Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D.
Optometrist
100 Uptown Rd Ithaca NY, 14850About
Dr. Melissa Oltz is an optometrist practicing in Ithaca, NY. Dr. Oltz specializing in providing eye care services to patients. As an optometrist, Dr. Oltz performs eye exams, tests vision, corrects vision by prescribing eye glasses or contacts, detects certain eye disorders and manages and treats vision problems. Optometrists often work closely with ophthalmologists who may need to further treat patients with surgical procedures.
Provider Details
Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D.'s Expert Contributions
Is sunlight bad for your eyes?
UV exposure over a lifetime causes age related cataracts as well as sun spots (pingueculas/pterygia) on the surface of your eyes, accelerate macular degeneration, raises your chances of skin cancers on the eyelids, increases floaters...so, yes! Sunglasses with UVA/UVB blocking properties are readily available at low cost. I recommend everyone from infants to elderly to wear sunglasses whenever possible. READ MORE
Why do my eyes hurt when I look to the side?
Yes, see your doctor. Your eyes should never hurt badly so you need to determine what the cause is. READ MORE
How often should I get an eye test?
As we get older, yearly eye exams are recommended. Your eye doctor can spot problems before they cause permanent damage and can help you treat or prevent the worsening of certain conditions when you get regular eye exams. READ MORE
Are colored lenses bad for the eyes?
No, but I would not wear them every day and I would never recommend sleeping in them. With any lens, if comfort or clarity drops in the lenses, they should be thrown out even if they haven’t met their FDA approved wearing longevity. READ MORE
What causes boils inside the eyes?
Many things can look like boils, so get your eyes checked out by a professional. READ MORE
What is the reason for repeated pink eye?
Frequent hand washing is a big help and so is not touching her eyes unnecessarily. She is likely picking it up from something she has touched and then touching her eye. See an eye doctor to confirm that it is actually pink eye and not something else. READ MORE
Can zero power glasses cause any harm to my eyes?
Not likely. It would depend on their other properties. READ MORE
Why is my vision so hazy even after recovering from conjuctivitis?
You need to go back to your eye doctor. Likely, you have secondary inflammation, which often requires steroid eye drops to clear up. READ MORE
My eyes feel very heavy every time I watch TV. What could be wrong?
Most people don’t blink as often when watching TV or using a computer. If you are already on the dry side, this can push your eyes over the edge. (The normal blink rate is about 17 blinks per minute. Watching TV can drop it down to about 4!) Blink! READ MORE
Are there any treatment for bulging eyes?
Yes, radiation and orbital decompression. You need to find out the source of why your eyes are bulging though. See your doctor. READ MORE
Are diabetics at a higher risk for developing cataracts?
Yes. The lens inside the eye is one of the few structures in the body that can suck up extra blood sugar and release it as the blood sugar goes up and down. This speeds up cataract formation. READ MORE
Can steam irritate my eyes?
Yes, close your eyes while you are steaming. READ MORE
Can a two year old have glasses?
Absolutely! READ MORE
Can styes in my eyes affect my eyesight?
Yes, styes can get big and warp the cornea, changing the vision. Also, they can cause long term damage to the oil ducts that are infected can cause severe dry eye and lid margin scarring/distortion. READ MORE
A ball hit my eye and now it's swollen. What should I do?
Besides ice...you should see an eye doctor. Your retina can detach from blunt trauma and you can develop internal inflammation that is also sight threatening. This is covered under medical insurance, not vision insurance. READ MORE
Can contact lenses protect my eyes from the light of my computer screen?
Blueblocking technology is available in glasses currently, but not in contact lenses. I am sure it will be an option in the future. READ MORE
What happens if I am exposed to a lot of dust?
It can clog your oil glands and tear ducts as well as make your eyes feel sandy and gritty. The best thing to do is put in an artificial tear before and after your walk and wear a dust blocking goggle/wrap around glasses that block the dust. READ MORE
Will vitamin A supplements improve my eyesight?
Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Vitamin A) improve photosensitivity, glare sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, and night vision when taken long term. Vitamins A through E are important for the eye, as well as drinking plenty of water. READ MORE
My toddler has a lot of discharge from his right eye. What is it?
You should get it checked out. It could be a blockage of some sort, a chronic infection, blepharitis, or a retained foreign body under his upper lid, etc. Go to your eye doctor and have it checked! READ MORE
Will my son need glasses for life?
Maybe. Depending on the prescription and reason, he may need visual correction long term. Contacts and Refractive Surgery are a potential possibility when he is older. However, wearing glasses with UV protection while he is young is very protective and can slow future development of cataracts and macular degeneration (if susceptible) as well as protecting him from injuries. READ MORE
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Nearest Hospitals
CORTLAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, INCl
134 HOMER AVENUE CORTLAND NY 13045