What is an ophthalmologist?
When it comes to listing down our health priorities, ocular health is right at the top, as a clear vision is what makes life beautiful and valuable. While several treatment options are available for most eye problems, going to a qualified eye doctor for regular eye checkups is what helps in the timely detection and management of any changes in vision.
Eye doctors, also known as ophthalmologists, specialize in diagnosing and treating infections and disorders of the eyes and optic system. They receive the training to provide medical and surgical care to patients with vision disorders.
Difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist
While ophthalmologists are doctors of medicine (MD), optometrists are doctors of optometry (OD). Optometrists do not attend medical school; they go to undergraduate school and then complete a graduate degree from a school of optometry. They can continue pursuing a residency, which is optional.
While ophthalmologists can provide comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, optometrists can diagnose most vision disorders. Nonetheless, they only treat a few of them, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Services offered by ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists offer their services in the following areas:
- Vision: This involves eye exams that help in diagnosing and treating refractive errors
- Medical treatment: For eye disorders such as iritis, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and chemical burns
- Surgical treatment: Ophthalmologists perform surgeries for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, amblyopia, eye injuries, and intraocular cancer
- Systemic disorders: Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat vision effects of systemic illnesses, such as arthritis and diabetes
- Plastic surgery: Ophthalmologists perform cosmetic surgeries such as blepharoplasty (surgery of eyelid), brow lift, ptosis repair (for droopy eyelids), lacrimal surgery (repair and reconstruction of tear duct system), and enucleation (removal of the eye)
Eye examination
A comprehensive eye exam takes anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes. The ophthalmologist begins the eye examination by reviewing your family's medical history and the medications you take and checking the power of your corrective lenses. Make sure to mention any history of systemic diseases in your family, and keep a list of all your medications. These include herbal and dietary supplements, too.
The patient reads from an eye chart from various distances in a visual acuity test and tests for 20/20 vision. The provider asks the patient to read the eye chart through a phoropter. This device contains several lenses and helps in measuring refractive errors. The ophthalmologists measure the pupils' response to light by passing some light to the eyes; this allows them to detect any underlying diseases. It allows the ophthalmologist to detect any underlying diseases.
The ophthalmologist measures your peripheral vision by closing one of your eyes and asking you to focus on a particular target and describe what you see on the sides. In an ocular motility test, the patient has to move his eyes in eight different directions, and the doctor understands if all eye muscles are functioning correctly. The intraocular pressure (IOC) is tested by sending a quick puff of air into the eye and gently applying a pressure-sensitive tip. This test is called tonometry.
Using a slit lamp microscope, ophthalmologists check the cornea. Scars or scratches on the cornea are signs of a cataract. Eye drops help dilate the pupils and examine the retina and the optic nerve.
Some other tests that can be a part of an eye examination include fluorescence angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), automated visual field test, topography, and fundus photography.
What is glaucoma?
The optic nerve gets damaged due to an increase in intraocular pressure. Many conditions can cause glaucoma. It usually occurs in old age and is among the most common causes of blindness in people over 60.
An increase in intraocular pressure will cause damage to the optic nerve. The effects of glaucoma are very gradual and hardly noticeable. They don't show initial symptoms and, at a later stage, lead to irreversible vision loss. The only way to slow down or prevent glaucoma is to have regular eye checkups to recognize and treat the signs in the early stages of the disease.
Causes of glaucoma:
- Hereditary blockage in the channels that drain the fluid in the eye
- Injury to the eye whether blunt traumatic or chemical
- Extreme eye infection
- Inflammatory conditions such as auto-immune disorders, Lyme's disease, Crohn's disease, shingles, lymphoma, and toxoplasmosis
Types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma: Also known as wide-angle glaucoma. The trabecular meshwork in the eye gets blocked, leading to an increase in ocular pressure.
- Angle-closure glaucoma/ Narrow-angle glaucoma/ Closed-angle glaucoma: In this type, the iris bulges and closes the angle formed by the cornea and iris. It prevents the circulation of fluid within the eye and, in turn, leads to an increase in pressure.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: In this type, blind spots form, and the optic nerve gets damaged. However, the eye pressure remains within the normal range. Some reasons for damage to the optic nerve include a sensitive optic nerve, a decreased blood supply to the optic nerve, and atherosclerosis.
- Secondary glaucoma: When glaucoma occurs due to another condition, such as diabetes or cataract, it is called secondary glaucoma.
- Pigmentary glaucoma: In this glaucoma, pigment granules from the iris go into the fluid and block the channels that drain the intraocular fluids from the eyes.
- Glaucoma in children: Childhood glaucoma occurs due to Sturge-Weber syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Axenfeld-Reiger syndrome, excessive use of steroids, trauma, and eye surgery.
Risk factors of glaucoma:
Glaucoma risk factors include high intraocular pressure, age above 60 years, medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, high blood pressure, extreme myopia or hyperopia, etc.
Some common symptoms of glaucoma include blind spots, tunnel vision, pain in the eyes, blurred vision, redness, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Eye specialists conduct diagnostic tests for glaucomas, such as tonometry, imaging tests, visual field tests, pachymetry, and gonioscopy. Some treatment options include eye drops, oral medications, lasers, and microsurgery.
What questions can you ask your ophthalmologist?
You may visit an eye doctor near you as part of a routine checkup or for a specific eye problem. In any case, you'll want to know what's going on with your vision. Consider the following questions:
- What condition do I have?
- What causes this condition?
- Will it have an impact on my vision now or in the future?
- Do I need to make any changes in my daily life?
- Are there any symptoms I should know?
