EXPERT
Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Roger Ohanesian is an ophthalmologist practicing in Laguna Hills, California. Dr. Ohanesian specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Ohanesian 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. Ohanesian 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.
Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian
- Laguna Hills, California
- MD at The University of Vermont
- Accepting new patients
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Why does my vision feel hazy in the morning?
With symptoms like that, you might have a disease of the cornea (Fuchs Dystrophy), which causes the cornea to become swollen overnight when your eyelids are closed and the tears READ MORE
With symptoms like that, you might have a disease of the cornea (Fuchs Dystrophy), which causes the cornea to become swollen overnight when your eyelids are closed and the tears don’t evaporate. A test of the cornea is often done that demonstrates the loss of corneal cells that is present with this disease. Typically, hypertonic saline solution, basically salty tears, are placed into the eye at night and in the morning to reduce the swelling.
It is generally successful and should be sufficient IF THAT IS THE DIAGNOSIS. We also worry about Glaucoma, which blurs the vision if the pressure goes up at night.
Since there are different diseases that can be involved, it is essential to be seen by an ophthalmologist who may be able to make the diagnosis just during his examination.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
It is generally successful and should be sufficient IF THAT IS THE DIAGNOSIS. We also worry about Glaucoma, which blurs the vision if the pressure goes up at night.
Since there are different diseases that can be involved, it is essential to be seen by an ophthalmologist who may be able to make the diagnosis just during his examination.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
My mother is highly diabetic and is not able to see very clearly. Could it be the onset of glaucoma?
If your mother has diabetes she has a higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and variability of vision due to refractive changes (eyeglasses) associated with sugar levels in her blood READ MORE
If your mother has diabetes she has a higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and variability of vision due to refractive changes (eyeglasses) associated with sugar levels in her blood stream. That her vision may sometime blur and later clear makes me concerned that she may have vision threatening diabetic retinopathy. This is a very common yet serious complication of diabetes and must be treated quickly to prevent loss of vision. Mother should be seen by an ophthalmologist ASAP. She is in jeopardy of losing vision. She may require injections into the eye or laser to prevent further loss.
If she has cataracts or glaucoma, her vision is at risk but treatment earlier is easier. If you are reluctant or have no time to take her to the ophthalmologist, you may find your life disrupted due to the need of caring for a parent who is permanently blind.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
If she has cataracts or glaucoma, her vision is at risk but treatment earlier is easier. If you are reluctant or have no time to take her to the ophthalmologist, you may find your life disrupted due to the need of caring for a parent who is permanently blind.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
My daughter is 3 years old and currently has swelling in her left eye. Is this a sty?
I would definitely check with your pediatrician to confirm this to be a chalazion or hordeolum. These are blockages of glands that supply oils to the surface of the tear to prevent READ MORE
I would definitely check with your pediatrician to confirm this to be a chalazion or hordeolum. These are blockages of glands that supply oils to the surface of the tear to prevent evaporation of the underneath water layer that is the lubricant and is over the mucous layer that makes the tear structure stick to the cornea. If these glands get infected, the oils they produce don’t flow and the result is often the chalazion or hordeolum.
Treatment is often to roll up a wash cloth like a shushi and dip it into warm (not hot) water, squeeze out the drips and place on the closed eye for 30 seconds. Remove, replace in warm waters down, repeat for another 30 seconds. Continue that routine for 5 minutes and do that for five minutes, 4 times a day.
Your doctor may ask you to take an antibiotic eye drop after each session. The lump should go away within a week. If not, check with an ophthalmologist.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
Treatment is often to roll up a wash cloth like a shushi and dip it into warm (not hot) water, squeeze out the drips and place on the closed eye for 30 seconds. Remove, replace in warm waters down, repeat for another 30 seconds. Continue that routine for 5 minutes and do that for five minutes, 4 times a day.
Your doctor may ask you to take an antibiotic eye drop after each session. The lump should go away within a week. If not, check with an ophthalmologist.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
Why do some people have dry eyes?
