expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz, O.D.

Optometrist

Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D. is a top Optometrist in Ithaca, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Ithaca, NY, Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz, O.D.
  • Ithaca, NY
  • Accepting new patients

Can frequent pink eye infections be harmful?

Have her checked by your eye doctor. Normally, the answer is no, but certain types can cause scarring to the front surface of the eye.

Do specs with glare protection really work?

Yes, anti-glare and blue blocking lenses work great! There is something wrong if you are getting headaches: either an eye problem or a lens problem. Go back and get it checked!!! READ MORE
Yes, anti-glare and blue blocking lenses work great! There is something wrong if you are getting headaches: either an eye problem or a lens problem. Go back and get it checked!!!

After a LASIK surgery when can I expect my vision to become normal?

Your surgeon should be checking your eyes at frequent intervals. If your vision is not right, you need to see him/her ASAP to make sure everything is okay. Sometimes a revision READ MORE
Your surgeon should be checking your eyes at frequent intervals. If your vision is not right, you need to see him/her ASAP to make sure everything is okay. Sometimes a revision has to be done, but sometimes it is a complication.

How is redness of the eyes treated?

Redness of the eyes is extremely common because there are many different causes. Based on your symptoms, it sounds like yours is a combination of evaporative dry eye and ocular READ MORE
Redness of the eyes is extremely common because there are many different causes. Based on your symptoms, it sounds like yours is a combination of evaporative dry eye and ocular allergies. The best thing to do is get checked out at your local eye doctor to determine the best treatment strategy as it sounds like you have multiple factors leading to your redness.(This is a medical eye problem and should be billed to/covered by your medical insurance, not a vision plan.) In the meantime, washing your face frequently with cold water when you have itchy eyes and using chilled eye drops will help with allergy related itching and redness, so will ketotifen fumarate allergy drops (generic OTC Zaditor) 2x/day. As for the evaporative dry eye, using lipid based tears os helpful: Soothe XP, Retaine, Systane Balance, Refresh Advanced, and Refresh Mega are available over the counter.

Can my mother be operator for both cataract and glaucoma at the same time?

Yes, cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery can be done at the same time. Diabetes and high blood pressure are common and will be taken into account during the pre and post op periods. READ MORE
Yes, cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery can be done at the same time. Diabetes and high blood pressure are common and will be taken into account during the pre and post op periods. Definitely go to the doctor with your mother so you can ask questions.

My left eye begins to water from light exposure. What could be the problem?

Stepping into bright light stimulates pupil constriction. Depending on how bright, reflex tearing can also be stimulated. If the eye is dry or irritated, or if the oil layer is READ MORE
Stepping into bright light stimulates pupil constriction. Depending on how bright, reflex tearing can also be stimulated. If the eye is dry or irritated, or if the oil layer is not functioning properly, this tearing can be more excessive. Have your eyes checked by your eye doctor to determine the cause and how to treat it.

What is the way to treat eye strain due to excessive computer use?

Computer glasses with digital lenses and blue blockers really reduce eye strain. Also, blinking is significantly reduced with computer use. Take blink breaks, use lipid enhanced READ MORE
Computer glasses with digital lenses and blue blockers really reduce eye strain. Also, blinking is significantly reduced with computer use. Take blink breaks, use lipid enhanced tears (Systane Balance, Refresh Advanced, Refresh Mega, Soothe XP, Retaine) every 1-2 hours to prevent excessive tear evaporation. Even if you don’t “need” glasses, it is a good idea to go to your eye doctor and explain your symptoms on the computer. This is often considered a medical problem and is typically covered by medical insurance.

How often should we ideally visit an optometrist?

For kids, yearly is advisable because we can catch problems early and identify disease before it causes permanent damage. Every two years or sooner if problems once fully grown. READ MORE
For kids, yearly is advisable because we can catch problems early and identify disease before it causes permanent damage. Every two years or sooner if problems once fully grown. Kids in contact sports may develop holes or tears in their retinas and never know it until it starts to cause a retinal detachment.

My mother is unable to see clearly even after the corrective eye surgery. What should I do now?

Vision is multi factorial and there can be many reasons why the vision isn’t clear. Step one is to go back to the surgeon to see if there are any residual post operative complications. READ MORE
Vision is multi factorial and there can be many reasons why the vision isn’t clear. Step one is to go back to the surgeon to see if there are any residual post operative complications.

