Depending on the condition of your eyesight, you may end up seeing a range of different doctors before your issues are completely settled. Not all eye problems are as straightforward as getting a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Sometimes, the issue goes a little deeper and some more expert help is required. If you just need a basic exam and prescription for eyeglasses, an optometrist will be able to handle your needs. However, if you require a more comprehensive treatment, you may be directed to an opthamologist.
An opthamologist is an eye doctor that is a specialist in the treatment of the entire vision system. Opthamologists are often called in when a patient needs more than just eyeglasses. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary as an underlying injury or eye disease is causing the eye problems. Opthamologists are perfectly capable of doing routine eye exams and prescribing eyeglasses to patients, their expertise just goes farther than a standard eye doctor. An opthamologist may be a doctor of medicine, characterized by the 'MD' abbreviation, or a doctor of osteopathy, which is characterized by a 'DO'. In either case, extensive schooling is required in order to gain the knowledge and certification to do the job.
The range of care an opthamologist is qualified to give covers basically everything eye care-related. Basic vision services such as eye exams and issuing eyeglasses are one of the services provided by an opthamologist. Other types of eye doctors can also prescribe eyeglasses, but it is still an important service that must be provided. Wearing the wrong eyeglasses for even minor vision problems can make some conditions even worse and cause a host of different symptoms. Moving on from basic treatments, an opthamologist is skilled in the medical side of eye care, which includes glaucoma, chemical burns and other conditions. These issues may or may not include eyeglasses in any way. Surgical eye care is another that falls under an opthamologist's expertise. Problems like cataracts, tumors or crossed eyes may require surgery that an opthamologist is able to perform.
Eye problems that are the result of another disease or condition are also sent to an opthamologist. These may include diabetes, multiple sclerosis or issues that stem from arthritis. Generally, eyeglasses will be prescribed to help correct a disease-related vision problem, but that prescription may have to be altered after surgery. If vision is restored to normal from the surgery, the need for eyeglasses may no longer be necessary. Some opthamologists will even tackle plastic surgery that deals with the eyes.
Skin tumors, droopy eyelids and general wrinkly skin around the eyes are some of the plastic surgeries an opthamologist may treat. Plastic surgery won't affect your prescription for eyeglasses in any way, but you may end up wanting to ditch the glasses for contacts if you're more pleased with your appearance. Tightening up the skin around your eyes can take years off your appearance, and eyeglasses might hide the work that has been done.
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