Getting regular eye exams can help you avoid serious health conditions that affect the eyes. Many systemic diseases—like diabetes, sleep apnea, various tumors and high blood pressure—show early signs in the eye. Contact the Dry Eye Center of Maryland now!
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Get your eyes checked regularly and follow simple health tips—like not smoking, eating a healthy diet (especially leafy greens) and protecting your eyes from UV rays.
There are many different types of eye care professionals. Some are medical doctors, while others specialize in eye surgery or vision care. Optometrists, who are sometimes called doctors of optometry, are the first healthcare professionals people see for regular, primary eye care. They are often the first to notice any issues that could be potentially dangerous or life-changing, such as undiagnosed vision problems or glaucoma, which can cause blindness over time.
A doctor of optometry (OD) is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions. They typically receive a bachelor’s degree, then spend three to four years in an optometry school. This is a highly competitive field, similar to how hard it is to get into a medical school.
After completing optometry school, doctors of optometry become licensed to practice in their states or countries. They are required to participate in a large number of continuing education courses in order to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in optometry.
During an eye exam, an optometrist will ask you about your vision needs and any previous eye health issues you’ve had. Then, they will perform a series of tests to measure your visual acuity. This may include testing your ability to read letters on a Snellen chart of diminishing size, or trying on a pair of lenses to see if you need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
If you need prescription eyeglasses or contacts, optometrists will recommend a specific brand and type, and they can also prescribe medication to treat certain ocular conditions. They will also be able to refer you to an ophthalmologist for specialized care if necessary.
Many optometrists work in high street practices, which are independent or part of a larger eye clinic or chain. They can also be found in hospitals or ophthalmic departments within general medical practices. In these settings, optometrists are usually working as part of a team with ophthalmologists and healthcare science staff who specialize in eye and vision care. Collaboration between these professionals is vital to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care.
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
Protecting your eyesight should be one of your top personal health priorities. Whether you have an eye condition or are simply interested in maintaining good vision, there are a number of different types of specialists who can help you with your specific needs. From routine eye exams in a clinic to surgical interventions for the most serious eye problems, these medical experts are available when you need them.
An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed 12 or more years of education, including undergraduate study, medical school, and specialized training in the medical and surgical treatment of the eye and visual system. They diagnose and treat eye conditions and diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and strabismus (crossed eyes).
While ophthalmologists are licensed to perform some procedures, they rely on optometrists for routine eye examinations, prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, and other diagnostic tests. A general ophthalmologist is trained to treat the most common eye diseases, but some may choose to specialize in sub-specialty areas, including pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, or corneal surgery.
When you visit an ophthalmologist, they will likely start with a visual acuity test that measures how clear your vision is. They will also ask you about your general health history and family history to understand how your eye health may be impacted by hereditary traits. Other common exams include a color blindness test and stereopsis, which determines your ability to see 3-D images or objects.
In addition to diagnosing and treating eye conditions, ophthalmologists can also perform laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or photorefractive keratectomy surgeries, which can correct vision disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These doctors are also able to provide cataract surgery for patients with advanced cataracts.
In some cases, an ophthalmologist may notice symptoms that don’t directly relate to the eyes or visual system and will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment. This could be an indication of a general health issue or even a more serious problem like cancer. For this reason, it’s important to make regular appointments with your ophthalmologist, particularly if you’re at higher risk for developing eye diseases.
Why Should I See an Eye Doctor?
A person should make an appointment with an eye doctor if they are experiencing certain symptoms. These include frequent headaches, eye fatigue, blurry vision and red or watery eyes. These are often signs of glaucoma, and seeing an eye doctor is important in getting the correct treatment.
An eye exam can also be used to determine if you have other health issues. For example, if you’re suffering from high blood pressure or cholesterol, an eye doctor can see the effects of these conditions in your blood vessels within the eyes. They can also tell if you have vitamin deficiencies and even detect certain infections like pink eye, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
During an eye exam, an optometrist can prescribe you with contact lenses or glasses to help you see better. They can also diagnose and treat many different eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
In addition to treating eye diseases, an optometrist can teach you how to manage your health and lifestyle in order to prevent eye problems from developing or worsening. This can include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding cigarette smoke.
It’s recommended that people of all ages visit an eye doctor for regular, comprehensive exams at least once every two years. Those with specific family histories or other risk factors may need to go more frequently.
In order to become a licensed eye doctor, individuals must complete pre-professional undergraduate education, followed by four years of professional school at a college of optometry, and finally obtaining a doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. There are over 30,000 doctors of optometry throughout the country, and they are ready to offer you the best possible care. Make an appointment today! It’s a great way to keep your vision healthy and avoid serious medical issues in the future. The results of a thorough eye exam could save you from needing surgery or prescription medications. Plus, your insurance may cover the cost of an annual visit! If you’re not sure, check your insurance coverage. You may be surprised to find that you’re covered.
How Often Should I See an Eye Doctor?
Eye health is crucial at all ages, and regular visits to the doctor are one of the best ways to keep your vision in good shape. However, the frequency of these visits depends on many different factors, including age, health concerns and family history.
In general, people who have no health or vision issues should see an eye doctor every two years. However, people who have a health condition that increases their risk of developing eye problems or those who wear glasses or contact lenses should visit an eye doctor more frequently.
Children should have their first exam around 6 months of age, and then another eye exam before they reach kindergarten (between ages 3-4). Children should then receive an annual exam after they start school, as their bodies and eyes continue to grow and change rapidly.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should see an eye doctor every two years, or as often as necessary if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a problem. People who are at a higher risk of developing eye disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should also visit an eye doctor more often, and should schedule an appointment yearly.
During a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will test your ability to see clearly at both distances and up close. He or she will ask about your family medical history, and will likely use several tests to examine the sharpness of your vision, your peripheral vision, your 3D vision and your color perception. Your eye doctor will also shine a light in your pupils and observe the movement of your eye muscles, as well as check for other health conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Visiting an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is important at all ages to maintain good eye health. It is recommended that you choose either an ophthalmologist or optometrist, as both are licensed professionals who can perform an eye exam and prescribe contact lenses or glasses. However, an ophthalmologist is licensed to perform surgery and may diagnose more complex health problems.