How to Choose an Eye Doctor If You Have Presbyopia
With the possible exception of our skin, no human organ is as sensitive to the ravages of time as our eyes.
How do we know? Because all of us experience some degree of vision decline as we age.
The most common change occurs after the age of 40, when it generally becomes harder to focus on objects up close because of a condition called presbyopia.
What Is It? As we grow older, the lenses inside of our eyes start to harden, which limits their ability to change shape and focus on things right in front of them.
This loss of flexibility results in a blurred near vision known as presbyopia.
It is no wonder approximately 75 percent of adults wears eyeglasses or contact lenses to help them read, according to the Vision Council of America.
What Can You Do about It? Because it is a normal, natural part of aging, presbyopia is inescapable.
As mentioned, most people notice a decline in their near vision shortly after their 40th birthday.
They might not want to admit to themselves that they're getting older; many folks try to work around it for as long as they possibly can.
They might hold the newspaper a little farther away or get an electronic reading device with magnifying settings.
But, sooner or later, they will need eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct the problem.
How Do I Choose an Eye Doctor? If you have never had problems with your sight in the past, odds are you won't know whom to call.
Because there are several different kinds of vision specialists, finding the right eye doctor can be a bit tricky.
With that is mind, you should learn about the two main types of eye doctors.
What Is an Ophthalmologist? As medical doctors who are licensed to perform surgery, ophthalmologists test for and treat all visual issues and conditions.
As a general rule, however, it is not necessary to see an ophthalmologist if you have a simple case of presbyopia.
Yes, these talented, experienced doctors could easily treat the issue.
But because most of their time is spent with patients who are suffering from serious, degenerative eye issues, such as glaucoma or cataracts, it may be difficult to get an appointment with one if this is your only issue.
What Is an Optometrist? Although they have medical training, optometrists are not physicians.
As such, they spend most of their time on routine vision care.
And because testing people who need glasses or contacts is their bread and butter, optometrists treat people with presbyopia on a regular basis.
Which Eye Doctor Should You See? If presbyopia is the only issue you have, an optometrist is certainly equal to the task.
Not only is it often easier to get appointment with one, but optometrists typically treat more cases of the disorder than ophthalmologists do.
How do we know? Because all of us experience some degree of vision decline as we age.
The most common change occurs after the age of 40, when it generally becomes harder to focus on objects up close because of a condition called presbyopia.
What Is It? As we grow older, the lenses inside of our eyes start to harden, which limits their ability to change shape and focus on things right in front of them.
This loss of flexibility results in a blurred near vision known as presbyopia.
It is no wonder approximately 75 percent of adults wears eyeglasses or contact lenses to help them read, according to the Vision Council of America.
What Can You Do about It? Because it is a normal, natural part of aging, presbyopia is inescapable.
As mentioned, most people notice a decline in their near vision shortly after their 40th birthday.
They might not want to admit to themselves that they're getting older; many folks try to work around it for as long as they possibly can.
They might hold the newspaper a little farther away or get an electronic reading device with magnifying settings.
But, sooner or later, they will need eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct the problem.
How Do I Choose an Eye Doctor? If you have never had problems with your sight in the past, odds are you won't know whom to call.
Because there are several different kinds of vision specialists, finding the right eye doctor can be a bit tricky.
With that is mind, you should learn about the two main types of eye doctors.
What Is an Ophthalmologist? As medical doctors who are licensed to perform surgery, ophthalmologists test for and treat all visual issues and conditions.
As a general rule, however, it is not necessary to see an ophthalmologist if you have a simple case of presbyopia.
Yes, these talented, experienced doctors could easily treat the issue.
But because most of their time is spent with patients who are suffering from serious, degenerative eye issues, such as glaucoma or cataracts, it may be difficult to get an appointment with one if this is your only issue.
What Is an Optometrist? Although they have medical training, optometrists are not physicians.
As such, they spend most of their time on routine vision care.
And because testing people who need glasses or contacts is their bread and butter, optometrists treat people with presbyopia on a regular basis.
Which Eye Doctor Should You See? If presbyopia is the only issue you have, an optometrist is certainly equal to the task.
Not only is it often easier to get appointment with one, but optometrists typically treat more cases of the disorder than ophthalmologists do.
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