The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

Optometrists or ophthalmologists? | Israel today

2022-05-10T11:50:47.918Z


Who is examined for strabismus, who is referred for when there is inflammation in the eye, who measures the curves of the cornea and at what age are the children taken for vision tests? It's time to dump her and move on


Find the differences

Many of the patients who come to be examined do not know how to identify the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists, and stand confused when it comes to choosing between the two.

So in which cases do you turn to any professional?

What is the urgency and frequency of testing?

And what are the roles of each of them?

It's time to point out the main differences between the two, and enlighten our eyes, when it is advisable to consult an optometrist and when to see an ophthalmologist.

Division of labor

First of all, it is important not to confuse an optometrist with an optician.

An optician is a spectacle technician, whose job is to cut and assemble the spectacle lenses, according to the optometrist's prescription.

On what topics do you turn to optometrists?

  • Matching glasses and prescribing glasses with single-focus lenses for far / near.

  • Bifocal, multifocal and office lenses.

  • Adapting daily, monthly, regular, multifocal or special contact lenses to different situations, all after corneal curvature measurements, physiological, mental and cognitive assessment.

  • Performing tests that rule out strabismus and the function of the intraocular lenses.

  • Tests under an eye microscope, in order to rule out pathological findings.

  • Counseling regarding the sense of sight and raising awareness of the importance of examinations at an ophthalmologist.

On what topics do you consult ophthalmologists?

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pathologies (diseases and various disabilities).

Most ophthalmologists do not prescribe glasses and refer patients to an optometrist, but there are ophthalmologists (especially pediatric ophthalmologists) who also prescribe and perform a common procedure called "cycloplegia". That it is not possible to prescribe without the infusion).

The recommended routine tests throughout our lives:

In accordance with the recommendations of the Israeli Ophthalmologists Association, in accordance with the American standard, these are the routine tests recommended during our lives (some of them are mandatory tests):

  • Immediately after the baby is born -

    an ophthalmologist's examination at the hospital, which rules out significant pathologies, which may cause future complications, such as tumors, cataracts and other structural problems. 

  • At the age of six months -

    an examination by an ophthalmologist is recommended, because at this age the visual acuity is sufficiently developed and it is advisable to rule out pathologies that require intervention.

  • At the age of 3 years -

    an examination by an ophthalmologist is recommended, since at this age most children enter supervised educational settings, and during this period additional pathologies may be discovered that can be treated effectively.

  • At the age of 6-7 -

    before entering first grade, an ophthalmologist's examination is recommended, in addition to the survey examination performed by an optometrist, as part of the Ministry of Health's examinations. 

  • From elementary school to age 18 -

    an optometrist's tests are recommended once a year, as most children, especially young people, do not know how to assess and express impaired visual acuity and may have a negative effect on concentration and learning ability and their cognitive, mental and social development.

    If glasses and / or contact lenses are fitted, follow-up is recommended once every six months, as at these ages the prescription may change significantly, as a result of the physiological changes that also affect vision. 

  • Ages 13-14 -

    A survey is performed by an optometrist in the education framework, under the control of the Ministry of Health.

  • Prior to military service -

    GPs are required to have an optometrist or ophthalmologist check. If the defect is significant, an ophthalmologist examination is required.

  • Over the age of 40 -

    It is recommended to see an ophthalmologist once a year, which includes an intraocular pressure test and pupil dilation, in order to examine the eye thoroughly and use the early diagnostic tool, which can help save the sense of sight, and in some cases even save lives.

    There are tumors in the eyes and brain that can be detected through the eyes.

    It is important to note that in most cases, high intraocular pressure does not have any early symptoms and irreversible damage can occur.

  • Tests that are not routine, when you feel abnormal

    It is recommended to consult an optometrist if you feel that the sharpness of vision changes gradually with far, near vision, etc. (this change is common after the age of 40).

    If necessary, the optometrist refers to an ophthalmologist, preferably accompanied by a letter detailing the reason for the referral and the findings, in order to facilitate communication and promote treatment if necessary.

    It is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist (not urgently), in any case of mild pain, inflammation, discharge, follow-up of keratoconus, cataracts, and diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.

    It is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist urgently if one of the following symptoms appears: sharp pain in the eye, sudden decrease in visual acuity, sudden doubling, "screen" or bleeding in the field of vision, "flashes" of light from the eyes (not in a migraine attack), "flies" "In very large quantities and more.

    In conclusion, our eyes are precious to us and in order to receive holistic treatment, it is important to be examined by both an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, both in routine preventive tests and in specific tests, depending on the symptoms and their severity.

    The author of the article is Avital Rabin, a optometrist at Super-Pharm Optic Nof Hagalil

    Source: israelhayom

    All life articles on 2022-05-10

    You may like

    Trends 24h

    Latest

    © Communities 2019 - Privacy

    The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
    The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.