There are multiple reasons for Dry Eye and the treatment differs for many of them. Your Mother should be seen by an Ophthalmologist who specializes in the front surface of the READ MORE
There are multiple reasons for Dry Eye and the treatment differs for many of them.
Your Mother should be seen by an Ophthalmologist who specializes in the front surface of the eye. She/He could determine with testing whether her disorder is due to a condition that affects her whole body or just the eyes. She may need testing to determine if her tears are deficient of nutrients or if components are missing that allow for rapid evaporation.
Dry Eye can be a hereditary disorder which might affect her children and grandchildren. A cure for Mom might make for an easier time for you and your kids.
It’s worth taking her to her Ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Harvard Eye Associates
Your Mother should be seen by an Ophthalmologist who specializes in the front surface of the eye. She/He could determine with testing whether her disorder is due to a condition that affects her whole body or just the eyes. She may need testing to determine if her tears are deficient of nutrients or if components are missing that allow for rapid evaporation.
Dry Eye can be a hereditary disorder which might affect her children and grandchildren. A cure for Mom might make for an easier time for you and your kids.
It’s worth taking her to her Ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Harvard Eye Associates
Can a 3 year old child have glasses?
Yes, children even as young as one year old may require glasses to prevent Amblyopia, also known as Lazy Eye, in one or both eyes. Depending upon the child, they may need to have READ MORE
Yes, children even as young as one year old may require glasses to prevent Amblyopia, also known as Lazy Eye, in one or both eyes.
Depending upon the child, they may need to have lenses inserted into goggles to allow the glasses to stay in place.
These glasses are often needed to prevent eyes becoming “crossed” or “wall eyed”.
If you child is found to need glasses, confirm the diagnosis and treatment by having her visit a Pediatric Ophthalmologist if you have doubts about the first eye doctors opinion. But, don’t ignore the advice lest your child develops a lifelong reduction of vision.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Harvard Eye Associates
Depending upon the child, they may need to have lenses inserted into goggles to allow the glasses to stay in place.
These glasses are often needed to prevent eyes becoming “crossed” or “wall eyed”.
If you child is found to need glasses, confirm the diagnosis and treatment by having her visit a Pediatric Ophthalmologist if you have doubts about the first eye doctors opinion. But, don’t ignore the advice lest your child develops a lifelong reduction of vision.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Harvard Eye Associates
My eyes feel very dry after LASIK. Why could this be?
Of course you should return to your LASIK surgeon about your discomfort. It is not uncommon for dry eyes to occur after LASIK surgery as corneal nerves that innervate at the limball READ MORE
Of course you should return to your LASIK surgeon about your discomfort.
It is not uncommon for dry eyes to occur after LASIK surgery as corneal nerves that innervate at the limball periphery enter the cornea at each side. These nerves commonly get cut during LASIK and need to regrow.
Usually they do so after a month or so but sometimes it takes years and occasionally they don’t re innervate.
It will be up to the LASIK or corneal surgeon to tell you what to do next. Artificial Tears might be best for you during the day and a gel or ointment at bedtime to get through the night.
Roger Ohanesian MD
It is not uncommon for dry eyes to occur after LASIK surgery as corneal nerves that innervate at the limball periphery enter the cornea at each side. These nerves commonly get cut during LASIK and need to regrow.
Usually they do so after a month or so but sometimes it takes years and occasionally they don’t re innervate.
It will be up to the LASIK or corneal surgeon to tell you what to do next. Artificial Tears might be best for you during the day and a gel or ointment at bedtime to get through the night.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Can diabetes cause reading difficulties?
Your mother would do best by seeing an ophthalmologist as there are many reasons for her reduction of vision.
If her “correction" for vision so that she saw without glasses READ MORE
Your mother would do best by seeing an ophthalmologist as there are many reasons for her reduction of vision.
If her “correction" for vision so that she saw without glasses was a cataract extraction, there is often a membrane that clouds over and requires a fast treatment by a YAG LASER that can clear her vision. If that is not the case and instead there is evidence of Diabetic Retinopathy with hemorrhages and exudates, she will certainly need injections into the eye and possibly a different type of (Argon) Laser.
