If you've been noticing changes in your vision, it's important to get an eye exam as soon as possible. An optometrist is the best place to start, as they can diagnose and treat conditions such as glaucoma and refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary. If you experience sudden, severe eye pain, it's important to seek medical attention right away. According to the Canadian Optometrist Association, adults with healthy eyes should have an eye exam every two to three years.
An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgeries, and prescribe corrective lenses. If your blurred vision comes and goes or is limited to one eye, you should schedule a regular exam with your ophthalmologist. If you're experiencing eye pain, it's important to contact your ophthalmologist right away to find out the cause and get the best treatment. An optometrist can also help with conditions such as blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids caused by clogged sebaceous glands.
If you find yourself squinting to read traffic signs or having difficulty reading fine print, it's time to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Cataracts can only be cured with surgery, but your ophthalmologist can recommend steps you can take to slow the progression of cataracts. If you wear contact lenses and are regularly affected by allergies, you may experience dry and itchy eyes as a result. Often, the eyes can remove irritants on their own with tears, but if this doesn't seem to work, rinsing your eyes with water or artificial tears may help.
If you have a corneal ulcer, your doctor may want you to use antibiotic drops to prevent infections, steroid drops to reduce inflammation, or some other form of treatment. Ophthalmologists have additional training and knowledge that prepares them to deal with more complex or specific conditions in certain areas of the eye or in certain groups of patients. They are licensed to practice optometry and prescribe glasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. It's important to keep up with regular eye exams so that any potential problems can be caught early on.
