FAQ
What You Need to Know About Your Eye Care
At Piedmont Eye Surgical & Laser Center, we understand that choosing the right eye care provider is an important decision. Our goal is to make every step of your experience clear, comfortable, and confident — from your first consultation to recovery after surgery. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.
FAQs
Glaucoma FAQs
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many patients are able to slow or stop the progression of the disease and protect their vision.
In the early stages, glaucoma usually has no symptoms. Over time, patients may notice gradual loss of peripheral vision, halos around lights, or blurred vision. Regular eye exams are important for detecting it early.
Treatment may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The right treatment depends on your specific type and severity of glaucoma.
People over age 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, and patients with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk. African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations are also at increased risk.
No. Piedmont Eye Surgical & Laser Center is a referral-based practice. We do not provide routine eye exams, but we work closely with optometrists and referring providers to deliver specialized glaucoma care.
Yes. We accept all major insurance plans, including Medicare. Because insurance coverage changes often, we encourage you to call our office at (336) 854-4441 to confirm your benefits.
FAQs
Cataract FAQs
Eye Protection: Wear your eye shield while sleeping or napping for the first week.
Activity Restrictions:
Avoid heavy lifting (anything over 10 pounds) for 1 week.
When bending, bend at the knees — do not bend from the waist. Keep your head above your heart for 1 week.
No strenuous exercise (treadmill, elliptical, lawn mowing, etc.) for 1 week. Gentle walking is fine, but no power walking.
Do not play golf for 1 week.
Cosmetics & Personal Care: No eye makeup for 1 week.
Water Safety: Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or cold plunges for 2 weeks.
Appointments: No dental visits for 2 weeks before and after surgery.
Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Aging is the most common cause, but cataracts can also be linked to diabetes, smoking, certain medications, and prolonged sun exposure.
If cataracts are interfering with daily activities such as reading, driving, or seeing clearly at night, it may be time for surgery. Your ophthalmologist will recommend surgery when the cataracts begin to significantly affect your quality of life.
No. Cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia with numbing eye drops. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure, and only mild scratchiness or irritation afterward.
Most patients notice clearer vision within a few days. Complete healing typically takes a few weeks, during which you’ll use prescription eye drops and attend follow-up visits.
It depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose. Standard lenses usually provide clear vision at one distance, often requiring glasses for reading. Premium lenses, such as toric or multifocal IOLs, can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses.
Yes. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures worldwide, with very high success rates. Complications are rare, but your ophthalmologist will discuss potential risks with you during your consultation.