Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Eye Infection Doctor Or Optometrist

Must read

Pain In The Back Of The Eye

What are the signs of an eye infection?

Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness. It is characterized by pain in the back of the eye caused by elevated pressure from the liquid inside the eyeball. When the pain is accompanied by patchy vision, it can be a red flag that treatment is needed. Severe headache and tunnel vision are generally present in advanced cases.

The Importance Of An Annual Visit With An Eye Doctor

An eye doctor is also known as an optometrist, and they are responsible for the eyes. Just like any other medical professional, eye doctors recommend that patients undergo regular examinations, generally at least once a year.

Want to know more about annual visits to the eye doctor? This article outlines why it is important, as well as what to expect from a yearly appointment.

How Can I Find A Top

You can use Zocdoc to find Eye Infection doctors who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, theyre invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdocs guidelines.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Tooth Infection Pain

There Are Different Types Of Eye Doctors

If youve ever booked an eye exam, needed eye surgery, or had an eye infection, youve likely noticed there are different kinds of eye doctors to choose from. From optometrists to ophthalmologists, you may be confused about who you should see and when.

Whats the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist anyway ? Each eye care professional plays their own important role in your eye care, so its helpful to know the difference.

What Are The Treatments For An Eye Infection

How to Choose the Best Optometrist? Know the Top 8 Secrets  Best In ...

Dr. Arthur develops an individualized treatment plan for your eye infection based on microorganism responsible for the infection, as well as the severity of your symptoms.

For a bacterial infection, Dr. Arthur prescribes antibiotic eye drops. Most viral eye infections clear up on their own in time. However, if you have a severe viral infection, Dr. Arthur may prescribe antiviral eye drops, as well as steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. Oral antibiotics or antivirals may also be given.

After a week or so of treatment, Dr. Arthur has you return to the office so he can re-evaluate your eyes and make sure your treatment plan is working.

Eye infections should be evaluated by an eye doctor. For comprehensive care from an optometrist who puts your eye health needs first, contact Perspective Family Eyecare by phone or online today.

Read Also: How To Tell Your Boyfriend You Have A Yeast Infection

Types Of Eye Problems

The eyes are rather delicate compared to the rest of the body because it is surrounded by thin-layered skin. The thin skin is prone to aging and damage if not taken care of. As a result, this can affect the way your eyes work. Also because we use them quite often they can be easily overused. Both children and adults may experience eye diseases.

Don’t Wait To Get Your Eyes Checked See An Eye Doctor At Optometrists’ Clinic Today

It is important to visit an optometrist in Edmonton for an eye exam if you think you might have an eye infection. You can trust Optometrists’ Clinic to provide you with the prompt care and attention you deserve. We have proudly been serving the Edmonton area for over 80 years, and we offer an after-hours, on-call service in case of emergencies.If you have an eye infection or you are experiencing any other vision or eye health problems, don’t hesitate to contact Optometrists’ Clinic for an appointment with an Edmonton eye doctor.

Read Also: Swollen Chin From Tooth Infection

When Should You See An Optometrist

You can see your optometrist for most of your routine eye care needs. In fact, you should see them for a routine eye checkup every year or so just to make sure your eyesight is optimized and your eyes are healthy. Many eye diseases develop with no symptoms, so an eye exam is vital for monitoring your eyes in general.

When To See An Optometrist

Ask The Expert – Dr. Gabriel Sosne – Pink Eye and Viral Eye Infections

You should see an optometrist at least once a year for an annual checkup and any time you experience eye health problems. Optometrists are the first line of defense when dealing with eye conditions.

They are primary health care professionals, so they provide routine care and begin the process of treating specific problems just like your family doctor or primary general practitioner. Optometrists solve most vision health problems, but if they cannot, theyll refer patients to an ophthalmologist.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? An optometrist treats basic eye health issues, whereas ophthalmologists treat more advanced issues.

You May Like: What Antibiotic Used For Bladder Infection

Are Video Visits With An Eye Infection Doctor Online Covered By My Insurance

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Eye Infection doctors who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.

What Is An Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine .

Ophthalmologists have the most education of any eye health care provider. They diagnose eye diseases and treat them surgically when needed.

Optometrists refer most patients in need of eye surgery to an ophthalmologist. A referral is also likely for patients with more complicated or progressive eye diseases.

Recommended Reading: Kidney Infection E Coli Sepsis

What Does An Optician Do

Opticians work with eye doctors to ensure patients get the best possible eyewear based on their prescription. Many vision clinics have opticians on staff. Opticians provide routine care, adjustment, and refills of eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are not doctors, but they can answer general eye care questions.

Opticians or dispensing opticians play an important role in advising and dispensing glasses and contacts.

