Finding an eye doctor is a challenging thing because of the vast selection of specialists available today. These doctors have all been trained in different fields of vision care, but not necessarily in the same degree of specialty. The choice between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist depends on a few factors such as your address, the area where you live, whether you require glasses or contact lenses, and how healthy your eyes are currently.
When you meet with your eye doctor, one of the things that he or she will do is to examine your eyes for what is called “refractive error.” This term pertains to the difficulty you have to see close objects clearly at a distance. You may have crossed the line into having blurred vision, or your vision may be too distorted to be able to read printed materials clearly. Your optometrist can measure your eyes and order the necessary corrective equipment.
In addition, your optometrist will determine if you require glasses or contact lenses. In most cases, glasses are prescribed. If you wear contacts, your doctor can recommend a solution that best suits you. Both of these decisions are ultimately up to you.
Some individuals, however, find that their vision is just too great for glasses. In this case, a pinhole glasses system may be the perfect solution. These types of frames do not make use of a corrective lens. Instead, the wearer simply puts on a pair of glasses that magnify the eye’s natural light field by projecting it through a small hole in the middle.
A good eye doctor can help you decide between contact lenses or eyeglasses. For example, if you wear contacts, your eye doctor can take measurements and determine how many hours each type of contact lens will last you before they are to be removed. The optometrist can also check to see if you have any diseases or conditions that might cause your vision to deteriorate over time. A visit to your eye doctor will allow you to make an informed decision regarding which frame will work best for your specific situation.
Once you have made the choice to wear glasses or contact lenses, the eye doctor will instruct you on the proper procedure for your specific condition. In most cases, you will be given instructions and sometimes eyeglasses will need to be fit correctly. In some cases, you may even have to undergo an operation to correct the condition. When it comes to eye care, you owe it to yourself to have the best possible care. Speak with your trusted eye doctor today and find a solution that will improve your vision and your overall health.