FAQ
What is an Optometrist?
Optometrists, or doctors of optometry, are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.
They examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose and treat eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. They also do testing to determine the patient’s ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately.
They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases.
As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an integral part of the health care team and an entry point into the health care system. They are skilled in the co-management care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and are an excellent source of referral to other health care professionals.
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What is an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are surgical specialists who generally have a bachelor’s degree, and 4 years of medical school followed by a residence where they trained in eye surgery and eye disease. Ophthalmologists mainly perform surgery and treat diseases of the eye and surrounding structures, but may also prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
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What is an Optician?
Opticians are skilled craftsmen who manufacture lenses and optical devices. They fit, supply, repair and adjust devices that have been prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They cannot prescribe glasses, contact lenses, or drugs.
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How often should I get my eyes examined?
It is recommended that you get a yearly eye examination. If you are having vision problems or have certain eye conditions, it may be necessary to be seen more frequently.
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What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, is a common vision condition in which distance objects are usually seen well, but close objects are difficult to see. Farsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, so light entering the eye is not focused.
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What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a common condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but distance objects are difficult to see. Nearsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too steeply curved, so light entering the eye is not focused.
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What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision either by irregularly shaped cornea or an irregularly shaped lens inside the eye. This irregular shape prevents light from properly focusing on the retina. Small amounts of astigmatism may cause little to no blurred vision but larger amounts of uncorrected astigmatism can cause headaches and eyestrain, and distort the vision at all distances.
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What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a common condition in which the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects. When one reaches their forties, focusing at close range becomes difficult. This is a natural part of the aging process.
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What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. This clouding can be partial or total, so not all cataracts interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts occur with advancing age, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Cataracts can also occur from certain medications, exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking.
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What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is a common eye disease, which may affect one or both eyes. It is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the visible part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Some forms of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and easy spread at home or school. While conjunctivitis is usually a minor infection of the eye, sometimes it can develop into a more serious problem.
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What are floaters?
Floaters are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Floaters may look like specks, strands, cobwebs, or other shapes. Actually, what are seen are shadows of the floaters cast upon the retina. Most floaters are harmless and rarely limit vision, but they can be an indication of more serious problems. You should be seen for a comprehensive examination when you notice a sudden appearance of them.
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What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition in which there is decreased production of tears from the tear glands, which can create dry spots on the surface of the eyes. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Treatment is aimed to restore a more normal tear film to minimize the dryness, discomfort and blurred vision.
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What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders leading to irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision. Advanced glaucoma may cause blindness. The most common form of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, is associated with increased eye pressure. However, early detection and treatment can slow, or even stop the progression of the disease.
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