31 May 2022
Be Sure to See Your Local Optometrist When You Need to
There are many reasons why people seek the services of an optometrist. They offer a variety of services, including regular eye exams and surgery. They are also able to provide advice and treatment for eye diseases. Read on to learn more about these professionals. Then, make an appointment with one to get started on the road to eye health and happiness. Here are a few common eye issues that optometrists deal with.
Common Eye Issues that Optometrists Handle
While most of us have had at least a few eye problems in our lives, some are minor and easily treatable at home. Others, however, are more serious, and require a visit to a doctor. Here are some common eye problems that optometrists commonly handle. The sooner you find out about these issues, the better. These eye diseases can affect you at any age, and proper diagnosis is key to treating them.
Lazy eye can be an inherited condition, or it can be caused by a degenerative disease. When one eye does not develop properly, it tends to move or has weaker vision, and this can lead to serious complications later in life. In addition, those with lazy eyes should be extra cautious in low-light situations. Other causes of red eyes include allergies and injuries. If you notice redness in the eyes, see your optometrist immediately.
Regular Eye Exams
An optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam in just one or two appointments. This will determine if you are at risk for certain eye diseases and disorders, as well as evaluate your vision. This exam will include a variety of tests and instruments that can detect early signs of disease or change in vision. Optometrists can also provide valuable advice on how to care for your eyes and overall health.
The eyes of adults between the ages of 40 and 64 are particularly susceptible to vision loss due to health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, seniors over 65 are recommended to have a complete eye exam at least once a year, since the onset of certain health conditions can affect vision. In addition, a baseline eye exam can detect early signs of hyperopia and other eye conditions. This way, patients can get treatment as early as possible.
Eye Health and Maintenance
Optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of eye diseases, including diabetes, macular degeneration, and cataracts. They also order imaging tests and can perform some procedures such as laser surgery. The only degree in Optometry that is specific to eye care is the doctorate of optometry, or OD. As such, optometrists are an excellent choice for any eye problem.
The cost of eye tests performed by optometrists varies depending on what type of treatment you need. Medicare covers most tests, and prescription medications are typically covered by Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Some private health funds cover optometrist fees. Optometrists practice in a variety of settings, including public health facilities, private practices, and university departments. In addition, optometrists also provide care for Aboriginal populations.
Eye Diseases that Require Surgery
Astigmatism is a degenerative eye disease that affects one in four Americans. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options, including corrective lenses or surgery. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by the deterioration of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for focusing on close objects. The process of age-related macular degeneration is accelerated by certain lifestyle choices, including smoking, problematic diets, and obesity. The retina becomes dense and fatty, preventing nutrient from getting to the cells of the macula. Often, this disease requires surgery to repair the damage.
The surgical procedure to remove cataracts is an outpatient surgery that can take less than an hour. The doctor will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with healthy donor tissue. The procedure is known as a corneal transplant, and it can be either a full or partial corneal transplant. A patient may experience temporary blurring of vision and itchy eyes for a few days after the procedure. Glaucoma surgery involves inserting a tiny tube called a shunt into the eye to allow extra fluid to drain out. A doctor may also perform a trabeculectomy, a procedure that removes a tiny hole on the top of the eyelid.
How to Find the Right Local Optometrist
While there are thousands of optometrists in the United States, it is important to find one with a warm bedside manner and a client-centered approach. A doctor who is comfortable and supportive will go a long way in earning your trust. There are several things to look for in an optometrist, but here are some pointers to help you choose the right doctor.
First, research the qualifications of the optometrist. Find out whether he or she has a degree in eye specialty and has experience in practice. Look for a doctor who is committed to continuing education and training, and one who has specialized areas of practice. You can also ask for references. After all, if the optometrists you’re evaluating have great reviews, chances are you’ll like them!