Should You See an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are commonly confused, which is understandable. If you Google “eye doctor near me,” the results will likely be a mix of results for optometrists and ophthalmologists, so how do you know which one to see? Both types of eye doctors specialize in eyesight and the overall health of your eyes. However, one type of eye doctor may be better suited for specific situations.
The main difference is that while both optometrists and ophthalmologists perform vision screenings, only ophthalmologists are trained to perform comprehensive eye examinations. Comprehensive exams involve dilating the eyes, and are crucial for detecting more serious eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. (more…)