You need your sight for everything you do, from driving to reading. For you to have the best vision, it’s necessary to schedule regular eye exams. In most cases, you’ll see an optometrist for your appointment, but if you have any major eye issues, you may need an ophthalmologist.
So, what is an ophthalmologist?
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who is equipped to handle special eye issues and perform surgery. They possess a medical doctor (M.D.) degree and have undergone at least four years of additional schooling to study ophthalmology.
You often go to them after talking to an optometrist about your options since an ophthalmologist can perform a wider range of duties. For instance, they can treat complex eye issues and diagnose eye diseases, if applicable.
When you see an ophthalmologist, you can trust you’re getting the best care because they have have experience working with all sorts of vision concerns, including lesser-known issues. This can give you peace of mind during an eye exam because they may be more likely to recognize the signs of a specific condition and can provide the best plan of treatment.
What can an ophthalmologist do?
If you choose to consult an ophthalmologist, you can expect expert help and advice specific to your needs. They can provide prescriptions for serious eye issues, conduct eye surgery if needed, and offer other specialized eye care services. So, what is an ophthalmologist? An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor that can do everything an optometrist can do and more.
An ophthalmologist can even refer patients who have issues unrelated to eyes since they are medical doctors. For instance, during an eye exam, they may pick up that you have diabetes or high blood pressure, conditions which are often first detected via the eyes. If they notice these conditions, they may send you to a specialist for further treatment.
For those with significant eye issues, an ophthalmologist can diagnose you and help you overcome them. They work most often with eye injuries, major vision issues, and eye coordination problems.
Summary: Ophthalmologists
What is an ophthalmologist? Ophthalmologists are certified medical doctors who can treat severe eye conditions and conduct surgery. They can also give you eye exams, provide prescription lenses, and diagnose eye diseases.
As ophthalmologists specialize in the eyes, they are great for treating complex eye issues, such as glaucoma and cataracts. No matter your eye care needs, an ophthalmologist can help you stay on top of them.