expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Joseph F. Barakeh, DO PHD

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Joseph Barakeh is an ophthalmologist practicing in Walnut Creek, CA. Dr. Barakeh specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Barakeh 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. Barakeh 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.
27 years Experience
Dr. Joseph F. Barakeh, DO PHD
  • Walnut Creek, CA
  • Nova Se Univ, Coll of Osteo Med, Ft Lauderdale Fl
  • Accepting new patients

Can my son go to the eye doctor during covid-19?

Absolutely. By now, nearly all eye docs are seeing clients with precautions in place. Safer than the grocery store.



Why does it feel like there's something in my eye?

Well, the obvious answer is that there may, in fact, be something in your eye. Even a very small particle can be felt, especially if it's stuck hiding under the upper lid. Other READ MORE
Well, the obvious answer is that there may, in fact, be something in your eye. Even a very small particle can be felt, especially if it's stuck hiding under the upper lid. Other causes of "foreign body sensation" are most commonly dry eye and blepharitis, both typically benign conditions. You could try instilling artificial tears in the affected eye to see if the feeling goes away. If it persists, go see some kind of eye doctor, they will have the type of microscope which can easily see any foreign body.

Are eye infections contagious?

Without knowing any other facts about this case, in your son's age group it is very likely the infection will be contagious for the nex 5-7 days at least.

Can lack of sleep cause eye floaters?

I am not aware of any study linking lack of sleep to floaters. New floaters should be checked by an ophthalmologist. Expect to be dilated. Lack of sleep in kids (and adults) can READ MORE
I am not aware of any study linking lack of sleep to floaters. New floaters should be checked by an ophthalmologist. Expect to be dilated. Lack of sleep in kids (and adults) can be associated with electronic screen use too close to bedtime. Don't use any screen two hours before bedtime.

Can you see cataracts in the mirror?

If you have a significant cataract, you might be able to see it in the mirror. It would look like the normally black central circle (pupil) in the affected eye(s) looks milky white, READ MORE
If you have a significant cataract, you might be able to see it in the mirror. It would look like the normally black central circle (pupil) in the affected eye(s) looks milky white, off-white, or tan-colored. It may not be that dramatic, just a faint hazy not-perfectly-black pupil. If you are seeing well in each eye, then it's probably too faint to see in the mirror, and would not require surgery unless it is causing some other problem, like high eye pressure or inflammation.

How long after a cataract operation I can drive?

I generally tell my patients that they can drive when they feel confident driving. This is never the same day as surgery. You need to ask your surgeon in case you have special READ MORE
I generally tell my patients that they can drive when they feel confident driving. This is never the same day as surgery. You need to ask your surgeon in case you have special circumstances.

Do cataracts cause watery eyes?

No, cataracts do not cause watery eyes. Watery eyes are usually caused by one or more of the following: Dry eyes (most common), allergy (often with redness and itching), blepharitis READ MORE
No, cataracts do not cause watery eyes. Watery eyes are usually caused by one or more of the following: Dry eyes (most common), allergy (often with redness and itching), blepharitis (scratchy), and blockage of the nasolacrimal drainage system (less common).

Does Visine help watery eyes?

No, do not use Visine for chronic watery eyes. Try some artificial tears daily first for a couple of weeks. If it does not help, see an ophthalmologist.

Do eye exercises help improve vision?

At age 28, there are no eye exercises proven to improve vision. Eat healthy, protect your eyes from the sun and dangerous equipment, and see an eye doctor every couple of years. Sincerely, Joseph READ MORE
At age 28, there are no eye exercises proven to improve vision. Eat healthy, protect your eyes from the sun and dangerous equipment, and see an eye doctor every couple of years.

Sincerely,

Joseph F. Barakeh, DO, PhD

What are the risks with iris-implant procedures?

No eye surgeon worth speaking with will agree to perform iris implant surgery to change your iris color. If some surgeon agrees to do that, run away from them. Just try colored READ MORE
No eye surgeon worth speaking with will agree to perform iris implant surgery to change your iris color. If some surgeon agrees to do that, run away from them. Just try colored contact lenses. If that doesn't work, be happy with your healthy eyes.

Joseph F. Barakeh, DO, PhD

What causes lesions to form within the eyelid?

This is a stye or hordeolum. Apply hot compress twice a day for 3-5 days. If no better, see an urgent care or your friendly neighborhood ophthalmologist. Joseph F. Barakeh, READ MORE
This is a stye or hordeolum. Apply hot compress twice a day for 3-5 days. If no better, see an urgent care or your friendly neighborhood ophthalmologist.

Joseph F. Barakeh, DO, PhD

Can kids have astigmatism?

Yes. If there is enough astigmatism to affect vision, the child should wear glasses with full astigmatism correction prescribed.

Are eye floaters normal in excessive sunlight?

Yes, floaters are more visible under certain lighting conditions, like looking at a big blue sky, or a well-lit white wall. New floaters should be checked. For an explanation of READ MORE
Yes, floaters are more visible under certain lighting conditions, like looking at a big blue sky, or a well-lit white wall. New floaters should be checked. For an explanation of floaters, search the topic "vitreous detachment" or "vitreous syneresis."

Joseph F. Barakeh, DO, PhD

Can LASIK be used to change iris color?

No.

Joseph F. Barakeh, DO, PhD

What causes eye discoloration?

The list of possibilities without more info or a picture is long. Make an appointment with a real ophthalmologist sometime this month and have them take a look. Eye pressure should READ MORE
The list of possibilities without more info or a picture is long. Make an appointment with a real ophthalmologist sometime this month and have them take a look. Eye pressure should be checked.