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Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both trained to diagnose vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). They can also prescribe corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. They can treat keratoconus, an progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, and they can perform advanced procedures such as corneal cross-linking. Contact Baltimore Eye Physicians now!
There are many different types of eye care professionals, and they all offer some of the same services: vision testing, prescriptions for eyeglasses, medication for non-surgical eye health issues. But it’s important to choose the right eye care professional for your needs. Checking their credentials and experience is one of the most important steps. Look for an eye doctor who prioritizes patient education and encourages open communication. This will ensure that your questions and concerns are addressed fully, and that you’re given a clear diagnosis of your condition.
Choosing an eye doctor who is in-network with your insurance provider can also save you money. Additionally, you should consider the eye doctor’s office environment and support staff. Look for a welcoming, clean and well-organized space where you feel comfortable and supported throughout your appointment.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical aspects of eye care. They receive a four-year medical degree and complete a three-year residency in ophthalmology, sometimes followed by an additional year of specialized fellowship training. They are trained to diagnose and treat most conditions that affect the eyes, including diseases and eye injuries.
Optometrists have a four-year optometry degree and provide primary eye care. They perform vision tests and evaluations, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and monitor and manage the progression of any eye diseases or abnormalities. They are able to diagnose a range of eye conditions and illnesses, and can even perform basic eye surgeries.
While a loss of contrast sensitivity could be a normal part of aging, sudden onset may indicate the presence of a serious eye disease or systemic illness. And the appearance of new floaters or flashes in your vision might be an indicator that you have a retinal detachment. Eye doctors can diagnose and treat both of these serious conditions, and they often work closely with emergency department doctors to help patients with ocular emergencies. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, they may refer you to another specialist or perform surgery themselves. In some cases, they might prescribe medication to ease the symptoms while waiting for a referral or to begin treatment at home.
They Help You Choose the Right Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
Eye doctors can help you determine whether glasses or contact lenses are the right solution for your vision problem. They can also help you select frames that complement your face and suit your lifestyle, and they may recommend options like UV tints or scratch-resistant coatings to enhance the performance of your lenses. Choosing the right glasses or contacts is important, as these tools can dramatically affect your quality of life.
When selecting an eye doctor, it is vital to check their credentials and experience. You should look for a doctor who is certified by an ophthalmological association, such as the American Board of Optometry (ABO). This means that they have completed four years of undergraduate education in college or university and four additional years of professional training at an optometry school to obtain a doctor of optometry degree. In addition, it is essential to find a doctor with a solid bedside manner and the ability to build trusting relationships with their patients.
During your appointment, an eye doctor will evaluate your family history of eye disease and perform various tests to diagnose the cause of your vision problems. They can then prescribe treatment, either surgical or non-surgical, depending on your specific condition. If you need surgery, your eye physician will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
After conducting an eye exam, your eye doctor will provide you with a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. They will also discuss the pros and cons of each option. For example, contact lenses can be less expensive than glasses, but they require regular cleaning and replacement to stay in good shape. Glasses, on the other hand, are often more comfortable than contact lenses. However, some people have extremely sensitive eyes or dry eyes, and contact lenses can irritate those conditions.
When selecting an eye doctor, it is also important to consider the support staff and office environment. An efficient support staff and a clean, well-organized office can improve the overall patient experience. In addition, you should make sure that your doctor is in-network with your insurance provider and that you understand the cost of your exams and any treatments.
They Perform Eye Surgery
Eye surgery is one of the most common medical procedures performed today, and eye physicians are able to perform a number of different types of surgical procedures. For example, ophthalmologists are able to perform cataract removal surgery, which is an effective way to treat cloudy and blurry vision. They can also perform glaucoma surgery, which is designed to reduce high eye pressure in the eyes.
They are also able to provide other surgical treatments, such as pterygium removal surgery, which is used to remove a benign growth that can sometimes affect vision. In addition, ophthalmologists can also perform corneal cross-linking (CXL), which is an advanced treatment for keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to change shape and bulge into a cone-like structure.
Ophthalmologists are able to perform a wide range of other surgical procedures, such as oculoplastic surgery, which is designed to correct the appearance and function of the eyelids and orbit. In addition, they can perform laser eye surgery to correct for nearsightedness and farsightedness. They can also treat a variety of other conditions, including strabismus, corneal dystrophies and conjunctival hemorrhage.
Many ophthalmologists choose to specialize in particular areas of eye care or opt for a subspecialty. For example, some ophthalmologists become cornea specialists, while others focus on the retina. Choosing a specialty ensures that the doctor is well-versed in both the diagnosis and treatment of the problem.
Some ophthalmologists may also choose to do a fellowship in order to further hone their skills. This can be especially beneficial for those who have a more complex eye health issue or who require more advanced surgery.
While it’s important to keep in mind that each type of eye care professional offers certain services, the AMA strongly advocates that patients should only see health professionals who have been trained to provide those services. This is why the AMA continues to fight scope creep, which could result in health care providers performing surgery that they are not properly trained to do. This can lead to poor quality care, risks to patient safety and even hospitalization or death.
They Give You Preventative Care
An eye physician’s job extends well beyond treating vision problems. They also perform preventative care to keep your eyes healthy. This includes recommending the right nutrition, exercise, and protective gear for your eye health. It can also involve things like regular eye exams, especially for patients who have risk factors for developing an eye disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders.
Eye health specialists are also trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal dystrophies, retinal holes or detachments, and other eye infections. They can also help you choose the best contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses for your needs. They can also prescribe medications for certain eye diseases and eye infections.
Preventative eye care can help you avoid many of the common ailments that affect your eyesight, such as age-related macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. These illnesses can have very early symptoms, such as blurry vision or dark patches in your field of view. Seeing your eye doctor during an exam can spot these signs very early, giving you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes and potentially save your vision.
While most adults don’t see an eye doctor until they have a problem with their vision or break their glasses, routine visits can help you stay ahead of any issues. The American Optometric Association recommends that adults have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, and more frequently for those with certain risk factors. Kids should see an eye health specialist regularly, too, with the first exam occurring around three months of age and continuing annually.
You can find an optometrist or ophthalmologist in your area through a variety of means, including word-of-mouth recommendations, online searches and professional associations. Look for a practice that offers comprehensive services, such as having both optometrists and ophthalmologists on staff. You may also want to consider a practice that offers cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis and treatment, such as optical coherence tomography and corneal topography. These tools can provide more accurate diagnoses and improve the effectiveness of treatment, ensuring that you get the best care possible.