Optometrists in San Diego are who we look to for guidance about the health of our eyes. Whether patients go to them seeking advice or just for a check up, it is important to take good care of our eyes, to make sure that they are in good condition, and also to seek help when there is a problem. Here are the basics that every person should know when it comes to eye care.
Regular eye exams are vital to the health of everyones eyes, even if you dont experience any obvious issues. The specialist that you go to for appointments may discover problems that you did not even notice, and they may also be able to treat these problems so that they never hinder your day to day activities. There are some eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma that your San Diego optometrist can spot before you ever know they are there, which can ultimately save your vision.
Optometrists and Ophthalmologists have many similar qualifications, but there are a few differences, too. The former are qualified to prescribe corrective lenses, assess vision with screenings and tests, and they can sometimes diagnose and treat eye disorders and problems. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are specialists in all aspects of the eye. They are qualified to provide complete and total eye care, they perform surgeries, and they diagnose and treat all issues that involve the eyes. Opticians are the ones that fill the prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.
During an eye exam, usually the professional gives the patient simple tests that measure vision, evaluate refraction, and they also check for things like glaucoma and cataracts. They can find any pigment in the eye that may be unusual and they also can find cases of weak eye muscles that may affect the vision. They check peripheral vision, eye movement ability, and also look into the front and the back of the eye. Optometrists use a slit lamp to illuminate the different structures in the eye. Special yellow drops might be used to dilate the pupil so that the doctor can look at the retina and the other parts that are in the back of the eye. Eye exams are recommended for normal eyes once every two to four years. If you wear corrective lenses, you should ask your optometrists in San Diego how often they think you should come in to check out your eyes.