expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. David Fingerhut

Ophthalmologist | Retina Specialist

Dr. David Fingerhut is an ophthalmologist practicing in Memphis, TN. Dr. Fingerhut specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Fingerhut 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. Fingerhut 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.
22 years Experience
Dr. David Fingerhut
  • Memphis, TN
  • Indiana University
  • Accepting new patients

Can eye floaters go away naturally?

There are many possible causes for floaters, some of which are benign while others are emergencies. If you are experiencing a new onset of floaters, you should be examined urgently READ MORE
There are many possible causes for floaters, some of which are benign while others are emergencies. If you are experiencing a new onset of floaters, you should be examined urgently by an eye care professional. For most benign causes of floaters, these typically do not go away. Rather one sees them intermittently. Any increase, however, warrants urgent evaluation.

Can you get floaters after vitrectomy?

Although not typical, one can have or develop floaters after vitrectomy surgery. There are too many possible etiologies to list here; however, if one has any increase in floaters, READ MORE
Although not typical, one can have or develop floaters after vitrectomy surgery. There are too many possible etiologies to list here; however, if one has any increase in floaters, it warrants evaluation by an eye care professional.

Is it a blood clot or pink eye?

I recommend evaluation by an eye care professional for appropriate diagnosis. There are multiple etiologies for a red eye, such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) READ MORE
I recommend evaluation by an eye care professional for appropriate diagnosis. There are multiple etiologies for a red eye, such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) vs. a subconjunctival hemorrhage (bruising of the external eye tissue). Most of the aforementioned etiologies are not threatening in and of themselves, but can point to other underlying conditions that should be addressed. Yes, "pink eye," or conjunctivitis can be caused by the coronavirus; however there are many other possible etiologies of a red eye. Again, an eye care professional can help with the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

How do you get rid of eye strain?

Eye strain is typically, although not always from under correction. An example would be someone who needs eyeglasses to read but does not wear correction, their correction is incorrect READ MORE
Eye strain is typically, although not always from under correction. An example would be someone who needs eyeglasses to read but does not wear correction, their correction is incorrect or inadequate. I recommend evaluation by an eye care professional to appropriately diagnose the problem and prescribe the correct remedy.

When should I call the doctor after cataract surgery?

Any decrease in vision, increase in pain/redness, flashes/floaters, or any other worrisome symptom should be communicated immediately to your surgeon/surgical team. Although complications READ MORE
Any decrease in vision, increase in pain/redness, flashes/floaters, or any other worrisome symptom should be communicated immediately to your surgeon/surgical team. Although complications are very rare after cataract surgery, they can occur and should be dealt with immediately.

What happens if lens moves after cataract surgery?

It depends on multiple factors and whether or not the patient is symptomatic. If the movement is minor, the patient is asymptomatic and no ocular tissue is being damaged, then READ MORE
It depends on multiple factors and whether or not the patient is symptomatic. If the movement is minor, the patient is asymptomatic and no ocular tissue is being damaged, then one can observe. In some cases, however, the lens needs to be repositioned surgically. In rare cases, the lens needs to be removed, and a secondary lens may or may not be placed. I recommend examination and discussion with an eye surgeon if you are concerned there has been movement of your intraocular lens.

What are the symptoms of high eye pressure?

In many instances, one can have high intraocular pressure and be asymptomatic. However, one can experience a red eye, blurred vision, and eye/head pain as well.

Can you get an infection from wearing contacts?

Yes, one can have a contact related infection of the eye, more specifically called a corneal ulcer. This is a vision threatening condition that can cause permanent visual loss. READ MORE
Yes, one can have a contact related infection of the eye, more specifically called a corneal ulcer. This is a vision threatening condition that can cause permanent visual loss. If you are being prescribed contact lenses, make sure you discuss proper contact lens hygiene with your eye care professional.

How do I improve dry eyes?

There are many available treatments for dry eyes. Typically, the first line of treatment is artificial tears, or lubricating drops without any other medication in them (for example READ MORE
There are many available treatments for dry eyes. Typically, the first line of treatment is artificial tears, or lubricating drops without any other medication in them (for example something for redness or allergies). These can be used as needed or on a regular schedule daily. For a majority of patients, this is an adequate treatment for resolution of symptoms. More aggressive therapies include punctal plugs to increase the duration of tears in the eye, prescription eye drops, or bandage contact lenses. In very severe cases where there is a risk of permanent loss of sight, surgical intervention can be warranted.

What causes floaters and flashes in the eye?

There are many possible causes for flashes and floaters. In many cases, it is the separation of the vitreous (a gelatinous material that fills the inside of the eye) from the retina, READ MORE
There are many possible causes for flashes and floaters. In many cases, it is the separation of the vitreous (a gelatinous material that fills the inside of the eye) from the retina, the inner lining of the eye responsible for collecting light information, a normal process that happens to most people. Sometimes these symptoms can be from infections or inflammatory disorders. Additionally, flashes and floaters can be a symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment, both of which are emergencies which require intervention by a trained ophthalmologist. Any new onset or increase in flashes and floaters requires urgent evaluation by an eye care professional.

