Locations
Office
Palo Alto, CA
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
Dr. Chang is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist who completed his ophthalmology residency training at Washington University of St. Louis, and glaucoma fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.
Dr. Chang is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford in Palo Alto and focuses on cataract and glaucoma surgery.
http://med.stanford.edu/profiles/researcher/Robert_Chang/
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Ophthalmology
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
650 Answers
113 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 20-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Office procedure: Determining if a good candidate. Administering topical anesthesia. Placing a mirror lens on the eye using a coupling agent. Firing laser into the d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Depends: Sometimes the recovery is very fast, or it can take a long time if there are complications. Some people see perfectly the next day. It's dependent o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: Patients with glaucoma without increased eye pressure are commonly called "normal tension glaucoma" or "low tension glaucoma." glaucoma is multifacto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: But sometimes a myopic shift can happen with time (the refractive power of the eye changes), and thus a hyperopic refractive error can be reduced. Ey... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: Retinal detachment surgery can change someone's refraction. Also sometimes a patient is left aphakic if the lens is removed. Contacts are needed in ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: If you are receiving any kind of IV anesthesia, it is usually required to bring someone on the day of surgery to take you home.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Like a camera lens: Structure inside the eye behind the iris/pupil, the part that bends the light to focus it on the retina or "film, " akin to a camera. The lens is lik... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: No known glaucoma vision loss remedies yet since damage is to the central nervous system, a part of the body we haven't been able to regenerate to res... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Irritant: Remove irritant, lubricate, try over the counter or prescription antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. Treat the systemic allergies, avoid enviro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Can be double horizontally, vertically, or a combination of the two, or not truly separated but overlapping.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Use them: If they are for distance vision and you see much better, start using them all the time. If they are just for reading, keep them in your pocket or aro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: The contacts have to be fitted properly. Sometimes contacts are the best way to improve vision after a corneal scar. Other times, the scarring is to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Eye infection: Red eye with discharge is likely an infection. Common colds can cause eye infections. See how it responds to treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: I suppose if you were mentally affected by the eye injury, i.e. Depression or other, then that could distract thinking ability. The visual system is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Several: Various over the counter artificial tears, some are more watery vs. Oily, thicker tear lasts longer but can blur vision more. Try several to see what... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Nothing: Once visual development is completed, the lazy eye just ages at the normal rate and can get the same eye diseases as a regular eye such as cataract. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: This indicates some kind of irritation due to contact lens wear or contact lens solution. Could be dry eye, or allergies, poor fit, contact lens over... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Aging: Cataracts are a natural process of the lens fibers/proteins continuing to be produced but not removed, eventually leading to disorganization and thus ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Subset: Ocular hypertensives are a subset of "glaucoma." this is because they fall into the category of glaucoma suspects. Not all ocular hypertensives go o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Avoidance: Removal of environmental factors or triggers causing or exacerbating allergies. Good lid hygiene. Antihistamines or cold compresses for itching. Ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
More breaks: Dry eye therapy -- eyes may dry out more while watching tv since there is a tendency to stare more and blink less, thus reflexive tearing can occur.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Nonsignificant ones: Presence of a cataract does not mean it needs to be removed (natural aging change of the eye). Optometrists can change a glasses prescription as a ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Fatigue: Might be due to eye strain, dry eyes, lack of sleep, irritation, allergies, contacts, etc. Could be related to blepharitis (clogged oil glands) which... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Subjective: Depending on your visual needs, some people find early cataracts a problem (i.e. Painters, engineers), while others don't notice until it drops their ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: Pinhole can help sharpen vision, but at the expense of decreasing your field of vision (see straight ahead only with no peripheral). Eye strain can b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Dilated veins: Prominent vessels with thin skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: However, there is a theoretical risk that if there is underlying glaucoma, and pressing the eye at night could lead to constant increase in eye pressu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No schedule: There is no scheduled time to replace them. If your prescription has not changed, then you don't need adjustment unless you want newer frames or lens... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Can be: An occasional nontraumatic subconjunctival hemorrhage in a older person is typically ok, but blood clots in the retinal or choroidal circulatory syste... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: Can check dark to light adaptation time to see if still normal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Though air pollutants from power plants could irritate the eyes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Can't do full eye donation yet. Lazy eye relates to the brain input/connection to the eye, so the corneal can be transplanted without lazy eye issues... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Cerebellar problem: Stroke, tumors, cysts, medications, hypoperfusion, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Depends: On the age of when identified (earlier = better) and if ambylopia can be corrected as well as the strabismus if present.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Eye exam: Lazy eye can be drifting out or in, or sometimes is aligned but has a weaker visual acuity potential than 20/20 (thus can't be corrected to 20/20).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Amblyopia is corrected by forcing the brain to use the weak eye more (not prune neural connections) -- so make the image sharper or remove double.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: A subconjunctival hemorrhage doesn't limit activity--just have to rule out any secondary causes, and can wear goggles when swimming.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: Currently, cataracts can be removed with surgery (which may involve laser), and they are removed if the underlying visual potential is good and the ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Contact lens prescription may be incorrect. See if it's there also with glasses. Uncorrected astigmatism is a common cause of blurred edges to an im... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Nystagmus has many etiologies, but not caused by eye strain. It can be induced by various tests like spinning around on a chair and stopping.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Adjust power: Once the eyes are unequal over 2 or 3 diopters (anisometropia), some people may experience eye strain. Also large differences can cause image size di... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: If you had a complication of contact lens wear such as a severe eye infection, then blindness is a rare possibility. Always follow your eye care prov... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Many causes: Inflammation, infection, allergy, cancer, pressure, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: As long as your field of vision and visual acuity with one eye is still within the legal range. You would have to turn your head to look more, and kn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
No: Could relate to contacts lens issues such as allergies, poor fit, overwear, solution intolerance, giant papillary conjunctivitis, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Cataract surgery: Various techniques for removal of cataract, most common being extracapsular extraction using phacoemulsification. Femtosecond laser is being tried to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: It can irritate the eye and cause a lot of pain if it disrupts the tear film and causes dry eye.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Can be: Depends on the type. Pink eye (viral) is highly contagious and necessitates good hygiene during treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Yes: But don't self treat or medicate since it may worsen things. Keep track of what has been tried already when consulting your physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Various: A very general question. An eye doc can diagnose with a dilated eye exam using lenses and equipment in the office for checking vision, pressure, opti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
10
Recommendations
791
Thank you notes
Dec 2, 2012
I endorse this doctor. Dr. Chang is an excellent glaucoma specialist and I feel very comfortable referring my patients to him. I know that he will take very good care of them.
Nov 5, 2012
Great doc with a nationwide reputation, well respected by his peers.
Aug 24, 2013
Knowledgeable answers, caring and dedicated
HealthTap member
I did not have cataract. I only had lens replacement done brcause I was not able to have lasix because of extremely weak eyes. It has been almost 5 months simce the surgery. I see halos at night from ...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I can voluntarily shake my eyes rapidly enough to identify individual moving fan blades etc...was wondering if it's harmful.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks for your thorough answer doc! The problem may indeed be a contact lenses fit issue.
Awards
Most Influential, Third Place, San Mateo County, CA - Winter
2013
Top Ophthalmologist , First Place, San Mateo County, CA - Winter
2013
Top Doctor, Third Place, San Mateo County Region, CA - Summer
2013
Affiliations
Stanford University
Publications
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