Who are optometrists?
Optometrists are healthcare practitioners trained in examining and treating conditions related to the eyes. They can identify and diagnose problems like signs of injury, diseases that affect the eyes (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), or defects in vision. After an assessment, they can offer advice, prescribe medication, corrective lenses, or spectacles, and make referrals to specialists if they require surgical procedures. It is crucial to know that they are not medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DO).
An optometrist can attend to the following:
- Infections
- Color blindness
- Nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Presbyopia
- Inflammation
- Astigmatism
- Double vision
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal issues
- Cataracts
What kind of education and training do optometrists receive?
The first step to becoming an optometrist is to complete a four-year undergraduate degree. After attending optometry school, they obtain a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, which requires four years of education. Some optometrists may also undertake a one-year residency program.
While an optometrist can treat eye issues, they cannot perform surgery. For eye problems with surgical requirements, your optometrist will recommend you to an ophthalmologist, a medically trained doctor. Optometrists also differ from opticians, who hold a two-year-long technical certification and fit corrective equipment.
Difference between optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists
When you go for an eye check-up, seeing the right eye care provider is important. Three main types of professionals assist with eye care: optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) specializing in eye care. They undergo extensive educational training to understand eye health. Ophthalmologists can treat all kinds of vision issues and perform surgeries. Some even specialize in specific parts of the eye or particular eye problems. They may also be involved in researching new treatments for eye conditions.
Optometrists, unlike ophthalmologists, are not medical doctors. They specialize in the field of optometry, which involves prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses and performing vision screenings to detect specific eye abnormalities.
Meanwhile, an optician helps you choose the right glasses or contacts but does not check your eyes or prescribe medication. They ensure that glasses fit properly and are suitable for your needs.
When should you see an optometrist?
Scheduling routine exams with your optometrist can help you maintain strong vision and detect eye conditions before they worsen. During an exam, your optometrist will assess your vision, alignment of the eyes, and how your eye muscles function. Further inspection of the eyes allows an optometrist to identify glaucoma, diabetes, and other health problems.
The following situations indicate that you must visit an optometrist near you:
1. If you cannot recall the last time you checked your eyes, you should do it immediately. This is advisable as most eye issues tend to go unnoticed due to being symptomless. They keep worsening as time passes. Early detection can help prevent your optic nerves from getting damaged due to glaucoma or the clouding of your lens because of cataracts. Based on a discussion with your eye-care practitioner, you can schedule appointments once in two years. Additionally, after attaining 65 years of age, it is recommended that you visit the optometrist annually.
2. Being at high risk for developing eye diseases also requires more frequent optometry visits. If you have a family history of eye disease, have diabetes, wear contact lenses, work long hours on the computer, or have undergone eye surgery, you should get annual eye check-ups.
3. Red and irritated eyes can be a sign of allergies. If you experience burning, itchiness, or watery discharge from your eyes, you may be allergic to things like grass, smoke, perfume, mold, pet dander, etc.
4. Headaches can result from eye strain and, thus, indicate that your vision may not be 20/20. It is caused due to the inability of the eyes to focus, resulting in the eyes working harder than usual. If you have headaches after reading, stitching, or working on your computer for an extended period, you should consult your eye care practitioner.
5. If you see doubles, floaters, flashes, circles, or halos around lights, etc., you should get your eyes tested immediately by the best optometrist near you.
Comprehensive eye exam and vision screening: What's the difference?
A comprehensive eye exam encompasses a series of tests that thoroughly evaluate your eye health and vision. In addition to assessing your eye health, optometrists can spot symptoms of conditions affecting other body parts, such as brain tumors, aneurysms, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
On the other hand, vision screenings, often conducted in schools, pediatrician offices, or at the DMV, are less reliable than comprehensive eye exams. While they may detect some vision problems, they often miss many, potentially giving a false sense of security to those who "pass" the screening. This can delay the timely diagnosis and treatment, which may worsen over time.
How do you choose an eye doctor, and how do you prepare before a visit to an optometrist?
