Does your eye hurt? Is something blurry? Are you seeing double? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider seeing an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Eye doctors are medical doctors who specialize in the health care and treatment of your eyes and vision.
They’re the best people to see for any vision problems you might be experiencing. There are top hospitals in every city that offers superb eyecare. If you are in Raipur, you can look for an eye hospital in Raipur to get an appointment for a routine eye checkup.
If you have a problem related to your eyes make sure you go to the right doctor. In this article, there are discussions on when to visit an eye doctor and who you should visit, an ophthalmologist or an optometrist?
Difference between an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist?
An optometrist is a doctor who specializes in vision care and eye examinations, while an ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of eye diseases and vision problems. Ophthalmologists have a higher level of education than optometrists, and they are trained specifically to treat eye disease.
However, many patients are still confused about the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist and when to see which specialist. Read on to understand when to consult an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
When to see an Optometrist?
When you go to your optometrist, you’re probably looking to buy new glasses or contacts. Sometimes, you may need a checkup to make sure you’re seeing everything. While optometrists are also qualified to diagnose eye problems and disease, they are typically not trained to treat other eye conditions. Optometrists are trained to examine eyes and prescribe corrective lenses.
But if you’re experiencing serious symptoms or are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, your eye doctor might refer you to an ophthalmologist. If you are in doubt about whether you should see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, don’t be.
If you are experiencing any type of eye pain, see an optometrist before making an appointment with an ophthalmologist. This is because an optometrist can do a lot to help diagnose your eye problem without the need of dilating your eyes.
When to see an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that specialize in eye care. They are qualified to perform more advanced diagnostic tests, prescribe treatment, and operate on eyes. Some eye problems are correctable with glasses or contact lenses. Other eye problems require medical or surgical treatment. Doctors who specialize in eye and vision problems are called ophthalmologists.
Ophthalmologists can treat the following conditions when they are related to eye disorders: cataracts and other eye diseases, injuries to the eye, and infections of the eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and inner surface of the eyelid).
Some ophthalmologists sub-specialize, such as pediatric ophthalmologists, who treat eye conditions in babies, children, and adolescents. Others specialize in diseases of the retina and optic nerve, glaucoma, or plastic surgery of the eyelids and other parts of the eye.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a sudden change in vision, eye pain, redness in one eye, or a sudden loss of vision, see an ophthalmologist immediately. These symptoms might not necessarily be caused by a disease, but they are things that you should never ignore.
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