Dr. Matheson Harris
Ophthalmology
Salt Lake City, UT
18 years experience male
Locations
Office
Salt Lake City, UT
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
Dr. Matheson Harris is a board certified Ophthalmologist and Ophthalmic surgeon, also specializing in functional and cosmetic oculoplastic and facial surgery. A native of Utah, he completed his undergraduate education first at Dixie College, then Southern Utah University. He went on to complete medical school at Penn State University, followed by an internship at the Milton S. Hershey Medical center and residency in Ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He then completed a two-year ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) fellowship at West Virginia University Eye Institute, with special training in orbital and lacrimal surgery, in addition to eyelid and facial reconstruction. He is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Harris has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and presented research at several national meetings. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Utah, providing oculoplastic care to the veterans at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. Dr. Harris practices at the Salt Lake and St. George offices.
You can email Dr. Harris directly at drharris@utahoc.com
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
Doctor Q&A
250 Answers
43 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Yes, but: Glasses are corrective lenses, but not all corrective lenses are glasses. Contact lenses would also fall into this description. You could even add i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Eye surgeon: Many surgeries can be performed by different doctors with training in various specialties, but certain doctors have much greater experience and expert... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Common problem: Floaters are pieces of the vitreous gel within the eye casting a shadow on the retina. They are almost always benign in nature. If a large floater su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Many causes: This is probably eyelid myokymia, which can come on with stress, fatigue, high caffeine intake or for unknown reasons. It generally resolves on its o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Oculoplastic surgeon: Oculoplastic surgeons are eye doctors (ophthalmologists) who do extra plastic surgery training after residency. Find an asoprs trained surgeon who wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
No, but...: Pinguecula are not pretty and can be dry and irritating. They are evidence of too much sun and wind exposure. Wearing sunglasses and using artificial ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Should never happen: If this were to occur because of the surgery, it would be considered a serious complication and medical error. The eye is normally protected during th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Oculoplastic surgeon: They train exclusively in eyelid and upper mid-facial plastic surgery and have extensive training in eye surgery and disease treatment. No eyelid sur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Definitely: An improperly constructed blepharoplasty wound or poor closure can lead to a change in the shape of the eyelid opening. An oculoplastic surgeon is sp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
If used properly: There is no anti-fungal cream that I am aware of that is formulated to be safe around the eyes. Most antifungal creams, however, could be safely used... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
3 different causes: A stye is an infected hair follicle. It is a large, red, painful bump on the front of the eyelid near the eyelashes. A chalazion is a backed up oil g... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Preservative effects: Artificial tears are very safe and don't result in inhibition of your normal tearing. Prolonged use of artificial tears can result in sensitivity to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
No: Pvd (posterior vitreous detachment) occurs in most everyone's eyes at some point. It can occasionally cause a retinal tear or detachment. As long as ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Internet chart: There are many charts available online to check your eyes individually. Search for snellen chart and follow the directions on how far away to stand fr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Definitely: One good sunburn is enough to cause significant sun damage. Every time you are out in the sun it is important to use sunscreen and sunglasses. Pinguec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Could be swelling: It is not uncommon after eye and eyelid surgery to get swelling under the "skin" of the eye, the conjunctiva. This is called chemosis and appears yell... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Bruising & swelling: The eyelids will be swollen and bruised for 1-3 weeks. This is usually worse the day after surgery. The incisions can be itchy as they heal and there ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Depends on cause: In children, the cause is often a small membrane that hasn't yet broken. This can be opened through a probing procedure, normally done under general a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Yes: Allergies almost always affect both eyes simultaneously, although one may be a little worse.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
It can: Retinal detachment causes loss of vision in the area corresponding to the detachment, which will not improve without surgery or some other re-attachme... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
It depends: Botox can help with undereye lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as when you smile. It can relax these lines and lessen the develo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
It happens: Eyelashes fall out as we age, but can also happen with allergies, eyelid inflammation, infection, low thyroid hormone, poor diet and trauma. See an o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
