You may have heard the common recommendation that you should get a comprehensive eye examination once a year. However, with so many types of vision-related healthcare providers to choose from, it’s easy to get confused about which one to go to. Here are the details on what ophthalmologists are, what they do, and when to see one.

 

What Is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical professional who specializes in medical vision care. Unlike optometrists and opticians, ophthalmologists go through more years of training. They can diagnose and treat a broader range of vision-related conditions and perform eye surgery.

 

To become an ophthalmologist, one must have completed four years of pre-medical undergraduate education and four more years of medical school. Then a one-year internship follows as well as three or more years of specialized medical and surgical training in vision care.

 

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

As vision-care specialists, ophthalmologists perform a wide range of duties, including:

 

• Vision screening — Typically includes regular screening and comprehensive eye examinations

• Consultation — Ophthalmologists monitor and consult with patients regarding cases related to conditions that may affect their eyesight

• Treatment — Ophthalmologists treat a wide range of mild to severe eye problems

• Prescriptions — An ophthalmologist can prescribe various treatments, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eyedrops, to treat various eye conditions
  
   

An ophthalmologist can also perform various vision correction procedures, including:

 

• Glaucoma surgery

• Cataract surgery

• Refractive surgery

• Reconstructive surgery

• Injury repair

• Neoplasm

• Corneal transplants

• Macular degeneration surgery
  
   

How Sacramento Eye Consultants Differs from Other Ophthalmologists

If you're considering scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist, it's important to understand that within the field of ophthalmology, there are specialists who focus on specific areas of the eye. At Sacramento Eye Consultants, we pride ourselves on being a sub-specialist group, which means our ophthalmologists have undergone extensive additional training to provide specialized care for issues such as corneal disease, cataracts and glaucoma. This distinction is crucial because we don't offer the same services as general ophthalmologists. While general ophthalmologists can provide prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating a range of complex vision-related conditions, performing intricate eye surgeries, and offering advanced treatments like corneal transplants. So, when you choose to visit our offices, you can rest assured that you're receiving care from experts in their respective fields, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your eye health.

 

Signs You Might Need to See an Ophthalmologist

You might need to see an ophthalmologist if you have:

 

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is one of the most common symptoms of eye problems. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections, and injury to the eye.

 

Since it’s quite difficult to narrow it down yourself, you should see an ophthalmologist for further testing. This way, you are better able to rule out any potentially serious complications and determine the cause of your blurred vision.

 

Eye Pain

Any pain in the eye should be taken with utmost seriousness. If your eyes hurt, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If left unchecked, it could cause permanent damage and even loss of sight. During your appointment, your ophthalmologist may ask you to describe any other symptoms that go with the pain so they can narrow down the cause.

 

Vision Disturbances

Any disturbance in vision could be a sign of a serious issue that needs to be treated at once. This includes any obstruction to your vision, black spots, flashes of light, floaters, or dark shadows.

In most cases, these symptoms are a sign of serious eye conditions like retinal holes, detachment, or tears. You should see an ophthalmologist within 24 hours of experiencing vision disturbance.

 

Visit a Qualified Ophthalmologist Today

When it comes to treating eye problems, early detection is key. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, schedule an appointment with Sacramento Eye Consultants. Visit our offices in Sacramento or Lincoln, California, or call us at (916) 915-0300 today to speak to our knowledgeable staff.