik?

Sunglasses are a good feature whether or not you have had LASIK. You only "need" to wear them for a week following the procedure, but should wear them whenever you are out in bright READ MORE
Sunglasses are a good feature whether or not you have had LASIK. You only "need" to wear them for a week following the procedure, but should wear them whenever you are out in bright sun.

Visual snow/lines/cracks/flashing?

This has been a terrific problem for folks over the years as there is no known cause. You should see a neuro-ophthalmologist and ask about their experience with the drug Lamotrigine, READ MORE
This has been a terrific problem for folks over the years as there is no known cause. You should see a neuro-ophthalmologist and ask about their experience with the drug Lamotrigine, which has been successful in treating this in some sufferers.  

How can I clean my eyes naturally?

Eyes with continuous tear flow does a terrific job of cleaning itself out "naturally." If you feel the eyes are still not clean (e.g., visual blur, debris in the tears, eye redness), READ MORE
Eyes with continuous tear flow does a terrific job of cleaning itself out "naturally." If you feel the eyes are still not clean (e.g., visual blur, debris in the tears, eye redness), then you should see an ophthalmologist to see what the problem is. Most eyes have some dried tears in the morning, which can be "naturally" cleaned out with a moist washcloth.

How do you know if eye pain is serious?

There are many types of pain related to the eye. Obviously, pain related to known trauma or surgery could be serious. Spontaneous pain with no other issues sometimes is not serious READ MORE
There are many types of pain related to the eye. Obviously, pain related to known trauma or surgery could be serious. Spontaneous pain with no other issues sometimes is not serious unless persistent - day after day. Pain associated with swelling, loss of vision, or redness and discharge is likely serious and needs an ophthalmologist to examine the eye(s).  

How do you know if eye pain is serious?

Is the pain spontaneous or did it occur because of trauma? If the vision is affected or the eye motility is limited or if the eye is swollen or red, then you should see an ophthalmologist READ MORE
Is the pain spontaneous or did it occur because of trauma? If the vision is affected or the eye motility is limited or if the eye is swollen or red, then you should see an ophthalmologist as it might be serious.   

What is the best antibiotic for eye infection?

Most eye infections in your age group are viral, for which no anti-biotic is available. If you have a bacterial infection, the "best" antibiotic is one which culture shows the READ MORE
Most eye infections in your age group are viral, for which no anti-biotic is available. If you have a bacterial infection, the "best" antibiotic is one which culture shows the bacteria are sensitive to. You should not treat eye infections by yourself - eyesight is too precious. See an ophthalmologist if you have this problem.  

Is it bad to use redness relief eye drops?

Redness relief drops are drying. So, if the redness of your eyes is due to dryness, they will make it worse. Best to use blue labeled drops that are entitled tear replacement or READ MORE
Redness relief drops are drying. So, if the redness of your eyes is due to dryness, they will make it worse. Best to use blue labeled drops that are entitled tear replacement or eye lubrication drops.  

What causes sudden crossed eyes in adults?

Hopefully this has not happened to you. In an adult with previously normal eyes with good vision in both eyes, sudden crossing that is persistent (not transient, which could be READ MORE
Hopefully this has not happened to you. In an adult with previously normal eyes with good vision in both eyes, sudden crossing that is persistent (not transient, which could be a drug effect), then double vision will be the result. The causes are many including defects in one of the eye muscles from trauma, or vascular problems in the brain, or tumors in the brain. Other causes include thyroid disease, myaesthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis and a number of rare causes. Whomever this has happened to should quickly see a neurologist or better yet, a neuro-ophthalmologist.

Is Refresh Tears good for dry eyes?

Yes. They are a good product.

Can a bacterial eye infection go away on its own?

There is a tiny chance that a bacterial infection of the eye might disappear without treatment. Your eye and sight are precious and I would not count on this if you actually have READ MORE
There is a tiny chance that a bacterial infection of the eye might disappear without treatment. Your eye and sight are precious and I would not count on this if you actually have an infection diagnosed. Get it treated!

How do you treat viral pink eye?

Unless it is Herpes, there is no treatment for the other viral pink eyes. Use warm or cool soaks to keep the eyes clean and the condition is self limited. Be careful about transmission READ MORE
Unless it is Herpes, there is no treatment for the other viral pink eyes. Use warm or cool soaks to keep the eyes clean and the condition is self limited. Be careful about transmission to others.

Will osteoma removal fix symptoms like double vision and hearing loss?

This depends upon where the osteoma is located and whether it impacted the nerves or the structures leading to vision and hearing. For instance, if it is in the orbit behind the READ MORE
This depends upon where the osteoma is located and whether it impacted the nerves or the structures leading to vision and hearing. For instance, if it is in the orbit behind the eye, and grew to push around the eye, but did not damage any nerves, then removal should correct the doubling. If nerves were damaged, removal could relieve pressure on them with possible recovery. Ask the surgeon doing the work what your chances are.