What is Rayner Eye Clinic & Surgery Center?

Rayner Eye Clinic and Surgery Center in Oxford, MS provides comprehensive eye care, advanced surgery, optical services, and specialty treatments.

How often should I have an eye exam?

Healthy adults under 50 should have a comprehensive eye exam every 2-3 years. Adults over 60, people with diabetes, African Americans over 40, Hispanics, and those with a family history of glaucoma should have annual exams. If you wear glasses or contacts, yearly visits ensure your prescription stays accurate.

Will I be charged for a refraction?

Most private medical insurance companies will not cover the refraction fee, which means patients using medical insurance may be required to cover the refraction fee out-of-pocket.

Does dilation happen at every appointment?

Dilation is required to complete a comprehensive eye exam. All new patients and yearly exams for established patients typically require dilation. The drops cause temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision for several hours.

Can I use my vision insurance to cover my exam?

Vision insurance will cover your routine well eye exam. During your routine exam, your optometrist will check your prescription for accuracy. However, if an ocular disease or medical condition is detected, you may need to use your medical insurance instead.

What's the difference between a routine and medical eye exam?

A routine eye exam checks your vision and prescription as preventative care. A medical eye exam is necessary when you've been diagnosed with an eye disease, have vision complaints, or need evaluation of a specific medical condition affecting your eyes.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring your current insurance cards, a list of all medications, your current glasses or contact lenses, and any relevant medical records. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete check-in paperwork.

Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage.

How much does an eye exam cost?

The out-of-pocket cost for an eye exam varies depending on the reason for your visit and your insurance coverage. Most comprehensive exams are covered by medical or vision insurance. For self-pay patients, please contact our office prior to your visit for an estimate. The cost does not include additional testing, contact lens fittings, or prescriptions.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, Rayner Eye Clinic is currently accepting new patients at both our Oxford and Southaven locations. You can request an appointment online or by calling (662) 234-6551 (Oxford) or (662) 890-1112 (Southaven).

How do I get a copy of my medical records?

You can request a copy of your medical records by logging into your patient portal or by calling our office directly. Please note that a signed Authorization for Disclosure of Protected Health Information is required before records can be released.

How do I get a copy of my glasses or contact lens prescription?

For a copy of your glasses or contact lens prescription, please contact our optical department or call our main office. Prescriptions can also be accessed through your patient portal. Note that Rayner Eye Clinic will only issue a new prescription when changes to your vision warrant one.

Will I see an MD or an OD?

Our practice includes both MD ophthalmologists (medical and surgical specialists) and OD optometrists (who handle routine exams, contact lenses, and medical eye care). New patients are typically seen by an optometrist first, unless referred directly to a specialist. Our team works collaboratively to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

Who handles my post-operative care?

Immediately following surgery, your surgeon monitors your recovery. For ongoing post-operative care, our optometrists or surgical team handle follow-up visits to ensure proper healing. Your care team will provide a complete schedule of follow-up appointments before you leave the surgical center.

What is a refraction and will I be charged for it?

A refraction is the test that determines your glasses or contact lens prescription. It is typically performed by a trained ophthalmic technician or your optometrist. Most private medical insurance companies do not cover the refraction fee, so patients using medical insurance may need to pay this out-of-pocket. Vision insurance typically does cover routine refractions.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common vision correction procedure performed in the US. Using advanced laser technology, we permanently reshape your cornea to allow you to see clearly without glasses or contacts. Nearly one million procedures are performed annually with a 96% success rate of achieving 20/20 vision or better.

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The actual LASIK procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes for both eyes. However, we advise patients to plan for 1-2 hours at our office for the entire appointment, which includes preparation and post-procedure monitoring.

Will both of my eyes be treated on the same day?

Yes! At Rayner Eye Clinic, we treat both eyes on the same day during the same appointment. This allows for optimal healing and the best post-surgical results.

Most patients report feeling no pain at all, only slight pressure during the procedure. Eye drops are used to numb your eyes before surgery. After LASIK, your eyes may feel scratchy or watery, but these symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within a day or two.

How soon will I be able to see after LASIK?

Many patients begin to see clearly within a few hours after their LASIK procedure. Most achieve significant improvement within 2-3 days. While initial results are quick, full visual stabilization may continue over several weeks.

No, LASIK permanently corrects your refractive error. The results do not wear off. You'll enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts for years to come.

What is the best age to have LASIK?

While many factors determine LASIK eligibility, people between ages 18-45 are generally considered ideal candidates. Your prescription should be stable for at least one year, and you must meet certain eye health criteria.

Does LASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes! LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism, along with nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Will my insurance cover my LASIK procedure?

Vision correction procedures are typically considered elective, which means insurance companies usually don't cover the costs. However, you can use funds from your HSA or FSA accounts to pay for LASIK.

What is PRK eye surgery?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a vision correction procedure that has been around longer than LASIK. For patients who want to eliminate glasses or contacts but have thin corneas, certain corneal diseases, or specific lifestyle constraints, PRK can drastically improve vision. Like LASIK, PRK reshapes your cornea to focus light directly onto the retina, but it accesses the cornea differently by removing the epithelial layer rather than creating a flap.

To alleviate any pain or discomfort, your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops before the procedure. While each patient's threshold for discomfort varies, most do not report pain during their PRK procedure. After surgery, you may experience some mild discomfort as your eyes heal, but we place a contact lens on the eye that acts like a bandage and the discomfort is temporary and manageable with prescribed medications.

How soon will I be able to see after PRK?

Patients who undergo PRK will see gradual improvements in their vision over the first week. During the first few days following PRK, you may experience blurry vision or haziness as your eyes heal. This is perfectly normal. Full recovery and stabilized eyesight typically takes several weeks.

