Eyes are a mirror of the soul, therefore, for any problems associated with vision, you must consult a doctor. The main complaints are pain in the orbits, redness, a cloudy and blurry image. In these cases, specialists are needed who can help with eye ailments - this is an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. It would seem that this is one and the same. However, this is not quite true.
Ophthalmologist and ophthalmologist: what are the differences
When contacting a clinic or medical center, you may be asked to go to an appointment with an ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist. To make the right choice, you need to understand the difference between these two doctors.
Optometrist, first of all, works on vision correction. This specialist is required to receive personnel higher medical education and undergo vocational training in optometry. An oculist can diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment, manage several diseases and disorders of the visual system. An ophthalmologist, like an ophthalmologist, will detect and prescribe treatment if you have:
- Myopia.
- Farsightedness.
- Astigmatism.
- Presbyopia.
The doctor will be able to examine the patient’s ability to focus their eyes, check coordination, completeness of vision and the ability to determine colors.
Who is an ophthalmologist? This is a doctor who provides medical and surgical care for diseases of the eye, and also provides the prevention of diseases and eye injuries. An ophthalmologist not only receives higher education, but also undergoes training at a medical school and in an internship. Also, a specialist should be trained in the treatment of the ocular system. The doctor is qualified to provide services for all types of eye therapy and surgical care. An ophthalmologist will be able to identify visual impairments that are caused by other ailments, such as diabetes or oncology.
Ophthalmologist. When to contact
You will need to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience the following ailments:
- Conjunctivitis - characterized by sharp pains, a fear of light, swelling of the eyelids, tearing, frequent purulent discharge from the eyes.
- Blepharitis - in a simple form, the eyelids with an edge are covered with white scales and have seals. Ulcerative - forms purulent capsules that leave ulcers when removed. If the eyelids are thickened from the edge and oily to the touch, this is meibomian blepharitis.
- Cataracts are seals of the lens, with cataracts, the patient experiences a decrease and blurred vision. The doctor diagnoses whether it is congenital or acquired, progressive or stationary.
- Glaucoma - with an ailment, pains are felt in the eyes and head, partial or complete loss of vision, the cornea swells, the pupils dilate, intraocular pressure increases .
An ophthalmologist will be able to identify other diseases, such as keratitis, scleritis, and conduct the necessary studies, such as ultrasound, gonioscopy or diaphanoscopy.
For the prevention of diseases, experts advise doing gymnastics for the eyes, do not abuse sunglasses, maintain a healthy diet. Eat enough calcium, beef or cod liver, buckwheat porridge.