Whether it’s blurred vision or a strong recommendation from a general practitioner or family doctor, it’s best to visit an eye doctor at least once a year. However, there are two main types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrist. Here are some ways to determine if a patient needs to see an ophthalmologist or an Optometrist in Wichita KS and elsewhere.
What’s the Difference?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors in that they can diagnose problems, prescribe medications or glasses and even perform eye surgery when needed. They do not make glasses or contact lenses. An optometrist is a D.O. or doctor of medicine but cannot perform eye surgery. He or she can test a patient’s vision, prescribe some medications or eye exercises and also can prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
Need New Glasses
If a patient just needs new glasses or contact lenses, then it’s just fine to see an optometrist in Wichita KS and elsewhere. The patient will be given tests to determine a new prescription and given the prescription. The optometrist will also need to know the patient’s medical history in order to know if certain tests need to be performed or to diagnose just why the patient’s vision is changing.
Have Not Had An Eye Exam In Many Years
If it’s been years since a patient had his or her eyes examined, going to an optometrist is also recommended. The optometrist can check out the current health of the patient’s eyes and set him or her on the right tract to getting better vision or maintaining the vision the patient currently enjoys. If something more complicated is detected, such as cataract surgery, then the optometrist can recommend a good ophthalmologist for the patient.
Needs Care Before or After Eye Surgery
Although optometrists do not perform surgery, they can help in the eye care before and after the surgery. Since eye surgeons are often very busy, it helps if an optometrist can take some of the case load. Patients who already have an optometrist can get post-operative care in familiar surroundings rather than having to go to the surgeon’s office.
In Conclusion
Optometrists are great for regular eye care or for getting prescriptions for new glasses or contact lenses. For more intricate or detailed care such as eye surgery, an ophthalmologist is best to see. Visit website domain if living in the Wichita, Kansas area to see what an optometrist can do.