Before your first eye appointment, you must determine which practitioner you must visit. If you only go for a routine check-up, you can see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
On the day of your session, you should carry your glasses or contact lenses with their power and brand listed. Your practitioner may also ask you to refrain from putting contacts for a few days until the visit. You should make a list of allergies and health issues, your medical insurance information, details of ongoing or previous medication, and any specific questions you may have.
During the visit, after taking the patient's history, the practitioner will perform vision tests, eye exams, tonometry, etc. The first appointment can last one or two hours. However, subsequent ones will generally be shorter. Collect a copy of your eyeglass prescription at the end of your appointment, if needed.
How to take care of your eyes
Here are some of the ways you can look after your eyes better:
- Eat right to maintain good eye health. Eat various fruits and vegetables, but focus on ones like spinach, kale, and collards, which contain essential vitamins and antioxidants that improve eye health. Salmon, tuna, and halibut are among the healthiest seafood options for your eyes, as they contain good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
- People who exercise often have a better body weight than those who don't. The chance of developing diabetes and other illnesses affecting one's eyesight increases proportionately to one's body mass index. Therefore, get up and go for a walk!
- Long-term sun exposure can harm your eyes and raise the risk of acquiring cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
- Wear sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays and keep your eyes healthy.
- Wear protective eye gear. Certain sports, industrial and construction professions, and DIY tasks around the house all call for protective eyewear to prevent eye damage.
- Avoid harmful substances such as cigarettes. Smoking makes age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage worse.
- Investigate your ancestors' health records. Knowing your family history regarding eye disorders is crucial because some are hereditary. You can use this information to see if you are at a higher risk of acquiring an eye condition.
- If you use contacts, it's essential to keep it hygienic. Always thoroughly clean your hands before handling your contact lenses. Also, remember to clean them as directed and to swap them out as necessary.
- Get some rest for your eyes. When using a computer for long periods, it's easy to forget to blink, leading to dry eyes and headaches. The 20-20-20 rule can help keep your eyes stress-free: You should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes in which you look 20 feet ahead of you.
Finding a top-rated optometrist in El Paso, Texas
Are you unable to see clearly, or are you facing difficulty focusing on an object? If yes, then an optometrist can help you. However, finding one that suits your needs and meets your expectations in the area of your choice can be challenging. But Zocdoc is here to change that.
A web platform, Zocdoc, makes your search easier. You can start by signing up on the easy-to-use website. You can find quality optometrists around you by entering the details of your symptoms, area of residence, or other details.
Once you hit search, Zocdoc will display a list of the best optometrists in your vicinity. You can browse through to learn more about their qualifications, experience, areas of expertise, and licensure. You can also become familiar with their awards, accreditations, languages, ratings, whether or not they treat children, insurance plans they accept, etc. Once you have created a shortlist, you can rely on verified ratings from previous patients to make an informed decision.
If you need assistance finding optometrists who accept your insurance, our online patient support center is here to help. With Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, but you can use only one insurance plan per appointment. You can add your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. Alternatively, you can input your secondary insurance information if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc’s Intake forms.
With Zocdoc, you can book appointments before, during, or after office hours, depending on the optometrist's availability. If the optometrist's schedule permits, you can also book appointments on weekends and holidays.
After deciding upon a practitioner, you can book an in-person or virtual consultation directly via Zocdoc. Just look for a purple icon on the profiles of practitioners to see which providers offer online consultations.
Booking appointments with optometrists near you on Zocdoc is safe, quick, and free!
Optometry statistics in El Paso, Texas
According to IBIS World, as of August 2022, Texas had around 3,448 active optometrists. As per a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study, in May 2021, about 2,980 optometrists were practicing, making Texas the second-highest-employed state among all American states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Texas State Profile (last reviewed in November 2022) explains that more than 650,000 people in the state have complained of blindness or severe vision difficulties. Further, nearly 49% of Texans aged 65 and above with significant vision problems stated that they had suffered a fall. The CDC also found that those who experienced reduced vision also had greater chances of diabetes, arthritis, and mobility issues.
Sources
The College of Optometrists
Cleveland Clinic
Penn Medicine
WebMD
IBIS World
U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
Medical News Today
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
American Optometric Association
