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Eye Care

Regular eye exams are important even for people who are not having eye trouble. These are in-depth routines that are normally performed by either an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. How often a person needs an eye exam hinges on a number of elements including age, overall health and whether or not eye disorders run in the family.

Kids with no eye trouble need only have their eyes checked out during regular visits to their pediatrician. This evaluation is ordinarily referred as a vision screening and ought happen at a minimum, every 2 years. A vision screening isn’t as across-the-board as an eye exam, but it is priceless in noticing early signs of eye/vision trouble.

For grownups without eye trouble, eyes ought be tested once between the ages of 20-29, twice during the next 10 years, 2-4 times during the next 10 years and after age 65, eyes should be examined once every 1-2 years. People wearing corrective lenses should have their eyes tested annually. Those with eye disorders should work out an testing schedule with their eye doctors.

What is involved in  an eye exam

Employing a light source, an external examination ascertains that the eyes ‘look’ right. You will follow the doctor’s pen (or other object) with your eyes to ensure the eye muscles function properly. Whilst you read the illuminated chart with letters that get smaller the further down you go, your doctor is checking out your visual acuity. If you need corrective lenses, you’ll get a refractive appraisal, a test that determines how light wave bend. The outcomes of these tests help the doctor decide your prescription. He may put a Phoroptor, a device that resembles a big black mask, over your eyes in order to fine-tune these measurings.

Your peripheral vision will be screened. A slit lamp exam uses a microscope that emits a sharp ray of light to evaluate the cornea, lens and iris. The back of the eye is also analysed and lastly your eyes will be tested for glaucoma.

Differences between the eye care specialists.

Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist

The duties and skills of an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist are generally different, all the same just about most people erroneously use these terms interchangeably. Both professions involve eye care nonetheless the primary difference between the two is the presence of a medical degree. It’s this degree that denominates an Ophthalmologist as a medical doctor who’s been trained in all areas of eye care including the power to diagnose and care for eye disorders and diseases.

Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform eye surgery and they likewise know how to conduct proper eye measurements so they can precisely prescribe corrective lenses. Their training helps them administer advice for preventing blindness and also enables them to attend to those who are blind. In addition to advanced educational training, Ophthalmologists must be trained in clinical and surgical settings.

Optometrists routinely perform eye tests. During such eye examinations, Optometrists will also find out the need for, fit and prescribe corrective eyewear and/or lenses. Optometrists can likewise screen patients for certain eye disorders.

Is LASIK Surgery an option for you?

Many patients are very satisfied with the improved quality of life that they experience after LASIK Surgery. Read on to decide whether LASIK Surgery is right for you. 

The different types of LASIK Surgery

There are two basic types of surgery: Standard LASIK and Custom LASIK. With either type, the preparation work and post-operative procedures are similar. The difference between the procedures involves the customization of the laser.

Standard LASIK

Prior to the scheduled procedure date, the eye surgeon meets with patient to re-test for certain eye problems and diseases. When it’s confirmed that the patient meets the requirements, a procedure date is set.

On the day of the procedure, the eye doctor may perform another corneal topography to confirm that nothing has changed that would require changing the procedure. Three types of eye drops are then administered. The drops anesthetize the eye, protect the eye from post-operative inflammation and protect the eye from infection.

Next, the patient reclines and the laser is positioned overhead with the eye surgeon above it. To remove the flap, the patient’s eye must first be stabilized. The eye is kept from blinking by placing it into a restrainer. Suction is administered to the eyeball and the microkeratome makes one swift slice across the top of the cornea. The resulting flap (which should still be hinged to the eye) is pulled away with tiny tweezers.

The laser then emits a pre-determined number of laser pulses to remove the excess tissue, a process which takes literally seconds. The flap is pulled back into place and saline solution clears the eye of any debris. The eye is covered and the procedure is finished unless the other eye is receiving a LASIK Surgery treatment.

Custom LASIK Surgery

In standard LASIK, the computer inside the laser determines the number and location of laser pulses based solely on the patient’s prescription. With custom LASIK, the eye surgeon creates a three-dimensional image of the eye. The image results are then fed into the laser’s computer and the patient receives a laser treatment that is truly customized to that eye.

Risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with LASIK Surgery. The procedure may under- or over-treat the eye. Under-treatments can be corrected with additional surgery however over treatment generally results in the patient needing to continue wearing corrective lenses. Loss of vision or compromised vision, especially at night, are other risks. Dry eye syndrome can develop. And vision that has been surgically corrected may decline over time. Another serious risk involves using an inexperienced ophthalmologist.

Tips on selecting a LASIK Surgery surgeon

Get referrals from people you trust and then make arrangements to interview several candidates.

Make the most of the pre-procedure consultation. Prepare a list of questions to ask each surgeon and record the answers. It’s important to understand what care the ophthalmologist intends to provide during all stages of surgery: before, during and afterwards as well as all costs.

Remember that low cost doesn’t mean top quality. Your eyesight is far too valuable to allow cost to be the determining factor.