Types of Eye Doctors: How to Choose the Right One for You?

Do you sometimes feel a little blurry or scratchy in your eyes? Or do you feel like the power of the glasses you are using is not enough and it is time to get a new one? At times like these, when someone asks us, we say, "You need to see an eye doctor." But did you know that within this field of "eye doctor," there are several specialists with different qualifications and who perform different tasks? All of them have different roles. So, it is very important to know exactly who is the right person for your needs. Let's talk about this simply today.

Four main types of specialists in the field of eye health!

Simply put, there are four main types of specialists who work with our eyes and vision. Some are medical doctors, while others have specialized training and degrees in their respective fields. Let's break down who these people are and what they do.

What common eye diseases do these people treat?

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists treat a variety of common eye diseases and vision problems. Some of them include:

• Astigmatism: A condition in which objects, such as circles and lines, appear slightly stretched rather than clearly visible.
• Double vision (Diplopia): Seeing one thing as two.
• Dry eye: A condition in which the production of tears in the eyes decreases, causing the eyes to become itchy, red, and feel like there is something inside.
• Low vision: Cases where vision cannot be fully restored even with glasses or surgery.
• Myopia and Hyperopia: Simply put, nearsightedness and farsightedness.
• Conjunctivitis: We all know the contagious eye disease that causes red, watery eyes.
• Presbyopia: A condition that occurs in many people after the age of 40, causing blurred vision when performing close tasks, such as reading a newspaper or tying a string.

Okay, so who should I show it to? Let's choose exactly what you need.

Now you have a rough idea of ​​these specialists. Now the question is, who is the right one for your needs? It's very simple. Let's look at it this way.

You should see an optometrist when:

• If you want to have a routine eye exam (usually once or twice a year).
• If you want to check if the power of your glasses has changed.
• If you need to write a prescription for new glasses or contact lenses .
• If your eyes are red and you have a minor infection, such as an eye infection.

You should see an ophthalmologist if:

• If you have or suspect you have a complex medical condition such as cataracts or glaucoma .
• If you need to have eye surgery (e.g. cataract surgery).
• If you have other diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure . Because these diseases can cause complications to the eyes. Therefore, it is mandatory for people with such diseases to see an eye surgeon from time to time.
• If there has been a serious accident to the eye.
• If you suddenly lose your vision, if you see floating black dots, if you see streaks coming out.

Who needs an Optician and an Ocularist?

Both of these people usually work in conjunction with ophthalmologists.

• An optician will help you choose a frame that fits your prescription, fit it properly, and learn more about the lenses.
• If someone who has unfortunately lost an eye wants to have an artificial eye fitted, they need to see an ocularist .

If you still can't figure out who to see, no problem. Ask your family doctor (Family Doctor / General Practitioner - GP) . He or she will listen to your symptoms and refer you to the right specialist.