4 Reasons You Should You See an Optometrist

An optometrist is a type of eye doctor who examines the eyes for certain defects or abnormalities. These doctors are different than ophthalmologists, though both types of doctors often work together to help monitor and treat a patient’s eyes.

Why you should visit an optometrist

Whether a patient has had an eye exam in the past or has never made a visit, there are several signs that it is time to make an appointment. Continue reading to learn four reasons to see an eye doctor right away.

1. It has been more than two years since an eye exam

While most people know to schedule regular appointments with a general doctor or dentist, not everyone is aware that people are supposed to periodically see an eye doctor. It is generally recommended for healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 60 to visit every two years, and an adult over 61 should have their eyes checked at least once a year. Attending regular exams is important because it allows the doctor to detect any problems with the eyes early on. Even if an individual has always had good vision, certain external factors and aging can cause gradual deterioration.

2. The presence of certain risk factors

There are certain risk factors that require an individual to see an eye doctor more frequently. Some of these factors are present at birth while other develop later in life. They can potentially put an individual at risk for a variety of eye issues, so keep these factors in mind:

Infection of mother during pregnancy
Premature birth or low birth weight
Any developmental delays
History of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure
Crossed eyes
Certain illnesses or diseases

3. The patient may have a need for glasses or contacts

Optometrists can prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses for patients with blurry vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness and other conditions. If an individual thinks glasses could be needed, an eye exam can determine if the patients has any vision problems. Once the test is completed, the eye doctor can provide the patient with the correct type of glasses or contact lenses needed. The doctor writes a prescription that the patient can take to an optician to purchase eyewear.

4. The patient is experiencing eye-related symptoms

If a patient is experiencing certain eye-related symptoms, a visit with an eye doctor should be made right away. Sometimes frequent headaches or eye fatigue can be due to eye deterioration or other eye conditions such as glaucoma. It is also abnormal for an individual to have difficulty seeing at all at night or to see halos around bright lights. Additionally, patients with diabetes experiencing eye problems should make a visit right away.

Conclusion

When dealing with blurry vision or eye disease, it is important to make a visit with an optometrist right away. Whether someone needs glasses or another type of treatment, a trained eye doctor can do an exam and send the patient to an ophthalmologist if needed.

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