The Role of Optometrists in Comprehensive Eye Care

Do you know who to see when you have an eye problem? How about how an optometrist differs from an ophthalmologist? Do you know what services an optometrist can provide? If not, do not worry. You are not alone. Many people need clarification about the role of optometrists in comprehensive eye care. 

What Is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a primary eye doctor with a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. They can check, diagnose, treat, and manage many eye problems and diseases. They can provide you with glasses, contact lenses, and other devices to improve your vision. 

They can do minor procedures, and can also send you to other experts like ophthalmologists if you need surgery or more complex care.

How Can an Optometrist Help You?

An optometrist can help you with many aspects of your eye health and vision, such as:

Comprehensive Eye Exams

This is a complete checkup of your eyes and vision. It tests your eyesight, eye shape, eye alignment, eye movement, eye pressure, and eye health. It can find signs of eye diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. 

It can also reveal other health problems like hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. You should get a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years or more if you have risks or symptoms.

Vision Correction

This is how you improve your vision with glasses, contact lenses, or other devices. An optometrist can provide the best option based on your needs and preferences. They can fit and adjust your glasses or contact lenses to ensure they are comfortable and work well. They can also teach you how to use and care for your vision correction devices properly.

Low Vision Rehabilitation

Low vision is when you have poor vision that glasses or contact lenses cannot fix. It can stem from different eye diseases or injuries. An optometrist can give you low-vision devices, like magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic aids, to help you with daily tasks like reading, writing, cooking, or watching TV. They can also show you ways and skills to deal with your vision loss and improve your life quality.

Dry Eye Management

Dry eye syndrome is when your eyes feel dry, irritated, burning, or watery. It can happen from different things, like aging, medications, environmental conditions, or contact lens wear. An optometrist can discover the cause and how bad your dry eye syndrome is and suggest the best treatment. This may include artificial tears, lubricating ointments, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, nutritional supplements, or prescription medications.

Why Should You Visit an Optometrist Regularly?

Visiting an optometrist regularly is vital for many reasons. Some of them are:

• To maintain good eye health and prevent eye diseases.
• To detect any changes or problems in your eyes and vision early.
• To correct any refractive errors or vision impairments.
• To update your eyewear prescription.
• To get advice and guidance on how to protect and improve your eyes and vision.

Conclusion

Optometrists are vital members of the eye care team. They can offer complete eye care for you and your family. They can help you see and live better. If you last visited an optometrist long ago or have any worries about your eyes or vision, book an appointment today. Your eyes will appreciate it.

For more on comprehensive eye exams, visit Jeffrey H. Brown Optometry at our Costa Mesa, California office. Call (714) 979-1811 to schedule an appointment today.