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What is an Optometrist? This is What You Need to Know About Them

What is an Optometrist? This is What You Need to Know About Them

There are several types of eye doctors who treat different eye diseases among which, one of them is an optometrist. If you do not know what is an optometrist, do not worry. We are here to help. In order to know what is an optometrist, you must know about their role, the education required to become one, further training, and other paraphernalia. So, let us dive into the details.

What Is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a type of eye doctor who provides primary vision care to people. Optometrists are not medical doctors, but they own a license to practice Optometry. The examination that gets you an optometry license includes prescription writing for contact lenses and glasses, finding out abnormalities in the functioning of the eye, and treating a few eye diseases, etc.

What Is the Role of an Optometrist?

If you want to know what is an optometrist, you must first know that an optometrist is a doctor who specializes in primary eye care, has a defined role, and services such as:

● Providing vision screenings and eye examinations
● Giving corrective lens prescription and fitting
● Detecting and monitoring eye disorders that are linked to other illnesses, such as diabetes.
● Treating Glaucoma and other age-related macular degeneration
● Providing vision rehabilitation and low-vision aids

Education and Training for Optometrists

After four years of study, optometrists receive their Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from optometry school. There are numerous steps of the training including:

● Earning a bachelor’s degree in science or pre-medicine in college
● Passing the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and enrolling in a four-year doctoral program in optometry.
● Taking the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) tests after earning a doctoral degree (OD).
● Applying for and obtaining an optometrist license.
An optometrist may choose to do a specialization or pursue extra clinical training after obtaining one’s license.

Conditions optometrists treat

Some of the conditions that optometrists can help with are listed below:

● Glaucoma

A disease in which the optic nerve is affected is known as glaucoma. It is the largest cause of permanent blindness and affects millions of people. A glaucoma diagnosis and treatment can be conducted by an optometrist.

● Cataracts

Cataracts form when the eye lens becomes obscured. These can enlarge, or obstruct vision, and result in blindness. Although an optometrist can diagnose cataracts and prescribe eyeglasses to alleviate symptoms, an ophthalmologist may be required to perform surgery. Preoperative and postoperative treatment is provided by an optometrist.

● Disturbances of the retina

The symptoms of most retinal illnesses are similar, such as blurry vision or vision loss. Floaters, retinal tears or detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and epiretinal membrane are examples of these conditions. Optometrists can identify retinal problems and recommend patients to a retina specialist.

● Myopia

Myopia, often known as near-sightedness, is a vision problem that makes it difficult to focus on distant things. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, corneal refractive therapy laser procedures, and surgery are all options for treatment (in extreme cases). Laser or surgical techniques are usually performed by an ophthalmologist.

● Colour blindness

In normal examinations, optometrists look for colour blindness in children. For adults, the diagnosis and treatment are simple. There is currently no cure, even though eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids are available for support.

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● Diseases of the body as a whole

Ocular symptoms can occur in some systemic illnesses. Diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid cancer, and HIV can all be detected by optometrists.

When to see an Optometrist?

Even if you do not wear glasses or contact lenses, it is crucial to look after your eyes. Regular eye exams aid in the early detection of eye disorders and the preservation of your vision. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see an optometrist:

● If you wear corrective lenses or believe you need glasses or contacts, consult your doctor.
● If you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, which puts you at a higher risk of developing an eye disease, you must see a doctor.
● If you have a family history of vision loss or eye disease.
● If you take any prescription medications that influence your vision.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment as soon as possible:

● Pain in the eyes
● Double vision or blurred vision
● Experiencing halos around light fixtures
● Inflamed, or red eyes
● Tiny particles floating in front of your sight
● Luminous flashes

If you need more therapy or eye surgery, an optometrist may send you to an ophthalmologist, a medical specialist who specializes in vision care. If you need to know more about what is an optometrist, then quickly visit at a Titan store and consult them.

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