The Eye Care Specialists – Ophthalmologists
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Ophthalmologists are quite different from both optometrists and opticians in their training and their diagnoses. Because an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, he is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. He can diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery and fits eye glasses and lenses.
Becoming an Ophthalmologist
To become an Ophthalmologist a person has to complete:
·4 years of college;
·4 years of medical school;
·1 year internship;
·3 years residency (hospital based training) in medical and surgical treatment and diagnosis of various eye disorders.
An optometrist gets a Doctor of Optometry (OD)degree and can practice optometry, not medicine. They can prescribe corrective lens, check eye abnormalities, prescribe eye medicines for certain diseases.
An optician is trained to specially verify and fit eyeglass frames and lens, contact lenses and other correctional devises for the eye. They can not diagnose or treat eye diseases.
After four years of college, and then the eight additional years of medical training, a certified ophthalmologist must pass a tough two part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology
All ophthalmologists specialize in eye problems and are qualified to treat all conditions, some decide to specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care. This person is then known as a subspecialist. They have to complete a fellowship, which is an additional one or two years of additional training in the required chosen area. Common areas nowadays being chosen are glaucoma, retina, cornea, plastic surgery etc.
When You Should See an Ophthalmologist
You should see an Opthalmologist is you have any of the following concerns:
·Decreased vision
·Distorted vision
·Floaters (specs floating in the air) or flashes of light
·Veil blocking vision
·Eye injury or eye pain
·Red eye
·One or both eye bulging
·Misaligned eyes
·Double vision
·Loss of side (peripheral vision)
·High blood pressure
·Diabetes
·Aids
·Thyroid related eye disease
·A family history of eye disease.
After an ophthalmologist has examined the patient, he will be told when to return for a follow-up exam.
People of African and Hispanic descent, who are at an increased risk of glaucoma, should see an ophthalmologist even if they have no visible signs of eye disease. Your ophthalmologist will then tell you when to return for a follow up exam.
If your optometrist advises you to see an opthalmologist, then it is advisable to do so.
Recommended eye care exams should be performed for :
·New born, pre-school and-pre teen.
·Adults age 20 to 64 years, even if there is no sign or risk or eye disease, should get an eye disease screening ate age 40.Based on the result, you will be advised consequent follow-up exams.
·Adults 65 and over should have eye tests every one to two years.During an eye examination, your ophthalmologist and his assistant will ask about your symptoms and review your medical history.maybe eye drops will be used to help dilate your eyes. The exams will evaluate:
oVisual acuity,
oNeed for eye glasses or contact lenses,
oEye muscle coordination,
oEye lid health,
oPupil response to light,
oPressure inside the eye(intraocular pressure)
oThe area in front of the lens, including the cornea and iris,
oThe interior and back of the eye.
After the examination, your ophthalmologist will discuss the result with you. If your eyes are healthy, you might need only glasses or contact lenses. Some eye diseases are treated with medicines, such as eye drops of pills. Other diseases may require laser surgery or other procedures.
Your ophthalmologist will provide you with all the required treatment. He might even refer you to a sub specialist.