How long does PRK take?

The entire PRK procedure is completed in less than 20 minutes! However, please plan on being at our facility for a couple of hours on your surgery day to allow time for preparation and post-procedure monitoring.

How long will I need to take off work after PRK?

We suggest taking 2-3 days off work following your PRK procedure to allow your eyes time to heal. Keep in mind that optimal vision outcomes will likely take several weeks. During your first post-operative exam, your doctor will instruct you on when you can resume strenuous activities.

What are the risks associated with PRK?

Like any surgery, there are associated risks with PRK including infection, swelling, corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, light sensitivity, glare, or halos. While many of these side effects are temporary, there have been rare instances of long-term problems. Your surgeon will explain all risks during your consultation.

What is the cost of PRK?

The total cost for PRK varies by individual needs and complexity. Our comprehensive fee includes all pre-operative measurements and exams, a personalized surgical plan, and all post-operative checkups. We accept funds from FSA and HSA accounts. Contact us for specific pricing.

What happens during my cataract evaluation?

During a cataract evaluation at Rayner Eye Clinic, one of our exceptionally skilled surgeons will help you determine if cataract surgery is right for you. With the latest diagnostic tools and extensive experience in cataract surgery, our surgeons will review your ocular history and identify the best options for your procedure, including the various lifestyle IOLs available.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

We use a combination of topical anesthesia and IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable during your surgery. Most patients report feeling no pain at all during the procedure. However, scratchiness, foreign body sensation, and a mild headache have been reported during the first 24 hours following surgery.

Will insurance cover cataract surgery?

Most insurances, including Medicare, will cover traditional cataract surgery and a monofocal IOL. For patients who would like to take advantage of premium IOLs, these are generally not covered by insurance and will require out-of-pocket fees. We recommend consulting with your insurance carrier to understand your specific coverage details.

How long will it be before I can see again following cataract surgery?

Every patient heals differently. Following your procedure, you will have a clear shield placed over your eye for protection and many patients report an immediate improvement in their vision. The majority of healing takes place over the first week and is usually fully healed at the one month mark.

How long will I be in surgery for cataracts?

Cataract surgery itself typically lasts 10-15 minutes per eye. However, due to pre-operative preparation and a brief post-op recovery, your entire stay at the surgical center will be approximately 2-3 hours for each visit. Please remember that one eye is done at a time, so you will have two surgery dates.

Can I drive myself to and from cataract surgery?

You will not be allowed to drive to or from the surgical center on the day of your surgery. You will receive mild sedation during surgery, which means that you cannot legally operate a car for the rest of that day. A responsible adult must accompany you and stay at the facility during your surgery.

Will I need a follow-up procedure after cataracts?

It is very common for patients who have undergone cataract surgery to need a follow-up procedure months or even years after surgery. The capsule that holds your new IOL in place may become cloudy or wrinkled, causing blurry vision. A simple procedure called a YAG procedure uses a laser to create an opening in the cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision.

Is there a chance my cataract will return?

Since your eye's natural lens has been replaced with an artificial IOL, there is no chance of a cataract reforming. However, the capsule that holds your new IOL in place may become cloudy or wrinkled, causing blurry vision. This is not a cataract, but can be easily treated with a posterior capsulotomy procedure.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure). Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60, but it can occur at any age.

Does glaucoma have symptoms?

Most types of glaucoma have no early warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is in its later stages. This is why glaucoma is often called the 'silent thief of sight.' Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.

Can glaucoma be prevented?

While you can't prevent glaucoma, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent vision loss. Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential, especially if you have risk factors. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years if you're at risk for glaucoma.

Can glaucoma be cured?

Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision lost to the disease cannot be restored. However, with early detection and treatment, you can preserve your remaining vision and slow or stop the progression of the disease. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage.

Will I need to use eye drops forever?

Eye drops have traditionally been the most common treatment for glaucoma. However, one of the fastest advancing areas of ophthalmology has been minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries and lasers, which have greatly expanded treatment options beyond just drops. Rayner Eye Clinic is the only North Mississippi ophthalmology clinic with a full-time fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist.

Does insurance cover glaucoma treatment?

Most medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover glaucoma screening, diagnosis, and treatment because it's considered a medical condition rather than a vision-only issue. We accept most major insurance plans and can help verify your coverage.

What if I have glaucoma and cataracts?

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) are great options to pair with cataract surgery. If you have been told it is time for cataract surgery and you also have glaucoma, Dr. Zoghby, as the only full-time fellowship-trained glaucoma and cataract specialist in North Mississippi, has performed more MIGS than anyone else in North Mississippi.

How do I know which glaucoma intervention is right for me?

Every patient is different and we take an individualized approach to glaucoma treatment. We will discuss all appropriate options with each patient to allow them to craft a treatment plan that is perfect for them.

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye that covers the iris and pupil. It acts as a protective barrier and helps focus light entering the eye. The cornea is responsible for about 70% of your eye's focusing power and is essential for clear vision.

What is a corneal transplant?

A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure where damaged or diseased corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor tissue. Modern techniques allow surgeons to replace only the damaged layers rather than the entire cornea, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes.

How long does it take to recover from a corneal transplant?

Recovery time varies by transplant type. DMEK (innermost layer only) typically takes 1-3 months, DSEK/DSAEK (partial thickness) takes 3-6 months, and PKP (full thickness) can take 12-18 months. Your doctor will provide specific recovery guidelines based on your procedure.

What is keratoconus and how is it treated?

Keratoconus is a progressive condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. Early stages can be managed with glasses or specialty contact lenses. Corneal cross-linking can halt progression. Advanced cases may require corneal transplantation.