Ophthalmologist – The Right Eye Doctor for Eye Health
Growing up, most of us only learned about opticians and actually grew up thinking that opticians are the ultimate solution to all our eye problems. Don’t worry, that wasn’t your fault; plus, the extra detail was not necessary as a child, but now, it’s time to learn.
When you think about getting an eye checkup, it’s good to ensure that you are seeing the right eye doctor for your specific needs. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians are indeed trained to address eye issues. What differentiates them is the particular services they offer. Here is a quick reference to what each does.
What’s the Difference?
An ophthalmologist in Glendale, CA, is an osteopathic doctor specializing in eye vision and eye care. Ophthalmologists differ from other eye doctors in their training level and the eye problems they can diagnose and treat.
An ophthalmologist is the only medical doctor who’s allowed to practice medicine and surgery. They have to complete college and additional medical training for at least eight years.
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat any eye disease and are equipped to perform eye surgeries. Besides, they can recommend and fit glasses and contact leans when necessary. Ophthalmologists are also significantly involved in research works for the causes and cure of various vision disorders.
Optometrists, on the other hand, focus on primary vision care. These professionals can diagnose, treat, and help a patient manage vision problems. They are also responsible for testing and correction of sight disorders.
The optometrist in Glendale is not regarded as a medical doctor. They are educated in an Optometry School for four years and receive a Doctor of Optometry degree after completing three or more years in college.
Optometrists are certified and licensed to exercise optometry. It basically involves eye and vision exams and tests, dispensing glasses and contact lenses, prescribing eye medication, and detecting eye abnormalities.
Opticians are professionals involved in the design, verification, and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, together with other vision correcting devices. They rely on prescriptions by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Note that opticians are not allowed to perform any diagnoses or treatment of eye disorders. They also do not perform vision tests or write prescriptions for eyecare.
Which Doctor is the Best for Your Eye Problems?
We advise seeing an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have blurry eyesight or pain in the eyes. A good eye specialist will point you to the right doctor if they cannot handle the situation, other than treating it incorrectly.
Any difficult eye complications will be directed to ophthalmologists by optometrists. These are issues such as rogue eye infections, severe glaucoma, corneal transplants, retinal conditions, and cataract surgery.
All in all, having regular exams and taking the right steps towards maintaining eye health is the best way to go.
Why an Ophthalmologist?
The ophthalmologist in Glendale, CA, has the know-how to recognize the presence and possibility of a disease influenced by factors such as age, race, and inheritance. Many eye problems are silent, and by the time symptoms begin to surface, the damage could be lethal. That’s why seeing an eye specialist near you is crucial.
Ophthalmologists will also prescribe the best healthy lifestyle choices you can make to protect your vision when home. They will recommend eye-healthy foods and ways you can protect your vision from home. From an ophthalmologist is where you get advanced counsel such as the adverse effects of cigarette smoke to cataracts and degeneration disease.
Some eye problems require immediate care. If not attended to Asap, they can lead to other serious complications. If you suspect the possibility of an eye infection, it’s advisable to skip the regular care services and get to an ophthalmologist immediately for treatment to avoid blindness.
Consider immediately getting medical care from an ophthalmologist if you sustain a lethal eye injury. If you suffered a washing spray spillage on your eye or got hit by a hockey stick, an ophthalmologist will help you deal with the situation better.
A sudden change in vision or eye blurriness can signal cataracts, a systemic disease, or an age-related degenerative infection. Flashes in vision or sudden floaters indicate a retinal detachment or another serious problem. Same is the case with double vision. These can be indicators of a brain condition or nerve injury. Please report them to an ophthalmologist instantly.
People with diabetes are also advised to have regular eye checkups since spiked blood sugar levels can cause damage to eye blood vessels. Ophthalmologists are the best to consult for such eye defects.
Note that pregnancy comes with various vision changes. An ophthalmologist can help deal with dry eye disease and diabetes-related eye diseases that develop during pregnancy.