Is rose water safe for the eyes?

Any product that doesn’t say on the label that is safe for use in the eyes and doesn’t say that it is intended for use in the eyes should not be used in the eyes. You only have READ MORE
Any product that doesn’t say on the label that is safe for use in the eyes and doesn’t say that it is intended for use in the eyes should not be used in the eyes. You only have 2 eyes and don’t put anything in them that may put them at risk.

My eye drops are getting into my mouth. Should I be concerned?

No, this is not a problem. They have a lovely metallic taste. You can limit some of this by pushing on the inner portion of the closed eyelid for 1 minute after instilling the READ MORE
No, this is not a problem. They have a lovely metallic taste. You can limit some of this by pushing on the inner portion of the closed eyelid for 1 minute after instilling the drop and blotting the extra away. You will still get some taste because as you close your eyes, some of the drops will naturally be pushed into your drains (puncta).

Why do my eyes feel very tired after wearing glasses?

Yes. Depending on the prescription and the type of lens (single vision/bifocal/progressives/computer...), your eyes may have an adjustment period. If you are still experiencing READ MORE
Yes. Depending on the prescription and the type of lens (single vision/bifocal/progressives/computer...), your eyes may have an adjustment period. If you are still experiencing symptoms after 2-3 weeks, go back to your doctor as there is probably an adjustment that needs to be done to the prescription or frame alignment.

Is it safe to use Lastacaft eye drops after cataract surgery?

Yes! There is no problem to resume the Lastacaft after the medicated drops are stopped.

Is there a cure for color blindness?

Color Blindness is a permanent condition. There are non prescription glasses available that people with color blindness can wear that portray different colors as different brightnesses READ MORE
Color Blindness is a permanent condition. There are non prescription glasses available that people with color blindness can wear that portray different colors as different brightnesses to allow them to distinguish between the different colors. When your child becomes of school age it is important for you to inform all of his teachers of the color blindness because if anything is color-coded he won’t get the lesson being taught.

I am getting a headache from my glasses. Please help.

If you are getting a headache only wearing your glasses, go back to the doctor and have your eyes rechecked. This is usually a free visit if you go back to the same place within READ MORE
If you are getting a headache only wearing your glasses, go back to the doctor and have your eyes rechecked. This is usually a free visit if you go back to the same place within a reasonable amount of time. There could be many causes such as curvature of the lens, lens material, lens strength too strong, tightness of frame, axis of astigmatism... so have your doctor check the glasses and your eyes.

I am experiencing eye strain from overusing computers. What to do?

Take vision breaks (every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Remember to blink frequently and put in artificial tears throughout the day (the normal blank READ MORE
Take vision breaks (every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Remember to blink frequently and put in artificial tears throughout the day (the normal blank rate is 17 blinks per minute and when you are using the computer that drops to about three blinks per minute). Use a blue blocking filter on your computer screen if available, and invest in computer glasses that are designed to minimize digital eye strain. Your local eye doctor and optician can help you find what will best fit your needs.

What care and precaution do I need to take for my son's cylindrical vision?

Cylinder power is a product eye shape (cornea and lens). This can change over time. Yearly eye exams are recommended as uncorrected astigmatism can lead to chronic headaches and READ MORE
Cylinder power is a product eye shape (cornea and lens). This can change over time. Yearly eye exams are recommended as uncorrected astigmatism can lead to chronic headaches and blurred vision at all distances.

Is steam bath bad for eyes?

No, it is fine. If you are wearing contact lenses, I would take them out first. Enjoy your steam!

Left eye starts watering when I see bright light. Why is it?

This type of tearing is usually a result of dryness or low grade eye irritation. It is a good idea to get your eyes checked out to determine the exact cause and treatment needed. READ MORE
This type of tearing is usually a result of dryness or low grade eye irritation. It is a good idea to get your eyes checked out to determine the exact cause and treatment needed.

After removing the spectacles, the eyes look crossed. How to correct them?

Many people have the same problem and your glasses are the solution! Depending on your prescription, your eyes have to focus extra hard when you don’t have your glasses on which READ MORE
Many people have the same problem and your glasses are the solution! Depending on your prescription, your eyes have to focus extra hard when you don’t have your glasses on which triggers an eye turn because the eye muscles and the focusing system are linked.