FAQs

The distinction between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist, and an Optician is confusing for many people. While all are concerned with eye care, they have extreme differences. Understanding these differences, including education, training, and scope of patient care, is critical when choosing an eye care provider for you or your family.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including diagnosis, management, and surgery for ocular diseases and disorders. They provide primary eye care services, including eye exams, prescribe medications, and perform surgical procedures, such as laser surgery and lens replacement. Using surgical and non-invasive techniques, ophthalmologists diagnose and manage eye diseases, conditions, and disorders and treat and repair eye injuries.

An ophthalmologist receives a minimum of 12 years of education, including four years of college, four years of medical school, one or more years of general clinical training, and three or more years in a hospital-based ophthalmic residency program, often followed by one or more years of subspecialty fellowship. They must then pass a licensing examination.

Though most ophthalmologists practice what is known as” general” or” comprehensive” ophthalmology, some choose to specialize in a particular part of the eye (such as the retina or the muscles around the eye) or type of condition or disease (such as glaucoma). If the ophthalmologist wishes to specialize, they must complete an additional year or more fellowship.

A common misconception about ophthalmologists is that they are not primary eye care providers. That is not true. Ophthalmologists provide total eye care, from performing a check-up to managing a complicated disease. However, there are almost twice as many practicing optometrists as ophthalmologists; about 25% of the nation’s refractions and eye examinations are performed by ophthalmologists.

As medical doctors, ophthalmologists are regulated by state medical boards.

ptometrists provide routine vision care. They traditionally examine the eye to prescribe and dispense corrective lenses and perform vision screening to detect specific eye abnormalities. An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and is licensed to practice optometry, not medicine. An optometrist may have only six years of post-high school training, consisting of 2-4 years of college and four years in an optometric college.

Beyond refractive abnormalities, an optometrist’s training includes limited exposure to patients with eye disorders or health problems. Didactic training in medical, pharmaceutical, and ocular subjects averages approximately one year.

Burning and foreign body sensations can usually mean you have a disorder of the eyelids that interferes with producing a good tear film called Blepharitis. Blepharitis is a localized inflammation of the eyelids, sometimes due to bacteria in and around the eyelids, and there are different forms. Sometimes, warm compresses are applied to the eyes twice daily, along with lid scrubs (Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo is diluted with warm water and applied to a washcloth to scrub your eyelids). Artificial tears usually make the eyes feel better.

Eye exams are recommended periodically, with the interval differing for various age groups. In the first three years of infancy, a child should have vision checked along with regular pediatric checkups. An eye exam should be scheduled every year or two between the ages of three and six (the most crucial period of eye development). After that period, until adulthood, exams should be scheduled as necessary. During the twenties, one should have at least one exam. During the thirties, one should have at least two exams. In the forties, fifties, and early sixties, one should schedule an exam every two to four years. For seniors, an exam every year or two is recommended.

In addition to these basic guidelines, exams should be performed at least once a year for people with a family history of eye problems, those monitoring a diagnosed eye disease, or those with certain high-risk diseases such as diabetes. Regular eye exams are the best way to keep you seeing your world.

Any abnormal phenomena or changes in your vision can indicate various possible problems. Early treatment is the key to preserving vision in the face of most eye diseases. Thus, you must consult an ophthalmologist if you notice anything unusual or any change in your vision. It could be a severe or inconsequential problem, but the peace of mind and the possibility of catching a serious problem early are certainly worth it.

Many serious eye diseases often have little or no symptoms until they are well-developed. The only way to diagnose a problem early in such a case is to schedule periodic eye exams. This is the best way to preserve the clearest vision possible for life.

It is essential to realize that, like any surgery, LASIK is not without risk. However, significant complications are infrequent. Minor complications occasionally occur, such as dry eye, halos, or glare around lights at night. However, such problems are uncommon, are often treatable, and will usually reduce or disappear within months of the surgery.

Many people achieve 20/20 vision, or better, after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Although patients experience improved vision, some may still need to wear corrective lenses for specific tasks, though the necessary power of correction will be much smaller than before.

The result of the LASIK procedure is also influenced by the amount of correction needed. Patients within a few diopters of 20/20 vision often achieve sufficient results after undergoing LASIK that no longer require corrective lenses. Patients with a more comprehensive error, especially those highly nearsighted, may still require corrective lenses after the surgery, though their prescription will be significantly reduced.

If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, you live with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and probably currently wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is a great way to reduce dependence on, or completely free yourself from, corrective lenses. It may be especially appealing because of your profession or lifestyle. It could be that you cannot wear contact lenses and dislike the appearance of glasses, or you may want to reduce the expense and hassle of glasses and contacts.

However, LASIK is not appropriate for everyone. Several factors determine the best candidate, including age, medical history, individual eye anatomy, and expectations. Each person is a unique case requiring individual evaluation.

No website can tell you if you are a good candidate for LASIK. The only way to find out is to schedule a LASIK eligibility exam. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and any current diseases or medications. You will also discuss instructions and expectations for the procedure, recovery, and results. You will be given a comprehensive eye examination, including some tests especially tailored to evaluate whether your eyes are appropriate for the corrective surgery. From the exam results, the doctor can work with you to decide if LASIK is right for you.

Throughout childhood and teens, a person’s vision often remains unstable. The body is constantly developing and changing. LASIK is a permanent procedure. For this reason, LASIK may not be performed on minors. Once your child is 18 or older, and their glasses or contacts prescription has been stable for at least a year or two, they may wish to consider LASIK corrective eye surgery.