ASOPRS website: The american society of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons (asoprs) website lists physicians with fellowship training in orbital and oculo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Botox: Neurotoxins like Botox are the mainstay treatment in blepharospasm and are very effective.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Yes: A pterygium is a growth from the white of the eye extending to the surface of the cornea. The root of the word means "wing" as it appears to extend o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Blurred vision: Assuming you don't need glasses, wearing someone elses glasses will just make your vision blurry and possibly give you a headache.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
See a cornea doc: A corneal specialist performs corneal transplants and can diagnose and treat eye diseases that may require this type of surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Sometimes: It can get better with time, but in many people blepharospasm must be treated for a lifetime.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Sure: The stimulus to blink the eyes is sent at the same time from the brain to both sets of eyelids, but if the signal is not carried the same, one eye may... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Several weeks: It can take 2-6 weeks to completely heal. During part of this time it may be critical to maintain a certain head position, depending on the type of re... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
No good ones: A low salt diet is good for hypertension, but high blood pressure and high eye pressure haven't been linked. There aren't any clear lifestyle changes... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Yes: But, unfortunately, it does happen in people who refuse to protect their skin from the sun.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Hot compresses: Try eyelid hygiene with hot compresses for 5-10 minutes, then cleaning along the eyelash line with a mild soap, such as baby shampoo diluted in warm w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
See endocrinologist : Getting the hyperthyroidism under control is important, but may not stop eye changes if they are going to occur. They can be the first sign of hyperth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
It depends: If the difference is small, the brain can usually fuse the two images, especially with the help of glasses. When it becomes very large (anisometropia... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Carefully: If it is on your eye, try washing it out with saline or artificial tears. Avoid rubbing or touching the surface of the eye.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Depends: The eyes can protrude from the sockets and move beyond the eyelids (called subluxation) in people with shallow eye sockets. This can be dangerous as i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
It's possible: As an oculoplastic surgeon, i certainly see many patients with drooping eyelids who state their mother and grandmother had the same problem. So it do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Glasses Rx: Sph is sphere power or the focusing power of the lens. A negative number means you are near sighted and positive is far sightedness. Cyl is cylinder... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Many possible causes: Eyelashes fall out as we age, but can also happen with allergies, eyelid inflammation, infection, low thyroid hormone, poor diet and trauma. See an o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Its possible, but...: High blood pressure can cause changes in vision, but this usually only happens if it is poorly controlled for some time. Very high blood pressure can... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Not exactly: Ptosis of the eyelid is corrected, in most cases, by advancing the levator muscle, which raises the eyelid. It is done through the same type of incisi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
A two to three weeks: Depending on the length and depth of the cut and how it was repaired, it will take 2-3 weeks to heal completely.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
One story: A one level domicile with wide passageways and good contrast between different areas. Solid surface floors that are continuous throughout the home ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Retinoscopy: Using a retinoscope and handheld lenses, they can accurately determine the baby's refraction and then determine if it is appropriate to prescribe glas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
It depends: Eyelids can be droopy for lots of reasons. In kids it is generally due to a poorly developed muscle. In adults it can be due to a stretched out muscl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Cold helps: Anything cold, including chilled cucumbers, can help reduce eye puffiness. There is nothing in the cucumbers that is actually affecting the eyes othe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
2-3 weeks: Swelling should be gone in 2-3 weeks, but can last longer depending on your health and how extensive the dissection of your procedure. Ice the first f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Inclusions: The most common type of bubble like growths on the inside of the eyelid are inclusion cysts, or essentially balloon-like growths related to tear produ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Matheson Harrisanswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Depends on severity: If the cellulitis is properly treated, it should resolve within 10 days. If an abscess is present or the infection is resistant to your antibiotic, i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k 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.
3
Recommendations
281
Thank you notes
Nov 11, 2014
Expert surgeon specializing in Ophthalmology and Oculoplastics. Highly recommend.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Harris is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Harris is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
I do see large areas of darness only on the left eye top, and additionally some red thin veins that end in bloded dark spots. No OI here
HealthTap member
Thanks for your response and the link. It was helpful.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PA
Graduated 2005MD
Awards
Resident of the Year, UNC-Chapel Hill Dept. of Ophthalmology 2009
Top Ophthalmologist , Third Place, Utah - Summer
2013
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
American society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Utah Ophthalmology Society
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