A: According to the American Optometric Association:
Doctors of optometry are independent primary health
care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and
manage diseases and disorders of the visual system,
the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose
related systemic conditions. Optometrists examine
the internal and external structure of the eyes
to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts
and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension
and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness,
farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists
also do testing to determine the patient's ability
to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge
depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe
eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids,
vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases.
As primary eye care providers, optometrists are
an integral part of the health care team and an
entry point into the health care system. They are
skilled in the co-management of care that affects
the eye health and vision of their patients and
an excellent source of referral to other health
care professionals.
The optometrist has completed pre-professional
undergraduate education in a college or university
and four years of professional education at a college
of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry
(O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete a residency.
Q: I've
been told I have astigmatism. Can I still wear
contact lenses?
A: In most cases the answer is "Yes!" There
are several new lenses on the market made especially
for people with astigmatism. Depending on your
prescription, the Doctor may be able to fit you
into disposable, frequent replacement, daily wear
or even colored contact lenses.
Q:How often should I have my eyes examined?
A: The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends
infants have their eyes examined at 6 months of
age, then again at 3 years of age and once again
before entering the first grade. After this, children
should be examined every two years. For those individuals
between 18 and 40 years of age, it is recommended
that they have their eyes checked every two or
three years. Between 41 and 60 years of age the
recommendation is every 2 years. After age 61 the
AOA recommends having an eye examination every
year.
Q:Why do babies need their eyes examined?
A: It is important to identify eye conditions at
an early stage so that treatment can be initiated
as soon as possible. Many eye conditions can be
easily corrected if detected early. During your
baby's eye exam, the optometrist tests for
large or unequal amounts of astigmatism, nearsightedness,
or farsightedness. She will also observe your child's
eye movements and check for any eye health problems.
Q:What
does "20/20" vision mean? For
example, how does this compare to "20/200" vision?
A: Vision is measured by using a visual acuity
chart. The chart is placed at the equivalent of
20 feet from the patient. The examiner then measures
the size of the smallest object the patient is
able to discern. The first number recorded indicates
the distance from the patient to the object. The
second number refers to the size of the object.
Therefore, someone with 20/200 vision can see an
object 200 units in size from a distance of 20
feet while someone with 20/20 vision can see an
object 20 units in size (much smaller) at the same
distance. Also, a person with 20/200 vision sees
something at 20 feet that a person with 20/20 vision
can see at 200 feet.
Q:I've been told I have perfect or "20/20" vision.
Do I still need to have a regular eye exam?
A: Absolutely! Many eye diseases or disorders have
an asymptomatic onset. It is best to detect these
conditions and initiate treatment during early
stages to avoid or minimize visual impairment.
Q:Why does the Doctor need to dilate my pupils? A: The pupil is actually an opening within the
iris which regulates the amount of light entering
the eye. Under normal circumstances, the pupils
constrict, or become smaller, when exposed to bright
lights. During an eye examination, the Doctor uses
a light source to view the retina and other structures
within the eye through this opening. Only about
10% of the internal structures of the eye can be
viewed while the pupils are in their natural state.
During a dilated examination, eye drops are put
into the eyes which cause the pupils to become
temporarily enlarged. Dilations allows the Doctor
to observe 80-90% of the retina and other internal
structures of the eye for various conditions such
as retinal detachments, retinal holes, retinal
tears, multiple sclerosis, tumors, hemorrhages,
vascular occlusions, macular degeneration, glaucoma,
and cataracts.
Q:Who should have their pupils dilated?
A: Anyone under the age of 59 should have a dilated
eye exam at least every other year. Those who should
be dilated more frequently include persons with
certain systemic conditions such as diabetes, a
family history of certain eye diseases, a history
of head or eye trauma, anyone with large amounts
of nearsightedness (over -4.00), those taking certain
prescription medications, persons over age 60 and
those experiencing recent changes in their vision.
