Useful Functions of Optometrists in Curing Different Eye Problems

When a person faces any difficulty in seeing things properly, he should visit an eye specialist for an immediate check-up. There are different categories of eye care treatments, which lead to the professions of ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist and optician. Optometrists receive a 4-years postgraduate degree in Optometry, to diagnose and treat various kinds of visual disorders. They are licensed to conduct different types of clinical tests and prescribe necessary treatments to their patients. Usually, an optometrist writes O.D. with his name, which means Doctor of Optometry.

Eye Test

Job Roles Played by Dedicated Optometrists in Eye Clinics

• An optometrist detects serious eye problems, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, with the help of Ophthalmoscope or Fundus cope. It is a routine eye test, which can detect slightest irregularities in the eyesight. Optometrists check the level of fluid pressure in the eyes, to confirm glaucoma in their patients. So if you suffer from any vision disorder then you can contact with an optometrist and he can suggest you the best eye glasses or lenses accordingly.

• If a person is suffering from near-sightedness or farsightedness, the optometrist will conduct the vision acuity test for determining the exact power needed to be prescribed for his eyeglasses or contact lenses. The refractive error of the natural eye lens is also checked with the help of a computer. You can face some problems with contact lenses, especially if you have sensitive eyes, and in this case, you can contact your optometrist to reduce such issues.

• Various oral medicines and eye drops are prescribed for the treatments of glaucoma and other eye diseases. Certified optometrists can suggest suitable antibiotics, antihistamines, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory drugs to their patients, as they learn all about these eye treatments and medications during their course in Optometry. But an optometrist cannot prescribe you any medicine and he can suggest you consult with an ophthalmologist for severe cases.

• An optometrist determines the abnormality in the shape of the cornea and prescribes the exact variety of contact lenses that can correct this problem. There are two types of lenses, namely toric lens and varifocal lens that are usually recommended in these cases. Both these lenses have dual optical powers and focal lengths, for rectifying the corneal disorder.

• Since there are different types of modern equipment used in eye hospitals, optometrists are trained to handle all these tools efficiently. Thus, they can conduct all types of clinical eye tests on the patients arriving in hospitals or clinics for their eye treatments. However, most patients come with complaints of the loss of usual sharp vision, which is a common problem for aged people.

• Some patients suffer from irreversible eyesight, mainly in the case of near-sightedness. An optometrist can counsel the patient for doing regular eye exercises, which can stabilize this problem. There are many medicines prescribed for improving low vision, which will ensure faster recovery from this vision ailment.

• Binocular vision therapy is practiced by experienced optometrists on many sportspersons and students who find it hard to see alike with both eyes. Sportspeople fail to check any distance visually due to this problem while students find it hard to read simultaneously with both eyes. An optometrist will personalize this vision therapy according to the individual problem of each patient.

• The optometrist also counsels a patient before and after cataract or any other eye surgery, where mental support is also needed for a patient. Past medical records of other ailments, like hypertension and diabetes, are also kept in mind when the optometrist guides his patient in taking care of his eyesight.

Any person can study Optometry after completing graduation in any educational stream. Highly experienced optometrists teach these new trainees and guide them in gaining practical knowledge in this field.