This is an urgent problem to resolve. If Diabetic changes exist within the retina, it is only a matter of time when your mother will lose significant amounts of vision. Diabetes is one of the most common causes for blindness throughout the world! If caught early, treatment can prevent vision loss.
Have her see an Ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Roger Ohanesian MD
If her “correction" for vision so that she saw without glasses was a cataract extraction, there is often a membrane that clouds over and requires a fast treatment by a YAG LASER that can clear her vision. If that is not the case and instead there is evidence of Diabetic Retinopathy with hemorrhages and exudates, she will certainly need injections into the eye and possibly a different type of (Argon) Laser.
This is an urgent problem to resolve. If Diabetic changes exist within the retina, it is only a matter of time when your mother will lose significant amounts of vision. Diabetes is one of the most common causes for blindness throughout the world! If caught early, treatment can prevent vision loss.
Have her see an Ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Does not wearing glasses all the time increase eye power?
That is a very good question, the answer to which requires the knowledge of whether without glasses, you have nearsightedness (able to see clearly at near but not see distant objects READ MORE
That is a very good question, the answer to which requires the knowledge of whether without glasses, you have nearsightedness (able to see clearly at near but not see distant objects well) or farsightedness, able to see distance better, but not well for near. Then, there is astigmatism which means things are distorted at both distances and reading.
After many years of practice, I have noticed that patients who have a small degree of any of these disorders will remain stable to a point, but the need for glasses increases the greater is the prescription power.
My common refrain to patients is “If you see well enough, as tested by the eye chart, and your activities, and are comfortable without glasses, then go without them." It will not hurt you to go without glasses and wearing them might make you dependent upon them. Going without may be perfectly acceptable unless it prevents you from doing things you want or need to do. Remember though, just because you don’t want to wear glasses is not a good reason to not wear them. If you can see 20/25 or 20/30 without glasses, it might be acceptable to go without. For driving though, especially at night, you may be better to wear glasses as vision often drops when night falls. This is most true if you are driving. While doing this activity, you will want to have the best possible vision.
Roger Ohanesian MD
After many years of practice, I have noticed that patients who have a small degree of any of these disorders will remain stable to a point, but the need for glasses increases the greater is the prescription power.
My common refrain to patients is “If you see well enough, as tested by the eye chart, and your activities, and are comfortable without glasses, then go without them." It will not hurt you to go without glasses and wearing them might make you dependent upon them. Going without may be perfectly acceptable unless it prevents you from doing things you want or need to do. Remember though, just because you don’t want to wear glasses is not a good reason to not wear them. If you can see 20/25 or 20/30 without glasses, it might be acceptable to go without. For driving though, especially at night, you may be better to wear glasses as vision often drops when night falls. This is most true if you are driving. While doing this activity, you will want to have the best possible vision.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Is there an age restriction for a refractive surgery?
There are very good reasons why refractive surgery is not done on children your daughter’s age. The principal one is that her eyes have not completed their growth cycle and may READ MORE
There are very good reasons why refractive surgery is not done on children your daughter’s age. The principal one is that her eyes have not completed their growth cycle and may require significantly different lens power in later years. For her to go through this major refractive surgical procedure upon the cornea of each eye and then have further growth and subsequent blurring vision from eyes that are no longer focused would be disturbing to her, her parents and her surgeon.
We typically prefer to not repeat the surgical procedure if it can be avoided as a distorted cornea can cause irregular astigmatism that is difficult to correct.
Roger Ohanesian MD
We typically prefer to not repeat the surgical procedure if it can be avoided as a distorted cornea can cause irregular astigmatism that is difficult to correct.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Why are my eyes blood red when I wake up?
Let me know if you did not receive my reply. I sent it from Armenia where I was on a Mission Trip. Perhaps it did not get sent due to poor Internet service.
Roger Ohanesian, READ MORE
Let me know if you did not receive my reply. I sent it from Armenia where I was on a Mission Trip. Perhaps it did not get sent due to poor Internet service.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
Roger Ohanesian, MD
Why are my eyes blood red when I wake up?
