When it comes to vision problems, you may hear the words optometrist and ophthalmologist thrown around. However, these are two very different professions and deciding which one to see depends on your symptoms. Here is what you need to know about the differences between the two.
Optometrists vs Ophthalmologists
Optometrists have a doctoral-level education that focuses on eye examinations and diagnosing eye conditions. They can detect abnormalities and prescribe corrective lenses to improve your vision. In some states, optometrists are allowed to perform minor medical procedures on your eyes.
Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who are trained to not only diagnose conditions but perform surgical procedures as well. They can also recommend corrective lenses when needed. Ophthalmologists can specialize in certain conditions such as glaucoma, pediatrics, eye surgery, and vision problems that are linked to neurological disorders. As medical doctors, they are usually involved in clinical research and may be able to determine if you have an underlying illness that’s causing your vision problems.
Generally, both of them can prescribe medications that are necessary to treat or manage eye conditions.
When to See Them
Optometrists typically deal with primary vision care so they’re the ones you see when you need an annual eye check-up, suspect you may need glasses, or feel that there’s something wrong with your eyes. An optometrist can determine if there are any if you have a specific abnormality that can be addressed with medication or corrective lenses. They can also dispense these lenses for you to wear. After giving you lenses, they can tell you when to revisit the office to assess your vision again as some eye conditions tend to worsen over time. If your eye problems need further assessment or a surgical procedure, an optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Though seeing an ophthalmologist can start with a referral, you don’t always need one. If you have symptoms of eye problems that usually require surgery such as cataracts, it’s a good idea to start with an opthalmologist. An ophthalmologist can perform the eye exams that are necessary to determine if there are issues with your eyes. While they can prescribe corrective lenses, they can also perform surgical procedures that may be needed to treat your eye problems. Additionally, they provide rehabilitation services for those who have undergone surgery on their eyes.
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Common Vision Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore
It’s important to note that not all the symptoms of vision problems will be severe. Sometimes the signs that your eyes are in trouble are easy to brush aside until they worsen. For example, if you have a detached retina you may see sudden flashes of light, see floaters when you look at blank areas like a white wall, or experience sudden blurred vision. Floaters and blurry vision can also indicate that you have diabetic retinopathy. People with glaucoma or cataracts might have worsening night vision, an oversensitivity to light, or persistently red eyes.
Additionally, vision problems don’t always affect only your vision. In some cases, a chronic headache can indicate that you’ve strained or otherwise damaged your eye, you have angle-closure glaucoma, or there’s an infection. If you notice swelling around your eye, you may have a blocked tear duct or conjunctivitis.
As a Black American, you have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma so it’s a good idea to know the early signs of these problems so you can get them treated quickly.
You should never ignore issues that suggest there’s something wrong with your eyes. Taking care of the problem starts with seeing the right doctor so it’s good to know what optometrists and ophthalmologists treat.
When it comes to vision problems, you may hear the words optometrist and ophthalmologist thrown around. However, these are two very different professions and deciding which one to see depends on your symptoms. Here is what you need to know about the differences between the two.
Medically Reviewed By:
Joseph M. Coney, MD, FACS, FASRS
Dr. Coney received his Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Illinois and his medical degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. After completing his ophthalmology residency at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University, where he is now a Senior Clinical Instructor.
