Eye Care – The Importance of Optometrists

Proper eye care is essential to prevent diseases of the eyes, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. To protect your eyes from damage, wear sunglasses or other protective eye wear. Choose lenses that block 99 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Other protective eyewear is necessary if you do certain types of jobs or participate in sports. Additionally, it is a good idea to avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of age-related eye diseases, and damages the optic nerve.

Optometrist

If you have ever had a need for eye care, then you have probably heard the term Optometrist. An Optometrist is a person who specializes in providing services to people with vision problems. These professionals typically have some sort of post-secondary training, and some have even completed a doctorate program. A doctoral degree is required in most cases, but it is not always required.

Optometrists can refer patients to other specialists to treat their eye conditions. It is important to choose a doctor who is open to optometric comanagement and who is willing to communicate regularly with referring doctors. They should also be familiar with current medical guidelines for treating eye conditions, including those related to vision and diabetes. Finally, you should choose an Optometrist who works with other doctors and who has a good reputation in their field.

Optometrists conduct comprehensive optometrist exams to evaluate the health of your eyes and vision. They can also diagnose conditions that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as glaucoma and cataracts. In Florida, optometrists are also able to prescribe certain pharmaceuticals for eye problems. Some are covered by your HSA or FSA, while others aren’t. Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to take care of patients with various eye conditions.

Another important reason to visit an optometrist is because eye trauma is hard to deal with. Although most of the time, eye injuries look harmless, they should be treated by an optometrist. A major cause of eye trauma is foreign bodies. Foreign bodies can scratch the cornea or even damage the eye’s surface. If these conditions aren’t addressed quickly, you may suffer from severe damage to your eyes.