Despite that every person with these symptoms feels they are alone in experiencing this malady, it is common and frequent among those who stare at a computer screen for long periods READ MORE
Despite that every person with these symptoms feels they are alone in experiencing this malady, it is common and frequent among those who stare at a computer screen for long periods of time.
Briefly, you have developed dry eyes from not blinking sufficiently when on the computer. When you concentrate on the screen close to your face, you blink less frequently. Because tears
spread over the cornea and sclera, and these tears evaporate and cool the Cornea thereby reducing the oxygen need. When the corneal cells cry out for more oxygen, blood vessels in the adjacent tissue (conjunctiva) respond by enlarging and bring more oxygen from the tiny blood capillaries around the eye to the cornea. Though the eye is more comfortable, it becomes red and makes you uncomfortable.
Treatment may be by: PREVENTION.
Briefly, you have developed dry eyes from not blinking sufficiently when on the computer. When you concentrate on the screen close to your face, you blink less frequently. Because tears
spread over the cornea and sclera, and these tears evaporate and cool the Cornea thereby reducing the oxygen need. When the corneal cells cry out for more oxygen, blood vessels in the adjacent tissue (conjunctiva) respond by enlarging and bring more oxygen from the tiny blood capillaries around the eye to the cornea. Though the eye is more comfortable, it becomes red and makes you uncomfortable.
Treatment may be by: PREVENTION.
Can diabetes cause reading difficulties?
Given that your Mom is a long term Diabetic and 60 Years old, there are many things that come to mind to cause decreased abilities to read. The first is that despite having Refractive READ MORE
Given that your Mom is a long term Diabetic and 60 Years old, there are many things that come to mind to cause decreased abilities to read. The first is that despite having Refractive Surgery so she did not have to wear glasses she may need glasses for upclose due to her lens becoming more rigid and not providing enough magnification to allow comfortable reading. This is easily diagnosed and treated by testing reading glasses sold at most drugstores for less than ten dollars.
Another possible diagnosis is of cataract formation that may have clouded her vision and caused her difficulty in reading. Diabetes may accelerate the development of cataracts and cause a central Posterior SubCapsular cataract which is especially bothersome when reading. Because this cataract frequently blurs the very center of the pupil it causes distortions and deminished acuity up close. Because when looking up close, the pupil constricts allowing only rays coming from the center to pass through the pupil and the center is the most clouded portion of this type of cataract.
Another disorder found frequently in type 2 Diabetics is the presence of Diabetic Macula Edema. This blurring is due to the presence of fluid within the layers of the central retina causing the patient to have reduced central vision.
A Fourth reason may be often presence of Diabetic Retinopathy which occurs in one third of Diabetics and can be vision threatening in one third of those with Diabetic Retinopathy.
This would require intravitreal injection or Argon Green Laser to a significant portion of the retina.
An examination must be done as soon as possible by a qualified Ophthalmologist or retinal specialist. If vision threatening Diabetic Retinopathy exists then treatment should take place ASAP.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Harvard Eye Associates
Another possible diagnosis is of cataract formation that may have clouded her vision and caused her difficulty in reading. Diabetes may accelerate the development of cataracts and cause a central Posterior SubCapsular cataract which is especially bothersome when reading. Because this cataract frequently blurs the very center of the pupil it causes distortions and deminished acuity up close. Because when looking up close, the pupil constricts allowing only rays coming from the center to pass through the pupil and the center is the most clouded portion of this type of cataract.
Another disorder found frequently in type 2 Diabetics is the presence of Diabetic Macula Edema. This blurring is due to the presence of fluid within the layers of the central retina causing the patient to have reduced central vision.
A Fourth reason may be often presence of Diabetic Retinopathy which occurs in one third of Diabetics and can be vision threatening in one third of those with Diabetic Retinopathy.
This would require intravitreal injection or Argon Green Laser to a significant portion of the retina.
