Top Reasons To Schedule An Appointment To See An Ophthalmologist
Posted on: 13 October 2020
Many adults see an optometrist for regular eye exams, corrective lenses (either eyeglasses or contact lenses), or to receive treatment for minor eye issues. However, there are situations where one may need to see an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist. While optometrists go through extensive schooling and training in order to become licensed to practice optometry, an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school and a residency. Thus, ophthalmologists typically treat more complex eye disorders and conditions. Some of the top reasons to schedule an appointment to see an ophthalmologist include:
You Have Recently Been Diagnosed with Diabetes
Most people are familiar with the term diabetes, but not everyone realizes that the disease is about more than just the pancreas and blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a complex condition that can cause complications in many different parts of the body, including the eyes. Some of the eye complications that can be caused by diabetes include retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. If eye complications caused by diabetes are not identified and treated, it is possible to suffer from negative vision changes or even blindness. An ophthalmologist can closely monitor your eyes and vision after you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Sudden Change in Vision
It is not uncommon for your corrective lens prescription to change over the years if you are nearsighted, and many people find that they become farsighted as they age and eventually need reading glasses. However, a sudden change in vision is cause for concern. If you suddenly begin experiencing double vision, unexplained blurry vision when you do not need corrective lenses, or temporarily difficulty seeing without any explanation, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. They can provide a complete examination to determine if you have a serious eye condition that needs immediate treatment.
Intermittent Loss of Vision
In the event that you ever have an intermittent loss of vision, even if it only lasts for a second or two, it is essential to make arrangements to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. When a person experiences one or more incidents of intermittent loss of vision, this problem will need to be addressed immediately. Failure to seek treatment from an ophthalmologist in this type of situation could potentially lead to serious complications. In the worst-case scenario, it is possible that not being treated could lead to blindness.
Contact a business that provides ophthalmology services for more information.
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