What do you do if you get cleaning products in your eyes?

Immediately rise with copious amounts of water. Most people do not have access to bags of sterile saline or lacteted ringers (IV bags) in their homes, so make due with what you READ MORE
Immediately rise with copious amounts of water. Most people do not have access to bags of sterile saline or lacteted ringers (IV bags) in their homes, so make due with what you have. Make sure not to have the water pressure on too high so as not to damage the outer tissues of the eye.
After at least 5-10 minutes of aggressive rinsing, I recommend going to the emergency room to be further rinsed with sterile solutions, as well as having the pH of your eyes checked. Ideally you should bring the container of the chemical with you so the health care professional can check the ingredients to know what it contained.

How can you prevent cataracts from getting worse?

Cataracts are progressive. There are certain disease processes (for example, diabetes mellitus) which predispose one to the formation of certain types of cataracts, as well as READ MORE
Cataracts are progressive. There are certain disease processes (for example, diabetes mellitus) which predispose one to the formation of certain types of cataracts, as well as medications that can induce cataract formation. For a significant portion of patients, however, cataracts are age-related and there is no current therapy available to stop their progression.

One pupil bigger other eye drooping help?

New onset of ptosis (one or both lids drooping) and anisocoria (pupils not being the same size) requires emergent evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Although some causes of this READ MORE
New onset of ptosis (one or both lids drooping) and anisocoria (pupils not being the same size) requires emergent evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Although some causes of this can be benign, others can be emergencies. As such I recommend evaluation as soon as possible.

How do you treat a viral eye infection?

For viral conjunctivitis, the treatment is typically supportive, similar to when one has a common cold. Unfortunately, there are no treatments that fight the infection itself; READ MORE
For viral conjunctivitis, the treatment is typically supportive, similar to when one has a common cold. Unfortunately, there are no treatments that fight the infection itself; one has to wait for the body to clear said infection. Artificial tears and cool compresses can be used for comfort. Hand hygiene is also paramount as viral conjunctivitis can been very contagious.

What does optic neuritis feel like?

The textbook answer for the symptoms of optic neuritis are an acute incidence of unilateral decrease in vision, signs of optic nerve dysfunction such as decreased contrast sensitivity/color READ MORE
The textbook answer for the symptoms of optic neuritis are an acute incidence of unilateral decrease in vision, signs of optic nerve dysfunction such as decreased contrast sensitivity/color vision/peripheral vision, and a possible associated periorbital pain worse with eye movement. However, the presentation of optic neuritis is varied and can be some/all/none of these symptoms.

How do you test for optic neuritis?

A detailed examination of the entire eye with special attention to vision and pupils, as well as an examination of the optic nerves. The ophthalmologist will likely, but not always READ MORE
A detailed examination of the entire eye with special attention to vision and pupils, as well as an examination of the optic nerves. The ophthalmologist will likely, but not always test color vision, contrast sensitivity, and perform a visual field or imaging of the nerve fiber layer of the retina with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically performed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine a patient's risk for developing multiple sclerosis, as optic neuritis is associated with MS.

Do your eyes need a rest from contacts?

They absolutely do. Contact lenses restrict the amount of oxygen your cornea, the outermost clear layer of the eye, receives. Contact lens over wear risks corneal vascularization, READ MORE
They absolutely do. Contact lenses restrict the amount of oxygen your cornea, the outermost clear layer of the eye, receives. Contact lens over wear risks corneal vascularization, or blood vessels growing on/in the clear part of the eye, infection, and other complications.

What is the most advanced laser eye surgery?

There are multiple laser technologies used in ophthalmology for various reasons. For example, Femtosecond laser is used in LASIK and cataract surgery, among others. The ND:YAG READ MORE
There are multiple laser technologies used in ophthalmology for various reasons. For example, Femtosecond laser is used in LASIK and cataract surgery, among others. The ND:YAG is photodisruptive and can be used to remove posterior capsular opacities which may occur after cataract surgery. Still others like the argon blue-green laser or frequency doubled ND:YAG are photocoagulative and are used to burn tissue to induce scarring to repair retinal tears.
Ophthalmologists employ many of these tools, depending on the pathology and the requirements of the specific case.

What happens if you blink during laser eye surgery?

During most laser procedures, a contact lens is used to both stabilize the eye and improve visualization. As such, patients are prevented from blinking during any laser procedure. READ MORE
During most laser procedures, a contact lens is used to both stabilize the eye and improve visualization. As such, patients are prevented from blinking during any laser procedure. It is an exceedingly rare occurrence.

Can I rub my eyes with contacts?

It is not advised. You can cause a corneal abrasion, or a scratch on the front part of your eye.