An examination must be done as soon as possible by a qualified Ophthalmologist or retinal specialist. If vision threatening Diabetic Retinopathy exists then treatment should take place ASAP.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Harvard Eye Associates
What is the reason for double vision following an accident?
First and foremost, he must be seen by a qualified ophthalmologist (MD).
There are many aspects of the eye that need to be thoroughly examined
because other parts of the eye READ MORE
First and foremost, he must be seen by a qualified ophthalmologist (MD).
There are many aspects of the eye that need to be thoroughly examined
because other parts of the eye may have been injured.
After a bicycle accident 3 month ago (in late June or July) when the rider
was most likely wearing a helmet and sunglasses,I suspect he hit the ground
on the lower side of his face and his glasses were propelled up. This
caused the nose bridge projections (those clear plastic devices on the
inside of the frame) to slam up to the bony orbit and damage the
"Trochlea."
He may have noticed that pressing on the uppermost nasal portion of the
orbital bone would cause pain on the injured side but no tenderness on the
opposite eye upper nasal orbit.
This Trochlea is a pulley that transfers the pulling action of the
"Superior Internal Oblique" ocular muscle to make the eye turn down and in.
If damaged or fractured, the pulley does not function with needed pin point
accuracy. Because each eye is like a video camera and both eyes must
coincide on the same place to not get a blurred image, the DAMAGED Trochlea
causes the eyes to be out of alignment.
After a dilated retinal exam by an MD ophthalmologist, the patient should
be seen by an Ophthalmic plastic surgeon or ocular motility specialist for
possible repair of the condition.
His double vision may encompass both horizontal and vertical elements and
may need to be treated with prism glasses even after surgical repair.
He may find that, when looking at a light in the distance, one eye sees it
above the other and maybe side by side too.
Unfortunately, these double images (medical term: Diplopia) may last a long
time and require prism glasses for correction.
Good luck.
Roger Ohanesian MD
There are many aspects of the eye that need to be thoroughly examined
because other parts of the eye may have been injured.
After a bicycle accident 3 month ago (in late June or July) when the rider
was most likely wearing a helmet and sunglasses,I suspect he hit the ground
on the lower side of his face and his glasses were propelled up. This
caused the nose bridge projections (those clear plastic devices on the
inside of the frame) to slam up to the bony orbit and damage the
"Trochlea."
He may have noticed that pressing on the uppermost nasal portion of the
orbital bone would cause pain on the injured side but no tenderness on the
opposite eye upper nasal orbit.
This Trochlea is a pulley that transfers the pulling action of the
"Superior Internal Oblique" ocular muscle to make the eye turn down and in.
If damaged or fractured, the pulley does not function with needed pin point
accuracy. Because each eye is like a video camera and both eyes must
coincide on the same place to not get a blurred image, the DAMAGED Trochlea
causes the eyes to be out of alignment.
After a dilated retinal exam by an MD ophthalmologist, the patient should
be seen by an Ophthalmic plastic surgeon or ocular motility specialist for
possible repair of the condition.
His double vision may encompass both horizontal and vertical elements and
may need to be treated with prism glasses even after surgical repair.
He may find that, when looking at a light in the distance, one eye sees it
above the other and maybe side by side too.
Unfortunately, these double images (medical term: Diplopia) may last a long
time and require prism glasses for correction.
Good luck.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Can eyesight ever get better on its own?
You have noticed a common source of anxiety about vision. In your teenage years, your tissues continue to grow, as they are supposed to do.
This includes your eyeball which READ MORE
You have noticed a common source of anxiety about vision. In your teenage years, your tissues continue to grow, as they are supposed to do.
This includes your eyeball which often gets bigger, and vision becomes more distorted, as you age.
This is especially true among nearsighted persons whose retina becomes further and further back (posterior) as the eye swells to achieve its final shape.
When this happens, the image upon the retina becomes out of focus and glasses are needed to place it once more put it into focus.
You can think of the analogy of a projector perfectly displaying an image up
This includes your eyeball which often gets bigger, and vision becomes more distorted, as you age.