- What should I do if I notice those symptoms?
- Do I need any tests?
- What are you hoping to learn from the test?
- When will I receive the results of my tests?
- Will I require additional tests in the future?
- What treatment will be the best for me, and why?
- When will my treatment begin, and how long will it last?
- What information do I need to know about the medication you have prescribed?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment?
- Are there any other options for treatment?
General eye care tips
Since the human eye is one of the body's most sensitive organs, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid infections, disorders, and other future problems. Here is what you can do:
- Consume foods and beverages that are good for your eyes.
- Dive into your family's medical history to detect possible disorders, infections, diseases, etc.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays, dust, and harmful pollutants using shades or other protective eye care. The aesthetics the eye accessories offer is another perk.
- Avoid touching your eyes with unclean hands.
- Get regular checkups and avoid issues like diabetes, as they have the potential to damage your eyes.
It is important to remember that these are preventative measures and not replacements for any treatments you might need.
Nutrients that could do wonders for your eyes
The following vital nutrients and dietary practices can help support and protect your eyes:
- Vitamin A: It is fundamental for good eye health and helps with low-light vision. Foods rich in vitamin A include kale, carrots, spinach, dairy products, liver, and egg yolks.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: These antioxidants are found in the macula, the central part of the retina. They help shield the eyes from harmful high-energy light waves like ultraviolet rays. Foods rich in these nutrients include egg yolks, spinach, red grapes, swiss chard, kale, sweet corn, parsley, pistachios, and green peas.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant can help reduce the risk of cataracts and other related eye diseases. Citrus fruits, guava, bell peppers, kale, and broccoli are excellent vitamin C sources.
- Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that may help protect the eyes from damage that comes with free radicals. Seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils contain vitamin E. Examples are almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed oil.
- Zinc: This mineral is essential for maintaining the health of the retina. It is found in foods like oysters, peanuts, meat, and pumpkin seeds.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are healthy fats. They help minimize the risk of dry eyes and support overall eye health. Oily fish is one of the best sources of omega-3s.
- Moderate alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption will lead to dehydration. It may negatively affect eye health. Hence, moderation is key.
Remember that it is not just individual nutrients but a balanced and varied diet that contributes to overall health, including eye health. It is crucial to take counsel from a healthcare provider to make sure that your diet is meeting your nutritional needs. Additionally, if you have specific eye conditions or concerns, consult an ophthalmologist for guidance on maintaining or improving your eye health.
Why is comprehensive eye care important?
Just like any part of the body, your eyes need attention, which includes routine eye exams. Here are four key reasons why comprehensive eye care with an eye doctor near you is important!
Changes in vision
Regular eye exams are crucial if you wear glasses or contact lenses. As we age, our eyes can undergo changes that may alter our vision and require prescription updates. Failing to adjust your prescription can lead to eye strain, headaches, or blurred vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a sign you need an updated eye exam.
Early disease detection
Even if you don't currently experience vision problems, regular eye exams are important for detecting underlying health issues. Comprehensive eye exams can uncover eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, which do not show symptoms in the early stages. Ophthalmologists can sometimes detect broader health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or even signs of certain cancers during an exam.
Vision and learning in children
As a parent, monitoring your child's vision is critical for their academic and social development. Many learning materials, especially in today's digital age, involve screens, which can increase nearsightedness rates. If your child struggles in school, has frequent headaches, or squints while reading, they may have undiagnosed vision problems. Frequent eye exams with an eye doctor can detect these issues early, and glasses can significantly improve their performance in school.
Aging and vision care
Maintaining your vision becomes more important as you age, especially with the onset of conditions like presbyopia. This natural part of aging typically starts around age 40, and seeing a doctor can help determine the best corrective options. Reading glasses, multifocal lenses, or other treatments like corneal inlays may suit your needs.
Taking care of your vision is essential at every age. Fix an appointment with an eye doctor near you to ensure your eyes stay healthy!
Finding the best eye doctors in Chicago, Illinois
Symptoms of glaucoma present stealthily and can cause irreversible damage to the eyes. Regular checkups are the only way to catch the disease early and slow its progress. Finding a good eye doctor near you, specifically an ophthalmologist specializing in treating glaucoma, is crucial, and Zocdoc can help you here. Using our platform, you can also find in-network practitioners.
You can find the best ophthalmologists in your area in just a few simple steps. Please start by creating an account on Zocdoc for free and, using the search bar, enter the condition you want treatment for, the clinical procedure you want to undergo, or the specialist you wish to see. The website will list the best ophthalmologists in Chicago, Illinois.
Once you go to a particular doctor's page, you will get detailed information about the doctors' qualifications, certifications, work experience, and awards. Every doctor's page on Zocdoc also includes verified patient accounts of their experience; this will guide you in making a confident and informed choice. You can book an in-person appointment or online consultation based on your convenience and the ophthalmologist's availability.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer not to share your insurance or plan to pay without using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more information, log onto the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Locating a top-rated eye doctor near you is now easier! All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free!
Glaucoma statistics in Chicago
An article by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) talks about a study conducted to understand the differences in the types of visual impairment in adults over 40. The study calculated the numbers in 2015 and made projections for 2050. While Florida and Hawaii had the highest per capita prevalence of visual impairment in 2015 at ~2.56% and ~2.35%, respectively, the numbers were at ~2.13% for Illinois. The study projected the prevalence rate in Illinois to increase to ~3.32% by 2050.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
American Academy of Ophthalmology
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Cleveland Clinic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthline Media[1]
Healthline Media[2]
Vermont Eye Laser
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