Opticians:

  • Receive and refill eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions
  • Measure, fit, and adjust glasses frames
  • Help people choose frames, contacts, and other eyewear accessories
  • Perform general operational duties at the vision care clinic or office

Trust The Doctors Of Optometry At Optical Expressions

Comprehensive Eye Exam

You can trust our professional team at Optical Expressions in Phoenix and Scottsdale with all of your eye care needs. We can see you quickly, perform an examination, and prescribe topical or oral medications to get your eye infection cleared up as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists at our Willo District office at , our Hilton Village office at , or our Esplanade office at .

Recommended Reading: Get Rid Of Urine Infection

Who Can Diagnose And Treat Eye Problems

Health professionals who are qualified to diagnose and treat eye diseases are optometrists and ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists complete 4 years of medical school and perform 4 years of residency training. Optometrists complete 4 years of optometry school and 1 year of residency training. Ophthalmologists have the title MD attached to their name and optometrists have the title DO attached to their name. Optometrists can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and treat most eye diseases.

How Can An Eye Doctor Help

The optometrist has the equipment, as well as the knowledge, to diagnose eye infections and provide treatment for the infection. They can also guide good eye health and how to keep the infection from returning. Furthermore, the eye doctor can determine if the infection is a symptom of a more serious condition that needs to be addressed.

Recommended Reading: Can Cefuroxime Treat Yeast Infection

Do I Have An Eye Infection

An eye infection can happen when bacteria, viruses or fungi invade part of the eye or its surrounding area. This includes the clear front surface of the eye and the thin, moist membrane lining the outer eye and inner eyelids .

Many eye infections go away on their own or with simple treatment. Less commonly, an eye infection can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.

Can Optometrists Treat Eye Infections

Can optometrists treat eye problems such as infections and injuries?

Even if you keep up with a regular eye care routine, an eye infection could emerge, causing discomfort and affecting your quality of life. But who should treat your eye infection? Your physician, your optometrist, or someone else?

Well dive into where you should seek medical attention and provide more details on some common types of eye infections.

Please note, if your eye infection is in conjunction with severe pain, excessive discharge, or fever, see your eye doctor immediately.

You May Like: Can A Yeast Infection Cause A Fishy Odor

Services They Provide And What Conditions They Can Treat

You can visit an ophthalmologist for the same care as an optometrist, such as a routine eye exam or prescription refill. However, an ophthalmologist can also perform eye surgery for various diseases and conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and strabismus surgery, plus more.

Ophthalmologists provide the following services:

  • basic optometry services
  • medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases
  • rehabilitation services after eye surgery

Ophthalmologists receive 12 or more years of training in order to be able to perform in-depth surgical procedures for diseases of the eyes. Given that this is their specialty, almost all ophthalmologists will focus on this as their primary scope of care.

Can An Optometrists Diagnose Eye Problems

Your eyes are a vital part of your body that help you see the things and people around you. Of the five senses, it is considered one of the most often used. This important organ works to take in and process visual images so that the brain can comprehend and gauge the distance of objects. The size of a human eye is equivalent to a ping pong ball. When it comes to eye diseases, there are a few different ones you have to worry about. Below is more information about these diseases, as well as what optometrists can diagnose.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Ear Infection To Drain

How An Optometrist Can Treat Common Eye Infections

An optometry office is the appropriate facility to visit when experiencing an eye infection. There, an eye doctor, otherwise known as an optometrist, can diagnose, manage and treat the infection appropriately. Modern medicine has allowed for a variety of ways to treat issues like eye infections.

Wondering how eye infections get treated? Learn more in this article about what an optometry office may offer patients who are experiencing a common eye infection. This information can be helpful to someone who is not sure what to do about their infected eye.

Optician: Eyeglasses And Contact Lenses

Glaucoma

Opticians arenât eye doctors and canât give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your eye doctor gives you. They also:

  • Check lens prescriptions
  • Help decide which type of lenses and frames will work best
  • Order and check products, including contacts and eyeglass lenses

Read Also: Prednisone Prescribed For Sinus Infection

Common Eye Infections When To Consult An Optometrist

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is when the clear layer that covers the white part of your eye becomes infected. It can occur in only one eye, both eyes, or start with one eye and spread to the other eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal agents. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, teary eyes, light sensitivity and ocular irritation . Conjunctivitis usually resolves within a few days and can be treated with self-medication. Anti-histamine eye drops will help treat the symptoms of itchy eyes. Anti-bacterial ointment will help with symptoms of ocular discomfort. If, however, the condition does not improve, seek help from your optometrist.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelids cover and protect your eyes. You may experience scratchy, red, dry eyes with slightly swollen, red, irritated eyelids. In severe cases the eyelashes stick together and vision may even be affected. Blepharitis has many causes. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, malfunction of the oil glands in the eyelids, dandruff, or even mites or lice. It is best treated by a combination of tear lubricant, anti-bacterial ointment and good hygiene. Consult your optometrist for proper treatment of this infection, especially if it is recurrent.

