What is the difference between an optometrist, ophthalmologist and optician?

Optometrists are doctors of optometry (O.D.) who specialize in vision care. They diagnose and treat patients for eye problems and diseases and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. They perform pre and post-op procedures for laser vision correction and cataracts. Optometrists complete four years in undergraduate studies and then four years at a college of optometry.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye disease and surgery. They have a degree from a medical school, one or more years of general hospital experience and three or more years in an eye residency program.

Opticians are skilled at designing and fitting spectacles from a prescription. Many opticians have completed a two-year program or study.

How often do I need to see my eye doctor?

Am I a candidate for Laser Vision Correction?

There are many factors that make a patient a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction. The doctor looks at your prescription, stability of your prescription, pupil size, eye and general health, and above all, your individual lifestyle and visual needs. It is best to talk to your doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

I wear bifocals, can laser vision correction work for me?

Laser vision correction can correct both eyes to see in the distance, if this is done then you will probably need glasses for reading and close work. Another option is called mono-vision, where one eye is corrected for far away and the other is set for near vision. This option should be discussed with your doctor, who will take into account your lifestyle and visual needs.

What is 20/20 vision?

20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with 20/20 vision can see at 100 feet.

Does 20/20 mean perfect vision?

No. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness of vision at a distance. There are other important areas such as eye health and vision skills, among them peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision that contribute to your overall vision ability.

How do I know when a problem is minor or when I absolutely have to see an eye doctor?

Make an appointment to consult your doctor if you experience persistent discomfort in the eye, headaches when reading, difficulty in reading, an inability to read material at the classic distance of 16 to 18 inches and difficulty seeing in low light situations. Regardless of your age or state of health, there are eye-related conditions which should send you to an eye doctor immediately: vision changes, pain, flashes of light, blurred or double vision, new floaters or tearing, a decrease in peripheral vision, images of colored rings around lights (halos) and an injury to the eye.

Why would my eye doctor recommend more than one pair of glasses?

People have many different visual and eye protective needs, and one pair of glasses can seldom meet them all. For example, in addition to your everyday single vision or progressive lenses, your eye doctor may recommend sunglasses, sport eyewear, or special glasses for close work, computer work or hobbies.

What is the best way to clean my glasses?

Two things adhere to your lenses, dust and grease. Soapy water dissolves both. After washing, dry your glasses with a clean, soft cotton cloth. Never use paper products, such as tissues. If cosmetics or body oils have accumulated on the nose pads or hinges, scrub gently with an old toothbrush and soapy water.

How often should I take my glasses in for an adjustment?

Like an automobile, eyeglass frames need routine maintenance to keep them in optimum condition. Opticians suggest readjustment every three months. The optician will check for correct alignment of the frames on your face, tighten loose screws (if the screws back out, the lenses fall out.) and clean your lenses and frames.

Why do my eyes feel dry when wearing contact lenses?

Dry eyes can be caused by medications, environment, close work, smoking, not blinking enough and hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy and menopause. Birth control pills and antihistamines can contribute to the problem as can aging. For temporary relief, use artificial tears or an ocular lubricant and blinking more may also add some relief.