Understanding Eye
Care
Tips to Taking Care of Your Eyes
Routine eye exams are vital even for those who have no eye
problem. These are in-depth procedures which are usually performed
by either an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. How often a person
needs an eye exam will mainly depend on several factors such
as age, overall health and whether or not eye disorders run
in the family.
Children without eye problem need only have their eyes checked
during routine visits to their pediatrician. This evaluation
is usually referred as a vision screening and should be conducted
at a minimum, every 2 years. A vision screening is not as
complete as an eye exam, but it can help to detect early signs
of eye or vision trouble.
For adults without eye trouble, eyes should be examined one
time between the ages of 20-29, two times during the next
10 years, 2-4 times during the next 10 years and once you
reach the age 65, eyes should be examined once every 1-2 years.
People who wear corrective lenses should have their eyes examined
yearly. Those with eye disorders should schedule an eye examination
with their eye doctors.
The Procedure of Eye Exam
Using a light source, an external examination will help to
make sure that the eyes 'look' right. You'll follow the doctor's
pen (or other object) with your eyes to ensure the eye muscles
function properly. When you read the illuminated chart with
letters which get smaller the further down you go, your doctor
is checking your visual acuity. If it is found that you do
need corrective lenses, you'll get a refractive assessment,
which is a test that determines how light wave bend. The results
of these tests will help the doctor determine your prescription.
He may put a Phoroptor, which is a device that resembles a
big black mask, over your eyes in order to fine-tune these
measurements.
Your peripheral vision will be tested. A slit lamp exam uses
a microscope that emits a sharp beam of light to evaluate
the cornea, lens and iris. The back of the eye is also examined
and finally your eyes will be tested for glaucoma.
Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist
The responsibilities and skills of an Ophthalmologist and
an Optometrist are generally different, yet many people tend
to mistakenly use these terms interchangeably. Both professions
engage eye care however the main difference between the two
is the presence of a medical degree. It is this degree which
designates an Ophthalmologist as a medical doctor who has
been trained in all areas of eye care including the ability
to diagnose and treat eye disorders and diseases.
Ophthalmologists are the qualified personnel to perform eye
surgery and they also know how to take proper eye measurements
so they can precisely prescribe corrective lenses. Their training
helps them give out advice for preventing blindness and also
enables them to assist those who are blind. In addition to
advanced educational training, Ophthalmologists must be trained
in clinical and surgical settings.
Optometrists regularly perform eye examinations. During such
eye examinations, Optometrists will find out the need for,
fit and prescribe corrective eyewear and/or lenses. Optometrists
can also screen patients for certain eye disorders.
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