Why Do You Need To Visit An Optometrist For Your Vision Problems?

Vision care is provided by optometrists to those who are suffering from various kinds of vision problems like near or farsightedness and astigmatism. Optometrists conduct a thorough diagnosis by testing the depth, perception and colour of the eyes. They then evaluate the eye’s capacity to focus and to provide vision.

Optometrist 

Who is an Optometrist?

An optometrist can help people solve their eye problems. They are eye-care professionals who use medications, lenses, glasses and surgeries to correct your vision problems. People suffering from low vision need to visit an optometrist for a comprehensive eye checkup.

An Optometrist, like other medical professionals, undergoes years of education as well as internship practice before they attend to actual patients. They go through extensive training and have to prove themselves to be eligible by passing an examination. So, when you visit an optometrist, you can be assured that he/she has the needed expertise and experience to treat your vision problems.

As per medical experts, there are many reasons why optometrists are visited, when compared to an ophthalmologist. A few reasons have been mentioned below.

• An optometrist examines the eye thoroughly for any kind of eye parts including retinal diseases. They also test for diseases like cataracts etc. In a few countries like Australia, an optometrist can also provide effective treatment for such diseases.
• An optometrist can also diagnose the underlying condition that is affecting the patient’s vision. For example, existing health conditions like diabetes or hypertension can also cause eye problems.
• In most cases, they treat the vision problem with the use of glasses or contact lenses. They can even suggest medications or conduct minor surgical procedures for vision rehabilitation.

An optometrist is only experienced in treating vision problems and conducting minor surgeries, whereas an ophthalmologist is completely trained to provide complete eye care. They can even conduct minor to complicated eye surgeries.

When should you visit an optometrist?

A visit to an optometrist is a must when you have problems with your vision. You need to visit an optometrist when,

• You require a basic or yearly eye examination, irrespective of the age
• You need an examination and change the power of your eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Your child needs a pediatric eye examination
• You need fittings of special contact lenses, most of which are worn after a surgery
• You require special eyewear for various reasons.
• You need special sports goggles, ski goggles or customized frames for powered glasses.

As mentioned before, there are various reasons why a person might visit an optometrist. It is important to remember that optometrists are more into vision care and not eye care. So, they can help a patient with the detection of a vision problem, and correct it using lenses. In most cases, an optometrist provides a patient with various options to treat even the minutest vision problem.

Selection of optometrist

If you are suffering from low vision or need to have to get a new contact lens, you certainly need to visit an optometrist. Make sure to choose one who has both experience and expertise. The optometrist you plan to visit needs to have a good reputation for providing accurate eye tests. If you are not sure whom to visit, you can ask a friend or a family member for a referral. You can as well browse online for the best optometrists available in your city, and choose one based on the ratings or reviews provided.

So, the next time you have a vision problem, do not wait! Visit an optometrist right away!