shutterstock_2169036931-2.jpegDid you know that over 2.2 billion people worldwide  experience vision impairment or blindness? Alarmingly, at least 1 billion of them suffer from issues that could have been prevented or have yet to be addressed. That's why regular eye care from an ophthalmologist is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss.

Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists is a leading provider of  comprehensive eye care services in Pittsburgh, PA. Our team is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans for various eye conditions. Whether you require a routine eye examination or specialized care, we are available to assist you. Schedule an appointment today to keep your vision clear and healthy.

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Understanding the role of an ophthalmologist and the importance of regular eye examinations can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life. Keep reading to learn more.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases and vision problems. They are trained to perform eye surgeries, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and manage both medical and surgical eye conditions. 

Some people might confuse ophthalmologists with optometrists and opticians, but they have different levels of training and expertise.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can treat eye diseases, perform complex procedures, and prescribe medications.
Optometrists are health care professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from vision testing, diagnose certain eye conditions, and prescribe corrective lenses, but they do not perform eye surgery.

Opticians are technicians trained to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. They cannot diagnose or treat eye diseases or write prescriptions.

How Does Someone Become an Ophthalmologist?

Ophthalmologists undergo rigorous education and medical training to ensure they can provide high-quality eye and vision care. Their educational path typically includes:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
  • Medical School: 4 years
  • Internship: 1 year
  • Residency in Ophthalmology: 3 years

Upon completing their residency, many ophthalmologists choose to pursue an additional one to two years in a fellowship program to gain expertise in specialized areas, such as:

  • Pediatric Ophthalmology: Treatment of eye conditions in children
  • Cataract Surgery: Removal of a cloudy lens
  • Glaucoma Management: Treatment of diseases that damage the optic nerve

This extensive medical and surgical training equips ophthalmologists with the skills necessary to deliver comprehensive eye care effectively.

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide comprehensive eye care, including:

  • Conducting comprehensive eye examinations to assess visual acuity, refraction, and eye health.
  • Diagnosing and treating various eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
  • Prescribing glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
  • Performing surgical procedures on the eyes, such as LASIK surgery for vision correction or cataract surgery for removing clouded lenses.
  • Providing pre-operative and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries.

In addition to these responsibilities, ophthalmologists also work closely with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with underlying health conditions that may affect their eye health, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Why You Need to Visit an Ophthalmologist Regularly

Many people tend to only visit an eye doctor when they experience noticeable vision changes or discomfort. However, regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss. Even if you have no apparent eye problems, a comprehensive eye exam can catch early warning signs of diseases that may not show symptoms yet.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that:

  • Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months old, then at age 3 and before starting school. After that, they should get an eye exam every year.
  • Adults aged 18 to 39 with no underlying risk factors should get an eye exam every two years.
  • Adults aged 40 to 64 should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by their ophthalmologist, especially if they have a family history of eye diseases or underlying health conditions.
  • Adults aged 65 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam annually to monitor for common age-related vision problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. 

Importance Of Regular Eye Examination

Some reasons why regular eye examinations are crucial include: 

  • Early Detection: Many eye conditions do not show symptoms until they have advanced significantly. Regular eye exams can help detect and treat these conditions early on, potentially preventing permanent vision loss.
  • Protecting Overall Health: The eyes are closely connected to other parts of the body, and an ophthalmologist may be able to identify underlying health issues during an eye examination. For example, changes in blood vessels in the retina can indicate diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Updating Prescriptions: As our eyes age, our prescription for glasses or contact lenses may change. Regular eye exams ensure that we are using the correct prescription, which can improve visual clarity and prevent headaches or eyestrain.

When to See an Ophthalmologist Immediately

While regular eye examinations are important, there are certain symptoms or situations that require immediate attention from an ophthalmologist. If you experience any of the following, seek medical help immediately:

  • Sudden vision changes: This can include sudden blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
  • Eye pain or discomfort: If your eyes feel irritated, painful, or if you experience persistent headaches.
  • Redness, swelling, or discharge: These symptoms may point to an infection or injury to the eye and require prompt treatment.
  • Flashes of light or floaters: Seeing flashes of light or floating objects in your field of vision could be a sign of retinal detachment and require urgent care.
  • Trauma to the eyes: If you injure your eye in any way, seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

Everett & Hurite: Your Partner in Eye Care

Everett & Hurite offers top-quality, comprehensive eye care in Pittsburgh, PA. Since 1974, our experienced team has been dedicated to routine eye care and diagnosing various eye conditions. We offer a wide range of services to cater to your eye health needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Services Offered:

Choosing Everett & Hurite means entrusting your eye care to a team committed to excellence and patient satisfaction. 

Schedule Your Eye Care Appointment Today!

Regular visits to an ophthalmologist are essential for maintaining healthy vision and catching potential issues early. At Everett & Hurite, we are here to support you in safeguarding your vision and overall health.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule an appointment with Everett & Hurite today for a routine eye exam or to discuss any concerns you may have about your vision. Our experienced team is ready to address all your eye care needs. 

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