expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. David M. Girardi, O.D.

Optometrist | Corneal and Contact Management

<p>Dr. David Girardi is an optometrist practicing in Syracuse, NY.&nbsp; His practice specializes in providing eye care services including glasses and contacts to patients in the Eastern Syracuse area. As an optometrist, Dr. Girardi performs eye exams, corrects vision by prescribing eye glasses or contacts, and detects and treats various eye diseases. Optometrists often work closely with ophthalmologists who may need to further treat patients with surgical procedures.</p>
34 years Experience
Dr. David Girardi, O.D.
  • East Syracuse, NY
  • NEWENCO
  • Accepting new patients

Do you need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?

Generally, if you wore glasses prior to surgery for distance, you wouldn't need them anymore - if you are having both eyes done. You would, however need glasses to read unless READ MORE
Generally, if you wore glasses prior to surgery for distance, you wouldn't need them anymore - if you are having both eyes done. You would, however need glasses to read unless you did one of two options: 1. have a multifocal implant that provides you with some distance and near vision or 2. have the surgeon leave you slightly nearsighted in one eye (called monovision) to allow you to read with one eye and see distance in the other.

Can contact lenses cause eye infections?

Yes, they can! Remember that a contact lens is made up of a good percentage of water. It stays hydrated by being in solution and therefore, it is always recommended to use a disinfecting READ MORE
Yes, they can! Remember that a contact lens is made up of a good percentage of water. It stays hydrated by being in solution and therefore, it is always recommended to use a disinfecting solution for storage. If a lens was not put in disinfection solution or exposed to water that wasn't sterilized (i.e., tap water or pond water for example), then the lens could absorb the bacteria and other germs in the water, which could lead to an infection.

Can I use eye drops with contacts in?

Lubricating drops for contacts are available in several different brands. Look for the description of contact lens rewetting drops as opposed to artificial tears as they have more READ MORE
Lubricating drops for contacts are available in several different brands. Look for the description of contact lens rewetting drops as opposed to artificial tears as they have more of an oil makeup for some and would cause your lenses to get filmy.

How often should contacts be replaced?

That would depend on the type of lens you are wearing. The replacement schedule would have been determined by the doctor who fit you and the lens brand you are wearing. Daily, READ MORE
That would depend on the type of lens you are wearing. The replacement schedule would have been determined by the doctor who fit you and the lens brand you are wearing. Daily, bi-weekly or monthly are the typical replacement schedules.

Are contact lenses good for eyes?

Put another way, contacts are not bad for your eyes, if worn responsibly. The improved technology of the materials and designs allows the wearer better vision, comfort and eye READ MORE
Put another way, contacts are not bad for your eyes, if worn responsibly. The improved technology of the materials and designs allows the wearer better vision, comfort and eye health than past contact lens materials afforded. They can even be better visually than glasses in some cases - depending on the prescription. Not everyone is a good candidate for contact lens wear, however, and it is up to your doctor to decide if it would be appropriate for you to wear them.

What happens if you wear contacts for more than 8 hours?

Most of the newer materials that contacts are made of contain silicone and will provide more oxygen for the eye. Consequently, you are able to wear them longer than 8 hours without READ MORE
Most of the newer materials that contacts are made of contain silicone and will provide more oxygen for the eye. Consequently, you are able to wear them longer than 8 hours without cause for concern. If, however, you wear the same lens longer than is recommended (ex. a monthly lens worn for 2 months or a daily lens worn for several days), you risk making your eye irritated which can lead to you having to discontinue lens wear for a brief time.

Why does my eye always burn after having LASIK?

Burning can be a sign of dryness which often happens shortly after Lasik surgery when the corneal nerves are cut. Sometimes that dryness can persist and cause your cornea to become READ MORE
Burning can be a sign of dryness which often happens shortly after Lasik surgery when the corneal nerves are cut. Sometimes that dryness can persist and cause your cornea to become irritated. It would be best to discuss these symptoms with your Lasik surgeon and have him re-evaluate you to determine if any other cause may exist.