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Your sight test. A sight test will identify your level of visual acuity, whether you need glasses to correct your vision and your eyes will be examined to look for signs of injury, abnormality or disease. At the end of your sight test your optometrist will discuss your results.
- Overview
- What is an ophthalmologist, and what do they do?
- What conditions do they treat?
- What tests do they perform?
- How do they differ from other eye care professionals?
- Who should see an ophthalmologist?
- When to visit an ophthalmologist
- Cost
- Summary
An ophthalmologist is a medical professional specializing in eye care. They diagnose and treat conditions that affect the eye. They can also perform eye exams, surgery, and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.
This article explains what ophthalmologists do and the conditions they treat.
Ophthalmologists are medical professionals who are licensed to practice eye medicine and surgery.
An ophthalmologist can:
•perform eye exams
•diagnose and treat eye disorders and diseases
•perform eye surgery
•prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
Common conditions that ophthalmologists treat include:
•cataracts, which cause a cloudy patch on the lens of the eye
•glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, leading to a build-up of fluid
•strabismus, or squint, which is when the eyes are not aligned
•amblyopia, or lazy eye, which is when the eyesight does not develop properly in one eye
•retinal problems, such as swelling, bleeding, and retinal detachment
Ophthalmologists can perform various tests that will depend on whether a person has a specific eye-related problem or requires a routine eye exam.
A comprehensive eye exam will take between 45–90 minutes.
The ophthalmologist will ask the person about their medical history, including that of family members.
They will then begin testing and examining the eyes. This could include:
Other eye care professionals include:
•Optometrist: This eyecare professional primarily performs eye exams and vision tests, prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses, and manages and treats specific eye abnormalities. They can prescribe some medicines.
•Optician: An optician uses prescriptions that an ophthalmologist or optometrist provides to fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.
•Ophthalmic medical assistant: These healthcare professionals help an ophthalmologist. They perform tests and help to treat people.
•Ophthalmic technician: A technician assists the doctor with more complicated tests and minor surgery.
•Ophthalmic registered nurse: A registered ophthalmic nurse works alongside an ophthalmologist on more technical tasks, such as injecting medications or assisting with hospital surgery.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that adults with healthy vision have a complete eye exam by 40 years old.
Some people should get their eyes checked sooner. This includes people who have:
•a family history of eye disease
•high blood pressure
•diabetes
•changes in vision
A family doctor can refer a person to an ophthalmologist. Additionally, optometrists may also refer people to an ophthalmologist. This may happen if a person needs surgery or injections for diabetic retinopathy or macula degeneration.
Alternatively, a person can ask for recommendations from family and friends.
A person can also find a local ophthalmologist using online directories.
The AAO has an online directory, which people can access here. A person can find a retina specialist using the American Society of Retina Specialists using this online tool. The National Health Service also provides a directory for those living in the United Kingdom.
A person should visit an ophthalmologist if they experience any of the following symptoms:
•eye pain
Insurance plans may cover services related to vision care. A person should check their health insurance to find out:
•what eye care services their plan covers
•what the out-of-pocket costs will be
•which eye doctors their plan’s network includes
Medicare may cover some services related to eye and vision care.
Learn more about Medicare and vision care here.
An ophthalmologist is a highly qualified healthcare professional trained to perform routine eye exams and diagnose and treat all conditions that affect the eye.
People with a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or vision changes should consider visiting an ophthalmologist.
- Ruth Eagle
Aug 28, 2013 · This guide provides a step-by-step approach to examining the eyes, assessing vision and performing fundoscopy (including a video demonstration). Download the eye examination PDF OSCE checklist, or use our interactive OSCE checklist. We also have a focused fundoscopy guide and an anterior segment examination guide.
- Pupillary Reaction Conditions. A pupillary reactions test measures how the pupils of the eye respond to light. An ophthalmologist observes the pupils closely, noting the size and shape, as well as ensuring that both pupils respond consistently, in response to light.
- Brain Tumors. Tumors in the brain can cause an increase in pressure in the brain that impacts intraocular pressure (IOP). When swelling occurs near the back of the eyes, it causes changes to the optic nerve that can be detected during an eye exam.
- Aneurysm. An aneurysm is a weakness in the blood vessel wall; the weakened blood vessel wall could burst and cause a person to have a stroke if the defective blood vessel supplies blood (and oxygen) to the brain.
- Various Types of Cancer. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal signs and symptoms of various types of blood, tissue, or skin cancer. Skin cancer (such as melanoma, squamous cell cancer, and basal cell cancer) can impact the outer surfaces of the eyes and the eyelids.
- Visual acuity. In the clinic, visual acuity is typically measured at distance. Otherwise, in a consult setting outside of the clinic, it’s measured at near.
- Pupils. Look for anisocoria. If present, carefully check the pupil size in both well-lit and dark conditions. Check the reactivity of each pupil with a penlight or Finoff transilluminator.
- Extraocular motility and alignment. Have the patient look in the six cardinal positions of gaze. Test with both eyes open to assess versions — repeat monocularly to test ductions.
- Intraocular pressure. Goldmann applanation tonometry is the gold standard and should be used in the clinic whenever possible. Outside of the clinic, Tono-Pen tonometry is much more practical.
Mar 8, 2022 · If your eyes are healthy and vision is good, you should have a complete exam by your ophthalmologist once in your 20s and twice in your 30s. If you have an infection, injury, or eye pain, or you notice sudden floaters and flashes or patterns of light, call your ophthalmologist. If you wear contact lenses, see your eye specialist every year.
People also ask
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Apr 30, 2021 · The AAO recommends that adults who have good vision and aren’t experiencing any eye problems get ophthalmic exams at these stages: once between ages 20 and 29 years old. twice between ages 30 ...