This is especially true among nearsighted persons whose retina becomes further and further back (posterior) as the eye swells to achieve its final shape.
When this happens, the image upon the retina becomes out of focus and glasses are needed to place it once more put it into focus.
You can think of the analogy of a projector perfectly displaying an image up
Anything to watch out for when using glaucoma eye drops?
You should review the package insert to see if you have known allergies with any of the ingredients of the medicine you have been advised to take. Lumigan, which you have been READ MORE
You should review the package insert to see if you have known allergies with any of the ingredients of the medicine you have been advised to take.
Lumigan, which you have been advised to take.
Also, ask your GP or Internist if he has any concerns regarding this or that eyedrop.
Then read the side effects of a given medication. For example
Lumigan has an effect of occasionally causing increased pigment to adjacent skin and causing longer lash growth and darkening and growth of lashes. This might be bothersome to some users.
Lastly, if you have not already done so, make a complete list of your medicines, how often they are taken and their route of administration (by mouth, inhaled, eyedrops etc.
then keep in a safe easily found place.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Lumigan, which you have been advised to take.
Also, ask your GP or Internist if he has any concerns regarding this or that eyedrop.
Then read the side effects of a given medication. For example
Lumigan has an effect of occasionally causing increased pigment to adjacent skin and causing longer lash growth and darkening and growth of lashes. This might be bothersome to some users.
Lastly, if you have not already done so, make a complete list of your medicines, how often they are taken and their route of administration (by mouth, inhaled, eyedrops etc.
then keep in a safe easily found place.
Roger Ohanesian MD
My eye looks different because of my astigmatism. Anything I can do?
If you mean "my eye sees differently" than the other eye. That is understandable. If the appearance is different, that would require a visit to an ophthalmologist.
The distorted READ MORE
If you mean "my eye sees differently" than the other eye. That is understandable. If the appearance is different, that would require a visit to an ophthalmologist.
The distorted image that an eye with astigmatism produces is different than one with no astigmatism, but the appearance of the eye when looked at through a mirror or by another person, should be no different.
If it is different, it should be examined by an ophthalmologist.
Roger Ohanesian MD
The distorted image that an eye with astigmatism produces is different than one with no astigmatism, but the appearance of the eye when looked at through a mirror or by another person, should be no different.
If it is different, it should be examined by an ophthalmologist.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Why are my eyes sore after contacts?
Lots of reasons for this symptom. May have to do with CL diameter, curvature or cleanliness. It may also be a result of a dry eye condition. Many persons do not take their soft READ MORE
Lots of reasons for this symptom. May have to do with CL diameter, curvature or cleanliness. It may also be a result of a dry eye condition. Many persons do not take their soft contact lenses CLs out for many days. If that is you, start taking them out during hours of sleep. Lastly, use warm compresses on your eyes. leave on for 30 seconds then refresh compress in a bowl of warm water, squeeze then Back on the eyes for another 30 seconds. Continue for five minutes or ten applications.
I have found this makes most patients far more comfortable. But, of the discomfort remains, see your CL specialist or ophthalmologists.
Roger Ohanesian MD
I have found this makes most patients far more comfortable. But, of the discomfort remains, see your CL specialist or ophthalmologists.
Roger Ohanesian MD
Why are my eyes so sensitive to light?
How long have you had the symptoms of watering eyes?
Do you have blurred vision in one or both eyes with this?
Does it occur when you are wearing prescription sunglasses?
Do READ MORE
How long have you had the symptoms of watering eyes?
Do you have blurred vision in one or both eyes with this?
Does it occur when you are wearing prescription sunglasses?
Do you have the sensation of something in the eye?
Do you have itching and/or burning of your eyes?
Do you have allergies to air or household items?
What have you done to relieve your symptoms?
Do you have blurred vision in one or both eyes with this?
Does it occur when you are wearing prescription sunglasses?
Do you have the sensation of something in the eye?
Do you have itching and/or burning of your eyes?
Do you have allergies to air or household items?
What have you done to relieve your symptoms?