Keratitis is inflammation of the clear layer that covers the coloured part of your eye . Corneal infections are usually painful.

Minimise the occurrence

A stye presents as a raised red bump on or under the eyelid.

What Kind Of Doctor Can Treat An Eye Infection

While there are three types of doctors that specialize in treating eyes, only two are deemed qualified to treat eye infections. Eyes are sensitive and not every doctor can treat the different types of injuries or conditions that eyes experience. If you are looking to get a regular eye exam, visit an optician. However, for more serious problems such as cataracts, or injections the best doctors to visit are an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.

Recommended Reading: How To Heal Kidney Infection Naturally

Optometrist Vs Ophthalmologist: Whats The Difference

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are eye specialists, but they have different levels of training and areas of expertise. Depending on your overall eye health or the type of problem with your vision, you may need to seek care specifically provided by each of these different eye professionals.

An optician often is called an “eye doctor” as well, but they are typically technicians. A licensed optician will help you to choose eyewear and ensure it’s the right product and prescription.

This article explains the differences between these eye specialists and how they’re trained. It also presents some common eye health conditions and who is typically best positioned to treat them.

Verywell / Ellen Lindner

The Anatomy Of Human Eyes

New Treatment for Eye Infections

The eye is composed of 3 layers. The white, outermost layer of the eye is called the sclera. The sclera is the protective clear film on top of the eyes. It is made up of fibrous, strong tissues and is fixed to the cornea. The second layer of the eye is called the choroid. The choroid is made up of blood vessels that help bring essential nutrients and oxygen to the internal parts of the eyes. The third layer is known as the retina. The retina is the innermost layer of the eye that helps convert light into something your brain can recognize. The retina is located near the optic nerve.

The iris is the colored part of the eye the eye color you were born with. The circular part covering the iris is called the cornea. The pupil is the black dot found in the middle of the iris and helps let light into the eyes. Eyebrows, eyelids, and eyelashes protect the eyes externally. The eyeball rests in an orbit, also known as the eye socket. The eye socket is made of bone and encases the entire eyeball. Tears produced in the eyes help protect the eyes from an internal standpoint. They help flush out any irritants, dirt, and dust that tries to enter through the eyes.

Also Check: Best Antibiotic For Severe Tooth Infection

Which Doctor Is Best For Your Eye Care

The answer depends on your needs and preferences.

Exams and prescriptions. Either optometrists or ophthalmologists may perform eye exams. And either can prescribe glasses or contact lenses.

Special contact lens fittings. An optometrist is often the better option for contact lens wearers. Optometrists often specialize in difficult contact lens fittings, and are often best for that type of examination, Dr. Wagenberg says.

Laser and other surgeries. If youre considering laser surgery or need other surgeries, an ophthalmologist is the right choice. Otherwise, a good optometrist can handle what a general ophthalmologist can, he says.

Serious eye conditions. If you have a serious condition severe macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, for instance youll typically see a specialist . If you dont have any serious eye problems, the choice is really up to you.

What To Expect During An Exam

During an eye exam, the doctor will likely look in the back of the eye to see the retina, check the pressure of the eye fluid and have the patient look through a variety of lenses to check vision without glasses. The doctor will check tracking and ask a number of health questions to help determine the cause of any vision issues and develop a possible treatment plan.

You May Like: What Can Treat Urinary Tract Infection

Optometry Located In Kennesaw Ga& Marietta Ga & Atlanta Ga

If your eyes are red, swollen, painful, or leaking, theres a good chance that youre experiencing an eye infection. Left untreated, eye infections could grow severe enough to cause vision loss. Its important to see the optometry specialists at Classic Vision Care, with a location in Kennesaw, and Atlanta, Georgia and two others in Marietta, Georgia, as soon as possible. The dedicated team promptly identifies the problem and treats your infection to help your eyes feel better fast. Book an appointment through the online tool or by calling the location nearest you now.

Do They Perform Surgery

Itchy Eyes And Its Causes

Depending on the scope of practice within the state, both optometrists and ophthalmologists can perform eye surgery. However, optometrists are limited in the surgeries they can perform while ophthalmologists can perform any and all surgical procedures they are trained for.

An optician is a customer service representative who works in a vision care store or optometrists office.

Recommended Reading: Does Zpack Cause Yeast Infection

Which Is The Best Eye Doctor For Specific Needs

If you have needs beyond a routine eye exam or contact lens fitting, the following table lists which type of eye doctor is likely the best choice for your specific needs.

NOTE: This table is intended as a general guide only to help you with your search for specialized eye care and is not all-inclusive. The best eye doctor for your needs depends on several factors and may not be predicted with 100% accuracy by the following suggestions. Also, the scope of specialized eye care provided by optometrists may vary depending on where you live.

More articles

Popular Articles