Ophthalmologists are trained to diagnose a wide range of eye diseases. They also perform eye surgeries. They are typically referred to patients by a family doctor, pediatrician or emergency room doctor.
![Eye Physicians](https://rocklandmasonry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Eye-Physician-300x158.jpg)
Optometrists specialize in optometry. They write prescriptions for contact lenses and eyewear. They are also skilled at detecting and diagnosing common vision problems. Contact Baltimore Eye Physicians for professional help.
Eye exams are the best way to catch a vision problem before it causes noticeable symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam typically includes tests that check your visual acuity (the sharpness of your far and near vision) using an eye chart, 3D visual acuity, peripheral (side) vision and color vision. We also test for hereditary color blindness and measure the health of your eyes by shining a light into your eye and observing your pupils, muscle control and tear flow.
Your eye doctor will start by asking you about your general health and any eye or vision problems you have been having. We will also ask you about any medications you are currently taking, as well as your family’s medical history. We may also ask you to cover one eye at a time while looking at a series of symbols on an eye chart to determine your visual acuity with each eye.
Next, we’ll shine a light into your eyes and observe your pupil size. Your pupils should shrink when exposed to bright lights, but if they don’t shrink, that could indicate a problem. We’ll also test your ability to focus by having you stare at a small object and then move it around in front of you. We’ll look for signs of weakness and poor muscle control, as well as any difficulty coordinating your eyes (known as binocular vision).
A slit lamp test is performed by shining a beam of light through the eye to examine the surface of the cornea, iris and lens, and to check for any scratches or abnormalities. This is usually done after dilating the pupil, and can help diagnose diseases and injuries of the cornea, iris, lens and retina, as well as blood vessels in the back of the eye.
Other common tests include a visual field test that measures your peripheral (side) vision, and an auto-refractometer to assess the power of your lenses (to see how much you need for corrective lenses). We also measure the pressure inside your eye (known as intraocular pressure) with a tonometer, and perform a perimetry test that checks for blind spots, which can be indicative of certain conditions like glaucoma.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are glasses worn to help people with vision problems see clearly. They work by adjusting the way light rays focus on the retina to create an image that is clear and sharp. Eyeglasses are available for many different issues, from nearsightedness and farsightedness to presbyopia. They are also used to correct astigmatism and other eye conditions.
The lenses of eyeglasses are transparent pieces made of glass, plastic or another material that are shaped with a person’s prescription and held in place by the frame. The rims, which are the edges that surround the lenses, lend form to the frames and can be made of metal or plastic. They sit on top of the lenses, with the bridge resting on the bridge of the nose and joining the rims at the temples. The temples are connected to the rims by hinges, which allow you to fold the temples inward to close the glasses.
Lenses are usually designed to refract light rays in a way that corrects the issue that caused the patient to need glasses, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). The shape of the lens is determined by the eye prescription given by an optometrist. Depending on the issue, the eye doctor may suggest a concave lens for myopia or a convex lens for hyperopia. The type of lens material is also important. There are a variety of options, including polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant and great for those who work in an environment where eyeglasses might get damaged or have kids that are hard on their glasses; trivex, a newer plastic that is lighter and thinner than other types of lenses; and high-index plastic, which is thin and light and may correct better for some patients with a strong prescription.
Glasses come in a wide variety of styles, with options to suit all personal tastes and budgets. Some are available with tinted lenses, which can be useful for those who want to protect their eyes from UV rays. In addition, frames can be made of memory metal alloys that return to their original shape when bent or in other ways bent by the wearer, and some have spring-loaded hinges for additional durability.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses rest on the surface of the eye and correct refractive errors that occur when light hits the retina at an incorrect angle. More than 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses, and many of those people use different types. Contact lens technology has advanced over the years to allow for thinner, more comfortable lenses. They also are available in a variety of colors, so people can match their eye color or choose a color that makes their eyes stand out.
Rigid and semi-rigid corneal lenses are often used to correct astigmatism, which is a condition in which the cornea and/or lens have irregular curves that cause blurry vision. The rigid contacts are more durable than soft contact lenses, but they require a prescription and professional assessment to ensure the best fit for your eyes.
Soft contacts are designed to fit just on the front of the cornea and typically are much smaller than the rigid and semi-rigid contacts. They can be supplied as disposable, to be worn for a day and then discarded or as extended wear (to be kept overnight with daily cleaning and soaking in multipurpose contact solution).
A prescription is required even for decorative contact lenses, which change the appearance of the eye but do not correct vision. However, the FDA warns that if you purchase these lenses through unauthorized retailers, you are at greater risk of developing dangerous and sometimes blinding eye infections.
When handling your contact lenses, always wash and rinse your hands before touching them. Never rub them, and be sure to use the recommended cleaning solutions for your particular type of contact lens. It is also important to replace the contact lens storage case regularly and avoid rubbing or sleeping in your contacts.
If you experience pain or discomfort while wearing your contact lenses, contact your eye care practitioner immediately. Your doctor may recommend a change in the type or brand of your contact lens or might suggest that you take the lenses out until your eyes heal. Remember, your eyes are delicate and you need to treat them with care.
Eye Surgery
Eye surgery is used to treat a variety of conditions that affect the muscles, tissues or cornea (the clear structure at the front of the eye). It can also be used to remove tumors from around the eyes and reduce double vision.
For most of these procedures, a thorough eye exam is needed before the surgery can be performed. During this exam, the doctor will take a series of measurements to determine how healthy your eyes are and if you have enough corneal tissue left for a successful surgery. The doctor will then ask you to sign a consent form stating that you understand the procedure’s risks, benefits and alternatives.
Most eye surgery is performed with some type of sedation and anesthesia to keep you comfortable while the procedure is being performed. General anesthesia may be necessary for some surgeries if you have medical conditions that interfere with your ability to remain still during the surgery or if your body is sensitive to sedation.
Before surgery begins, the doctor will apply a numbing drop to the eye. He or she will then use an instrument called a lid speculum to hold your eyelid open. Next, the surgeon will use a device called a mechanical microkeratome to create a flap in the cornea. The cornea will then be reshaped using an excimer laser. Once the cornea is reshaped, the surgeon will put the flap back into place.
After the surgery, your vision might be a little blurry for one or two days. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-op care and do not rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes could dislodge the flap, which will cause serious complications. It is also a good idea to avoid swimming or using hot tubs for 2 weeks following eye surgery.