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Most people don’t know the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Unless a person has experienced a serious medical condition with their eyes, they typically do not have contact with an ophthalmologist. An optometrist can perform some of the same functions as an ophthalmologist, completing general wellness checks on a patient’s eyes and helping determine the prescription needed to allow them to see better. For the average person, an optometrist is the only eye doctor they will need to see in their life, making it important that they know how to locate an excellent optometry center in 91744. Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist The biggest difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is the type and amount of schooling necessary for each title. An optometrist has attended 4 years of optometry school on top of their 4-year college education, while an ophthalmologist has attended 8 extra years of medical school and training. This difference in schooling has an effect on the type of services each eye doctor is able to perform. While an optometrist mainly performs eye exams and helps a patient determine the prescription needed to correct their vision, an ophthalmologist can do that in addition to performing surgery and treating eye disease. For most patients, an optometrist can meet all of their eye health needs, since most people just need help with basic eye care. When a person begins experiencing major problems with their eyes, however, it may be time to visit an ophthalmologist. A person who sees an ophthalmologist can still maintain their optometrist, seeing the ophthalmologist for major eye health concerns and the optometrist for basic yearly visits. Eye Exams It is recommended that most patients visit their optometrist either yearly or every 2 years to reevaluate their eyes and update their prescription when necessary. Most patients who require yearly visits are those who wear contacts and those who have certain conditions that require constant monitoring, such as patients who experience ocular migraines. At this basic checkup, a patient will typically have their eyes dilated to check for any health issues. When a patient’s eyes are dilated, the optometrist is able to see the back of the eye, allowing them to identify any major issues that may be present. Dilation is not required in all patients at every exam, but is definitely recommended to ensure a patient is completely healthy. During this exam, the optometrist will check a patient’s eyes to diagnose nearsightedness, farsightedness, and identify if an astigmatism is present. Once a problem is diagnosed, the optometrist is able to help determine the prescription necessary in each eye to allow the patient to see clearly again. Diagnosing Some Eye Ailments A person who is experiencing any issues with their eyes should visit an optometrist to see if any medical intervention is necessary. An optometrist can diagnose conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. While any necessary surgical treatment will need to be completed by an ophthalmologist, an optometrist can help with the identification, then direct their patient to a good ophthalmologist who can help in the event that the patient doesn’t already have contact with one. In some states, optometrists are able to write prescriptions for the treatment of eye diseases. In the states that do not allow this, an optometrist will work closely with the ophthalmologist treating their patient. There are several differences between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, the main one being the level of schooling necessary to attain each title. For more people, however, the services of an optometrist are sufficient to meet their needs and keep their eyes healthy, which is why locating an excellent optometry center in 91744 is important.
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