Optometrist in Burnsville MN | Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist
Are you confused about the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist? You’re not alone. These two medical professionals often get confused with each other, but they actually have very different roles in eye care. If you’d like to find an Optometrist in Burnsville MN, contact Insight Vision Care today.
What is an Optometrist in Burnsville MN
An optometrist is a healthcare professional who provides eye health care through exams, diagnoses, and treatment plans for disorders and diseases that relate to the eye. Optometrists are licensed to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. They can also prescribe glasses and contacts. For most people who need eye care, Optometrists are the ones to perform the job, as they make up approximately 85% of primary eye health care in the USA.
What do Optometrists do?
If you’re wondering exactly how optometrists can help you, you’re in luck. Your local optometrist will be able to perform a wide range of services to help your eyes get back to their best version possible. This usually begins with a comprehensive eye exam, but can include diagnosing and providing treatment plans for eye conditions. If you’re someone who has had troubles with your vision your whole life, an optometrist can perform regular exams to evaluate and monitor your eyes, and look out for secondary eye conditions that are associated with other systemic diseases, like thyroid disease or diabetes. However, even in cases where emergencies pop up and you need emergency eye care immediately, an optometrist can help. Optometrists can provide corrective eye wear for many different types of vision, in a number of different forms, from binocular lenses, to single-vision glasses, to readers, progressives, contact lenses, and more! Most optometrists will also provide you with fittings so you can find a pair of glasses that perfectly suit your face. Optometrists can even perform some minimally invasive, in-office procedures such as placing punctal plugs, draining styes, or epilating lashes. While the services your optometrist provides may vary from state to state due to individual state laws, it never hurts to reach out to your local optometrist to learn more.
What is an Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is another trained eye doctor with either a doctorate of Medicine, or a doctorate of osteopathic medicine. They can both diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions and diseases. While they have many specialties, ophthalmologists are known for their ability to evaluate, treat, and perform surgery on a number of eye conditions. While both Ophthalmologists and Optometrists can both evaluate and treat eye problems, only ophthalmologists can perform surgery.
What do Ophthalmologists do?
Just like optometrists, ophthalmologists can perform eye exams, and prescribe corrective lenses to improve vision. However, while optometrists can only prescribe medication as a treatment option, ophthalmologists can also perform corrective surgeries, such as LASIK, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and even retinal detachment repair. For those with conditions that can affect eye health, such as diabetes or other vascular diseases, ophthalmologists can provide intraocular injections.
Who can help with Eye Surgery
If you are in need of a specific eye surgery procedure, it is best to consult with an ophthalmologist. This specialist can help identify the cause of your condition, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. If you don’t know an ophthalmologist, you can talk with your optometrist to see who they can recommend for further treatment.
Who can help with Eye Care
Depending on the level of eye care you need, you’ll likely be able to work with either an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Both of these eye doctors can prescribe corrective lenses and medication, along with routine eye exams. If you have a condition that requires surgery, an ophthalmologist is the best option. This doctor has completed medical school and residency programs in addition to specialized training in eye care. They can perform a wide range of procedures including cataract removal, refractive surgery and LASIK correction. If you don’t know an ophthalmologist, your optometrist can help point you in the right direction.
Can either perform Eye exams?
Both Ophthalmologists and Optometrists can preform routine eye exams. An eye exam is a crucial part of maintaining good vision, and it should be done at least once every two years. Your doctor will test your vision with a variety of tools and techniques, including asking you to read letters or words from a chart. They may also use a device called an Amsler grid, which tests for any changes in your central vision.
At Insight Vision Care, we would be happy to help you and your family with all your vision needs. Whether it’s comprehensive eye exams, eye surgery, treatment plans, eyewear, or a different need, Insight Vision Care is always here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to get your questions about eye care answered. We want to be your trusted optometrist in Burnsville MN today!