expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Rona Zel Silkiss, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Rona Silkiss is an ophthalmologist practicing in San Francisco, California. Dr. Silkiss specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Silkiss 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. Silkiss 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.
44 years Experience
Dr. Rona Zel Silkiss, M.D.
  • Oakland, California
  • Northwestern Uniiversity
  • Accepting new patients

How can I hydrate my eyes?

You can use artificial tear drops for your eyes. These drops are available over the counter. Additionally, you can increase your intake of fish oil or omega-3.

How can I improve my astigmatism naturally?

There is no natural treatment that I am aware of. Please contact your ophthalmologist to discuss options to improve vision.

Will eye floaters go away on their own?

Floaters generally settle out of the visual field. If they do not, or if they worsen, an examination with your ophthalmologist would be in order.

What are the treatment options for myopia?

The options vary widely depending on one's age, degree of astigmatism, pre-existing cataract, etc. I suggest that you see a refractive MD Ophthalmologist who can discuss the options READ MORE
The options vary widely depending on one's age, degree of astigmatism, pre-existing cataract, etc. I suggest that you see a refractive MD Ophthalmologist who can discuss the options for you including glasses, contact lenses, refractive surgery and even lens removal and replacement.

Do blue light glasses really help?

The data is not in. Please refer to this article from the American Macular Society: Blue Light The scientific evidence implicates blue light as a risk factor in contributing READ MORE
The data is not in. Please refer to this article from the American Macular Society:

Blue Light
The scientific evidence implicates blue light as a risk factor in contributing to the onset or progression of macular degeneration, as well as other eye diseases such as cataracts. However, the blue light emitted from the sun and the blue light emitted from electronic devices are significantly different. While most of the research agrees that UV blocking sunglasses are an important protective measure against sunlight exposure, the research on blue light emitted from electronic devices is contradictory and inconclusive. Studies such as this one
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28254-8#Abs1 verify that blue light can cause damage at greater intensities, but the findings of such studies tend to get extrapolated by the press or marketing campaigns to implicate all blue light as damaging, including that emitted from electronic devices. However, this study, and others, did not show effects.

How do you stop having watery eyes?

There are many reasons for watery eyes, such as dry eyes, allergies, eyelid irregularities, abnormal lash orientation, even blocked tear ducts. You should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist READ MORE
There are many reasons for watery eyes, such as dry eyes, allergies, eyelid irregularities, abnormal lash orientation, even blocked tear ducts. You should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and treatment in your situation.

Is seeing flashes bad?

Seeing flashes could be a sign of a retinal issue (hole or tear), vitreous issue (vitreous peeling away), an ophthalmic migraine or other issue. I advise you to see your ophthalmologist READ MORE
Seeing flashes could be a sign of a retinal issue (hole or tear), vitreous issue (vitreous peeling away), an ophthalmic migraine or other issue. I advise you to see your ophthalmologist for a dilated eye examination.

How long does cataract surgery last?

The procedure should last your lifetime.

What eye treatment is needed for a child who sees spots?

I would suggest that you bring your daughter to an eye MD ophthalmologist for a vision check and dilated examination. There are both serious and non-serious conditions for which READ MORE
I would suggest that you bring your daughter to an eye MD ophthalmologist for a vision check and dilated examination. There are both serious and non-serious conditions for which your child should be evaluated.

Should I wear sunglasses after Lasik eye surgery?

Yes. You should wear sunglasses anytime you are in bright sun....regardless of having surgery or not. In particular after LASIK you will want to protect your eyes from glare and READ MORE
Yes. You should wear sunglasses anytime you are in bright sun....regardless of having surgery or not. In particular after LASIK you will want to protect your eyes from glare and dust.

What is the right age for Lasik eye surgery?

If your son has stable vision, he would be of suitable age for consideration for Lasik. It would be recommended that he see a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in refractive READ MORE
If your son has stable vision, he would be of suitable age for consideration for Lasik. It would be recommended that he see a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in refractive surgery.

Are eye floaters a serious concern?

Floaters are a normal phenomenon as you age, however, at 24 years old, it could be a sign of ocular disease especially if associated with cloudy vision, discomfort or flashing READ MORE
Floaters are a normal phenomenon as you age, however, at 24 years old, it could be a sign of ocular disease especially if associated with cloudy vision, discomfort or flashing lights. We recommend that you undergo an ophthalmologic examination to evaluate your eye health.

Are there any side effects after laser eye surgery?

Patients that undergo laser refractive surgery may have dry eye after surgery. Additionally, the refractive correction can shift over time. You should discuss this and the potential READ MORE
Patients that undergo laser refractive surgery may have dry eye after surgery. Additionally, the refractive correction can shift over time. You should discuss this and the potential risks and complications of surgery with your ophthalmic surgeon.

Is seeing eye floaters normal?

Seeing floaters in normal in older individuals. You are quite young. If the floaters are new, if you are very nearsighted, or the floaters are associated with some eye discomfort, READ MORE
Seeing floaters in normal in older individuals. You are quite young. If the floaters are new, if you are very nearsighted, or the floaters are associated with some eye discomfort, I would recommend that you see an ophthalmologist for a dilated eye examination.

What are the symptoms of a torn retina?

You should have an examination ASAP with an ophthalmologist. A torn retina can present with flashes floaters and vision loss. A corneal abrasion, narrow angle glaucoma, iritis, READ MORE
You should have an examination ASAP with an ophthalmologist. A torn retina can present with flashes floaters and vision loss. A corneal abrasion, narrow angle glaucoma, iritis, etc., can present with pain.

Why does it hurt to look in a certain direction?

Yes. You should see an ophthalmologist. There are several conditions such as myositis, thyroid eye disease, a fracture, corneal infection, etc., that can lead to discomfort with READ MORE
Yes. You should see an ophthalmologist. There are several conditions such as myositis, thyroid eye disease, a fracture, corneal infection, etc., that can lead to discomfort with eye movement. Please contact your doctor and arrange a consultation.

How often do I need to change my contact lenses?

This depends on the type of lens you have purchased. In general, we strongly advise that your lenses be removed each night (do not sleep in them), cleaned carefully and replaced READ MORE
This depends on the type of lens you have purchased. In general, we strongly advise that your lenses be removed each night (do not sleep in them), cleaned carefully and replaced in your eyes in the morning. If you are using daily wear lenses, you can discard the old lenses each night and use a fresh lens each morning.

What is the difference between cryotherapy and laser treatment for retinal tears?

The retinal tear is repaired by using an instrument that "tacks" it down. Both laser and cryotherapy perform this task. Please discuss the options with your retinal specialist READ MORE
The retinal tear is repaired by using an instrument that "tacks" it down. Both laser and cryotherapy perform this task. Please discuss the options with your retinal specialist as there may be specific reasons for your particular recommendation.

What can be the cause of my blurry vision?

Yes! You should absolutely see your eye doctor. There are many possible causes, but an examination by an ophthalmologist is required.

Is a mole removal inside the eyelid safe?

There are many types of lesions that can occur on the inside of an eyelid, such as chalazia or tumors. I would suggest you see an eye MD ophthalmologist. She will be able to diagnose READ MORE
There are many types of lesions that can occur on the inside of an eyelid, such as chalazia or tumors. I would suggest you see an eye MD ophthalmologist. She will be able to diagnose and treat these growths.