Is it time for your next eye exam? If so, you should find out whether you need to see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for your vision and eye health needs.
Keep reading to learn more about what the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist is.
What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a medical provider who holds a doctor of optometry (OD) degree. Their main role in eyecare is to provide primary vision care.
While they are not medical doctors, they have comprehensive training in conducting eye exams, diagnosing refractive errors, and screening for eye abnormalities. At an eye exam with your optometrist, they will likely test your vision, measure any refractive errors you may have, and prescribe you glasses or contacts to correct them.
They can also look for signs of eye conditions, injuries, and abnormalities. If detected, they will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist for further examination and more comprehensive treatment.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors with an MD who have completed extensive years of training. Many specialize in specific treatments of eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and other age-related conditions.
They are also the only eye care providers who can perform eye surgeries like LASIK or cataract surgery. Ophthalmologists can perform all the same tests as optometrists but are also uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat all eye conditions.
When Should I See an Ophthalmologist vs. an Optometrist?
One of the most significant risk factors for developing eye conditions is age. It is recommended you attend at least one comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist at the age of 40 and as frequently as they suggest after.
For adults over 65, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist every year or two to ensure any signs of eye conditions are detected early. This is especially important with conditions like glaucoma, as once it has caused vision loss, it can’t be reversed.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving your vision and protecting your eye health from these types of conditions. If you are under 40 and aren’t experiencing symptoms of eye conditions, you may only need to see an optometrist for most of your appointments.
It’s still recommended you see an ophthalmologist once in your twenties and twice in your thirties, but common vision concerns like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be taken to your optometrist. However, if you have any risk factors for developing eye conditions, you should attend more frequent comprehensive eye exams with your ophthalmologist.
These risk factors include having a family history of eye conditions, having diabetes, or wearing contact lenses.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam with an Ophthalmologist?
When attending a comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist at Loden Vision Centers, they may perform a variety of tests and examinations, including:
Refraction
Ophthalmologists use a device called a phoropter to determine your refractive errors. They will ask you to look through different lenses to arrive at a prescription for glasses or contacts.
Visual Acuity
Visual acuity testing involves covering one eye at a time while reading from an eye chart. It can determine whether you have 20/20 vision or not.
Eye Pressure
Eye pressure testing, or tonometry, can help detect glaucoma by measuring your intraocular pressure.
Pupil Dilation
Your ophthalmologist can also look for signs of glaucoma damage by dilating your pupils. This allows them to examine the retina and optic nerve.
Peripheral Vision
One of the earliest symptoms of glaucoma is a loss of side vision. Visual field testing can detect changes in your peripheral vision.
Eye Motility
Eye motility tests how your eyes move and how they’re aligned. It also tests that your eye muscles are functioning as they should.
Slit-Lamp Examination
Your ophthalmologist will use a slit-lamp device to examine your eyelids, lens, iris, and cornea. This examination is useful for detecting cataracts and corneal scarring or scratches.
Pupillary Response
Using a bright beam of light, your ophthalmologist can monitor your pupil response to ensure they are working correctly.
Do I See an Optometrist and Ophthalmologist for a Vision Correction Procedure?
While optometrists can provide you with education and resources about different vision correction procedures, ophthalmologists can only assess your candidacy and perform them. If you want to reduce your reliance on visual aids like glasses and contacts and experience clearer eyesight, you may be a good candidate for a vision correction procedure.
Loden Vision Centers offers multiple vision correction procedures, including:
LASIK
LASIK is a popular procedure that can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, bringing you clearer vision. It uses specialized lasers to reshape the cornea, allowing light to hit the retina at the best point for sharper eyesight.
EVO ICL
The EVO ICL is an implantable collamer lens that is placed between the iris and the natural lens of the eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. It can provide patients with crystal clear vision and is the only reversible vision correction procedure.
PRK
PRK is often a great alternative to LASIK for patients with thin corneas or dry eye who are not good candidates for the procedure. It involves removing the top layer of the cornea to access and reshape the tissue below with an excimer laser, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
To determine the right vision correction procedure for you and whether you qualify as a candidate, you will need to attend a consultation with your ophthalmologist at Loden Vision Centers. They will perform a comprehensive eye examination to detect any risk factors, review your medical history and any medications you may be taking, and discuss your vision goals.
Is it time for your next visit with your ophthalmologist or optometrist? Schedule an appointment at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN, today!
