Optometry is a healthcare branch that deals with eye examination mainly for refractive errors. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but they can check your eye for obvious defects, such as squints and refractive errors, and prescribe corrective lenses or eye exercises.
An optometrist receives a doctor of optometry degree after completing four years in a recognized optometry school after three or more years of college.
Ophthalmology is a branch of medical science that deals with the study of the eye, its structures, and its diseases. An ophthalmologist has a doctor of medicine degree and receives the highest possible training in eye diseases. After completing at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist can treat all eye conditions and perform eye surgeries. Many ophthalmologists participate in scientific research for eye diseases and vision disorders.
What are the 3 types of eye doctors?
Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians are three distinct healthcare workers who provide eye care.
- Ophthalmologist: is trained to treat all eye problems, including refractive errors.
- Optometrist: can provide only primary vision care.
- An optometrist can perform the following:
- They may prescribe medications for certain eye conditions such as dry eyes and red eyes. However, they do not perform surgical procedures or fundus examination, retina scans, or advanced ocular testing.
- Optician: is a technician who can design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses and frames.
- Additionally, they can design contact lenses based on the prescriptions given by ophthalmologists or optometrists. However, they cannot test vision or write prescriptions for visual correction, and they are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye diseases.
Should I see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye infection?
It is always best to see an ophthalmologist for an eye condition (except for refractive errors). This is especially important if you are older than 40 years of age and have hypertension, diabetes, or high myopia (shortsightedness). Sometimes, diseases such as glaucoma (increased eye pressure) and cataracts (opacification of eye lens) may display symptoms similar to a simple eye infection (red eyes and discharge). Only an ophthalmologist is trained to thoroughly check your eye structures including your retina for any complications arising from a cataract or glaucoma.
Apart from eye infections and red eyes, it is advised to consult your ophthalmologist if you have the following:
- Excessive tears
- Progressive vision loss
- Double vision
- A painful condition of the eye
- Family history of eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa
- High myopia (shortsightedness more than −4 D)
- Seeing colored circles around bulbs
- Eye injury
- New floaters (wispy strings that are seen in the field of vision)
QUESTION
What causes dry eyes? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top Difference Between Optometry and Ophthalmology Related Articles
Can an Optometrist Remove Foreign Bodies?
Some foreign bodies in the eye may be simple and go away on their own, whereas others require removal. Removal of foreign bodies from certain parts of the eye, such as the cornea, eyelid, or conjunctiva - with any appropriate instrument other than a scalpel or needle - can be performed by an optometrist as per the laws in the US.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to dry air created by air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. Treatment may involve self-care measures, medications, or rarely, surgery.
What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.
Eye Health: Foods, Vitamins and Nutrients to Improve Eyesight
Eye Health: Foods, Vitamins and Nutrients to Improve Eyesight
Eye Health: How to Relieve Tired Eyes
Lots of reading or screen time can leave your eyes tired, dry, and achy. Find out what you can do to ease eye fatigue.
Watery Eyes
Always tearing up? Everyday things can make your eyes water, but so can some medical conditions.
Eye Health: Worst Foods for Your Eyes
What you eat can play a major role in the health of your eyes. Find out which foods to cut down on and some that will help keep your outlook healthy.
Eye Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.
How Do You Remove Dark Circles Under Eyes Permanently?
Dark circles are puffiness and darkening of the skin under the eye, and they create cosmetic concerns. Dark circles appear in men and women. They are more common in adults and rarely seen in children. The skin under the eye is normally thinner and sensitive than the rest of the face. So, it is prone to hyperpigmentation and swelling. Dark circles are usually caused because of a combination of multiple factors.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a condition in which the eyes do not align in the usual way. The condition may be congenital or the result of a problem with the control of the muscles of the eyes. Strabismus may cause double vision, headaches, eyestrain, and problems with depth perception and peripheral vision. Treatment may involve physical therapy, vision therapy, surgery, or wearing glasses.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Picture
Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a condition in which the eyes don't look toward an object together. See a picture of Strabismus and learn more about the health topic.
What Causes Yellow Discharge From Eyes?
What is yellow discharge from your eye? Learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and how it is treated.
What Exactly Does an Optometrist Do?
An optometrist is a health professional who does primary health care for the eye. Optometrists examine the eyes to diagnose any problems in vision and prescribe corrective lenses for them. Optometrists have done a four-year professional program after college to get a Doctor of Optometry degree. They may also get additional clinical training or a specialty fellowship after the optometry degree.
What Is an Argon Laser Used for in Ophthalmology?
Argon Laser prevents an eye condition from getting worse and sometimes helps to cure it. This procedure is aimed toward the preservation of central and color vision.
Why Are My Eyes Twitching?
Eye twitching, or blepharospasm, is a condition in which you cannot keep your eyes open for a long time due to spasms. The main causes of eye twitch include fatigue, stress, smoking, caffeine, medication side effects, light sensitivity, lack of sleep, foreign particles in the eye, and corneal irritation.Why Do I Need to See a Neuro-ophthalmologist?
Neuro-ophthalmologists are doctors who treat visual problems that are usually related to the nervous system. These doctors or physicians are specialists with expertise in problems of the eye, brain, nerves, and muscles.