Your eyes are your most important senses – protect them by getting regular exams and following tips like eating an eye-healthy diet, exercising and avoiding smoking. For professional help, contact Eye Doctor Ellicott City MD.
An optometrist is the first line of eye health care. They perform medical and optical exams, diagnose common eye diseases, prescribe corrective lenses and know when a patient should be seen by an ophthalmologist for more advanced treatments or surgery. Optometrists have at least a bachelor’s degree and then attend optometry school for another four years to earn their Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, making them medical doctors.
Optometrists are trained to test a patient’s eyesight by covering and uncovering different areas of their eyes while the patient is asked to read letters on an eye chart. The tests determine a patient’s ability to focus on an object at varying distances and how their pupils adjust to changing light levels. They are also trained to check for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, corneal problems and dry eyes.
The training of an optometrist is regulated by the state or province where they practice and, in some cases, by national written and practical board examinations. They are licensed to practice optometry and are members of the College of Optometrists in their jurisdiction.
Depending on where you live and your healthcare coverage, an annual visit to an optometrist may be covered by insurance. This helps to identify eye diseases and conditions in the earliest stages, when they are less likely to cause serious damage or vision loss.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who completed eight years of post-graduate training to earn their MD and are able to treat more complex eye diseases and injuries using a variety of surgical procedures. They often specialize in a specific area of ophthalmology, such as glaucoma or retinal disease.
Ophthalmologists work closely with optometrists to provide patients with the best care. Occasionally, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist if he or she thinks you need more advanced care like specialized medications, treatment or surgeries. This ensures you get the best care possible from each profession. Neither is better than the other; each has a unique skill set and both play important roles in eye and vision health.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is trained to treat the entire eye, and may perform cataract surgery and other surgical procedures. He or she also diagnoses problems and prescribes treatment. Like other medical professionals, ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine, and must pass the first two parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examination at the end of their undergraduate studies, and then the final part after they finish residency.
After graduating from medical school, ophthalmologists complete one year of a transitional internship that allows them to work with patients and begin their specialized training. They usually spend about three years in a hospital-based residency program, where they learn to perform various eye surgeries and diagnose the underlying conditions of the eyes.
In addition to learning how to perform eye-related surgeries, ophthalmologists also undergo extensive training in anatomy, cell biology, chemistry, and other topics. They also take courses in clinical medicine, which teaches them how to care for patients who have a variety of illnesses and injuries.
An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye problems, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, corneal dystrophies, strabismus (crossed eyes), and other disorders. During an eye exam, he or she will look into the patient’s eyes and will ask questions about the patient’s medical history. An ophthalmologist will also use a variety of tests to check the patient’s vision. For example, he or she might use a visual acuity test, which involves reading from a chart with lines of random letters that get smaller. He or she might also do a visual field test, which determines the patient’s peripheral vision by having the patient look into a machine and indicate when he or she sees lights turning on and off.
Ophthalmologists who are interested in subspecialty training may pursue a one or two-year fellowship to gain more experience in specific areas of medical and surgical eye care. Some of these subspecialties include glaucoma, retina, cornea, neuro-ophthalmology, and pediatric ophthalmology.
Optician
An optician is a person who works in eye care and who is trained to interpret and adapt prescriptions from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They are also trained to work with a variety of equipment and accessories that help in the testing and evaluation of the eyesight of patients. An optician is required to complete a three-year university degree program and must pass professional standards of practice in order to receive governmental licensure. They may have a separate license for dispensing eyeglasses and another for contact lenses.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is able to treat complicated eye problems through surgery and other procedures. They have completed a minimum of 12 years of education, including undergraduate school, medical school and a residency. An ophthalmologist is often responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. They can also perform corrective surgeries like photorefractive keratectomy (LASIK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (PRK).
While the two professions have different levels of training, both play an important role in delivering eye care. Optometrists and ophthalmologists have complementary skills and it is essential that they work together to deliver the highest quality eye and vision care possible.
Optometrists are America’s primary eye health care providers and are a vital part of the healthcare system. They are recognized as physicians under Medicare, and they diagnose, treat, and manage eye and vision disorders. They also detect and manage ocular manifestations of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. They also prescribe medications and spectacle and contact lenses, and they counsel patients on surgical and non-surgical options that meet their avocations, occupations and lifestyles.
What is an Eye Doctor?
There are three different types of eye care specialists. Each plays an important role in keeping your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. These include opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. While people often confuse these roles, they are actually quite different.
Optometrists are the eye doctors that most people go to for their routine eye exams and for treating minor eye problems. They are similar to primary care physicians, and they will refer patients to ophthalmologists for any medical or surgical concerns.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, and they are the only eye care professionals who are licensed to perform surgeries and perform medical treatments for the eyes. Ophthalmologists have completed eight years of post-graduate medical school and earned a Doctor of Medicine degree. They are able to diagnose and treat all conditions that affect the eyes and the surrounding structures.
A glaucoma test is an important part of any comprehensive eye exam. This tests your eyes for a buildup of fluid that can cause damage to the retina and optic nerve. A visual acuity test is also used during an eye exam. It measures your ability to see letters and numbers on a chart at varying distances. The test can take up to an hour and may require your eyes to be dilated.
An eye doctor will also conduct a number of other basic vision screening tests during a comprehensive eye exam. They will ask for a family history of eye diseases and chronic health conditions to determine your risk. If you have vision coverage, check your plan documents to find out what services are covered.
You might also see advertisements for online eye exams, but these should not be substituted for a visit to a best in class New York optometrist or ophthalmologist. Online eye tests are basic vision screenings and do not provide a complete picture of your eye health or the severity of any eye issues. Unless you have a specific eye disease or concern, you should be visiting your eye care specialist at least once every two years for a comprehensive eye exam.