If you have eye or vision problems, the doctor you should see is an eye specialist.
“An ophthalmologist is a doctor who evaluates and treats medical and surgical conditions of the eye,” says Christine Saad, MD, ophthalmologist and associate chief, Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, at LVPG Ophthalmology-Fogelsville.
What is Ophthalmology CRO?
Ophthalmology CRO specialize in treating eye health problems such as dry eye syndrome, eyelid conditions such as blepharitis and styes, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma or macular degeneration. However, there are many reasons why you may be referred to an eye doctor for treatment. We asked Saad about the signs that it’s time to schedule an ophthalmologist appointment and what to expect from care.
“The main takeaway is that many serious eye diseases are silent until a very advanced stage, such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Regular eye exams should be part of an individual’s health assessment,” says Saad. “Redness of the eyes, pain, sensitivity to light and changes in vision can be signs of a more serious acute eye disease and require a formal assessment/eye exam.”
Q: What can a patient expect from an eye doctor visit?
A: An ophthalmologist performs a complete eye exam that includes a vision evaluation, peripheral vision evaluation, eye pressure check, microscopic evaluation of the eye, and a dilation exam to look inside the eye to assess the optic nerve and retina. Sometimes an assessment is also done for glasses.
Q: What are the signs that you need to see an ophthalmologist?
A: There are several symptoms that may indicate you should see an ophthalmologist. Here are five.
Sign 1: You have vision changes.
If you have intermittent vision changes that improve with blinking, this may be a sign of dry eye. A gradual decline in vision may indicate the need to upgrade your glasses, but it can also be a sign of a medical condition such as cataracts. Finally, if you have central vision distortion or flashes, floaters, shadows, or curtains across your vision, these may be signs of a retinal problem and require more urgent evaluation when symptoms are new or acute.
Sign 2: Your eyes are dry.
Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable and get worse over time. Symptoms can sometimes affect an individual’s ability to read or use a computer for extended periods of time. In severe cases, chronic dry eye can lead to corneal scarring. To check this, an Ophthalmology CRO examines the eyes under a slit lamp. A yellow stain called fluorescein is dripped into the eye to check the tear film and examine the cornea.
Sign 3: Your eyes are red/bloodshot.
Red eyes may not be a sign of anything serious. Some individuals normally have red eyes. However, redness can be a sign of dryness or inflammation affecting the outer or inner aspect of the eyes. A sudden bright red spot may indicate a burst blood vessel that is not normally concerning but becomes a recurring problem. But redness accompanied by pain must be assessed by your ophthalmologist. The examination includes an eye examination and a slit-lamp examination, but may also include a dilation examination.
Sign 4: Your eyes hurt.
Eye pain can be a symptom of a local eye problem, such as dry eye, episcleritis, which is an inflammation of the eye wall, or an intraocular inflammation called uveitis. Headaches and sinus headaches can also cause eye pain. A person with eye pain needs an ophthalmological examination to rule out eye disease as the cause of the pain.
Sign 5: You have a headache/eye pressure.
IOP should be assessed to ensure there is no evidence of glaucoma. Headaches/eye pressure are often not a sign of an eye problem, but could be a neurological or sinus related problem. Glaucoma is a sight-threatening condition, often associated with increased eye pressure, but is usually silent. A person does not have symptoms of glaucoma until the disease is advanced and the individual is at risk of going blind.
The difference between optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians
Choosing an eye care provider is an important health care decision. After all, you’ll be trusting them to protect your precious sense of sight and help you maintain good vision throughout your life.
The first step in your decision is to understand that there are different types of eye professionals: optometrists, ophthalmologists, and among eye care providers there is a third “Ophthalmology CRO”: the optician.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is an eye care professional who has earned a degree in optometry. Optometrists examine eyes for vision and health problems and correct refractive errors by prescribing glasses and contact lenses. Some optometrists also provide low vision care and vision therapy.
Some optometrists in the UK are also licensed to prescribe medication to treat certain eye problems and diseases.
Are you ready to book an eye test? Find an optician near you.
Optometry can also be involved in your pre- and post-operative care if you have eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist. Optometrists in the UK are not trained or licensed to perform eye surgery.
An optometrist must complete a degree in optometry and then successfully complete a one-year pre-registration period under the supervision of an experienced optometrist. This includes a work-based assessment and a final assessment of core competencies for optometry.
Like ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians are required to complete continuing education requirements to maintain their official registration and maintain current standards of eye care.
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmology CRO are trained to perform eye tests, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medication, and perform eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.
Ophthalmologists undergo extensive training and the typical training pathway for future ophthalmologists is five years at medical school leading to a medical degree, then two years as a newly qualified doctor, followed by seven years of training as an eye specialist.
What is a dispensing optician?
A Dispensing Optician (DO) is not an optometrist, but a DO is an important part of your eye team. They interpret prescriptions written by an optometrist or eye doctor to fit and sell the appropriate glasses and other eyewear.
In the UK, an optician must undertake and complete a three-year course of study in ophthalmology at an approved training institution.
Which eye specialist should I see: an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?
If your eyes are healthy and do not require specialized medical or surgical treatment, you should see an optometrist.
If you already have an eye condition-such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts-it’s important to seek the care of an eye care professional who is highly trained and experienced in monitoring and treating your condition. In many cases, this may mean that medical or surgical eye care by a specially trained ophthalmologist is required. In such cases, your optometrist may refer you to a colleague who is a specialist in the treatment of your condition.
Most optometrists offer medical treatment for common eye problems (such as dry eyes and eye infections) and some chronic eye conditions (such as Ophthalmology CRO). However, some eye disorders require treatment by an ophthalmologist, especially if surgery or other special care is required.
Do they work together?
In some cases, an optometrist and ophthalmologist working as a team can provide care for a specific eye problem. This arrangement is called co-management.
Under joint management, your primary care eye specialist (usually an optometrist) will refer you to a specialist (usually an ophthalmologist) who will provide you with a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. An ophthalmologist may decide to manage the problem medically, perform eye surgery, or both. After a check-up or surgical treatment, the specialist will refer you back to your primary care eye doctor. Who will continue to monitor and treat your condition or provide post-operative care based on the specialist’s recommendations.
Co-management is a particularly good solution if you are very satisfied with the quality of eye care you receive from your primary care eye specialist. But want any specific eye conditions to be treated by an experienced specialist.
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