When it comes to taking care of your eyes, it's important to know the difference between an optometrist, an eye doctor, and an optician. An optometrist is a primary eye care provider who can examine, diagnose, and treat the eyes. They can also prescribe corrective lenses such as eyeglasses and contact lenses. An eye doctor is a doctor who has received advanced training in eye care and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery.
They can provide all the services that optometrists can offer, as well as perform medical and surgical interventions to treat eye conditions. An optician is a professional who can help place eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision correction devices. They use prescriptions provided by eye doctors or optometrists, but they don't evaluate vision or write prescriptions for visual correction. It's important to see an eye doctor for a complete medical eye exam before age 40 and then as often as your eye doctor prescribes. This is especially true if you have any of the signs or risk factors for eye disease, such as family history of eye disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other health problems.
A complete medical eye exam by an eye doctor could be the first step in saving your sight. Your vision depends on seeing the right eye care provider at the right time. While all three types of professionals are trained to care for all eye problems and conditions, some optometrists and eye doctors specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care. These specialists usually complete one or two years of additional and more in-depth training, called fellowships, in one of the main subspecialty areas, such as glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatrics, neurology and plastic surgery. No matter which type of professional you choose to see for your eye care needs, it's important to make sure they are qualified and experienced. Ask questions about their qualifications and experience before making an appointment.
It's also important to make sure that they are up-to-date on the latest technology and treatments available for your particular condition. Taking care of your eyes is essential for maintaining good vision and overall health. Knowing the difference between an optometrist, an eye doctor, and an optician can help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
