The Medical Eye Doctor

By Author: Sallie West
Total Articles: 3
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Every individual should maintain vision management as a part of your healthy lifestyle. Choosing the right eye doctor for your next eye examination is essential. An Optometrist and Optician roles are often misunderstood as eye professions. Their responsibility differs according to each unique level of training. It is no doubt, however, that both play a major role in regards to your vision care.The Optometrist is generally the initial provider that assists you with your eye care. Optometry traditionally involves examining the eye and then prescribing medications for specific vision disorders. In most cases, the Optometrist also screens vision for certain eye abnormalities or dysfunctions. The Doctor of Optometry (OD) is considered the nation's largest optical care profession. Although they are not medical doctors, they do require special training. Following undergraduate studies, a student of optometry must complete an additional four years of education. In addition to earning a doctoral degree, the Optometrist also participates in ongoing education courses to stay current and maintain their license throughout practice.Specifically, ...
... the Optometrist is licensed to examine and diagnose eye diseases, such as retinal diseases, glaucoma, and cataracts. They also diagnose visual conditions that require low vision rehabilitation procedures. With medication, glasses, contact lenses or even minor surgical procedures, the Optometrist can rehabilitate your vision. A Doctor of Optometry is also trained to diagnose related medical conditions that may affect the eyes, such as hypertension.Also referred to as the dispensing optician, the Optician is skilled in the fabrication of all types of optical devices. Optical engineering concentrates on the design, dispensing, and fitting of lenses to correct a person's eye problem. Many eye- care doctors perform their own dispensing, yet it is good practice to have an Optician available onsite.This eye- care medical doctor has received special training in all aspects of the visual health. Trained to provide the full spectrum of vision care, they are efficient in prevention, diagnosis, medical and surgical procedures, as well as prescribing eyewear. Many Ophthalmologists are also involved in eye research. The state certified Ophthalmologists is medically trained to service all conditions affecting the eye and visual system. For doctors of ophthalmology, total eye care suggests comprehensive vision services, to include eye exams. It also includes medical eye care for chemical burns, iritis, and glaucoma. The eye- care specialist is also qualified to perform surgical procedures related to trauma, tumors, and crossed eyes. A patient who is interested in obtaining plastic surgery to correct drooping eyelids, and even smoothing wrinkles or improving skin tones around the eye can seek the assistance of the Ophthalmologists. Selecting an eye doctor would depend on your eye condition and what procedures are necessary. With that being said, it is extremely important that you understand the difference between Optometrist and Ophthalmologist. Although each optician is highly trained, you must be sure that you are receiving the best eye care to improve your vision.If you're looking for eye doctors around St. Louis, visit Clarkson Eye Care.