Let’s start with the basics. An optometrist specializes in diagnosing and treating visual system disorders and providing pre and postoperative care for patients undergoing ocular surgery. That means they can help diagnose eye problems like glaucoma or diabetes, prescribe glasses, contact lenses, or other vision correction devices if needed. The list is extensive on the treatments you can get from an optometrist. Pay a visit to Elizabeth MacDonald OD, in Maitland, FL. What does an optometrist do?
-
Conducting Eye Exams
One of the main things an optometrist does is conduct eye exams. It includes testing your vision, ensuring you don’t have any eye diseases or other problems with your eyesight. The doctor will also prescribe glasses or contacts if needed and explain how to use them properly. Counseling About Eye Appearance
Optometrists are also concerned about the appearance of your eyes. They can help you choose proper frame styles and other accessories that make your glasses or contact lenses look good. Some optometrists offer their brand of eyeglass frames in-house at their practice.
-
Including Lifestyle Counseling
Even if you don’t require vision correction, it’s a good idea to visit your optometrist for a routine exam every year or two. The doctor will perform tests on many parts of your body, including brain function and eye health.
Optometrists can also advise how to live a healthier lifestyle to improve your vision, such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. They can also provide advice on protecting your eyes from UV rays and air pollution.
-
Preventing Eye Disease and Injury
Optometrists can also treat various eye diseases and injuries. Optometrists do have the tools to test for these conditions, so they may be able to refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.
Other treatments include injections of steroid medications into the eyes to help reduce inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders such as uveitis or other inflammatory diseases that affect vision.
They can even give emergency treatment for retinal detachment if it is caught early enough. Your optometrist provides pre-and post-operative care before eye surgeries, whether it’s just a few procedures or full-blown eye surgery like LASIK. Prevention and early treatment is the primary key to optimal vision.
-
Glaucoma Treatment
If you have glaucoma, there are several treatments available for you. These include Trabeculoplasty, a procedure done with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
It involves creating a small opening in the eye’s filtering tissue to increase its fluid outflow and relieve pressure on the optic nerve. Medication is also given to patients to control intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve from direct contact with fluid inside the eye.
Glaucoantagonists, such as Betagan or Timoptic, can treat high eye pressure and intraocular pressure spikes. Aspirin is also given to patients with significant cardiovascular problems and may increase their chance of stroke and heart attack.
Optometrists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat visual system disorders and provide pre-operative care for patients undergoing ocular surgery. They can help with any vision needs you may have, including glasses or contact lenses prescriptions, lifestyle counseling, prevention and early treatment of eye disease or injury, and more.
