Optometry & Ophthalmology Specialist

What are optometry and ophthalmology?

Many patients don't understand the difference between optometry and ophthalmology. 

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is a medical specialty area that focuses on the eyes. Ophthalmologists are trained medical doctors who diagnose and treat eye diseases. They also provide exams and corrective lens prescriptions. 

Optometry

Optometrists are also eye care professionals, but instead of attending medical school, they complete four years of training in an optometry program. Optometrists spend most of their time providing eye exams and corrective lenses. They can also diagnose and treat eye disease, but provide referrals to ophthalmologists for severe eye problems or procedures like cataracts treatment, LASIK, and macular degeneration management. 

What are the signs I need an eye doctor?

Changes to your vision are usually gradual, so you might not notice that your vision isn't as clear as it once was. However, you might notice that you have frequent headaches or that you're always squinting. As you age, you might find that you need to hold your phone at arm's length to see the text clearly. 

Your child might start to hold books closer to their face or close one eye to read. Their performance at school might decline if they can't see the board at the front of the class. 

Additionally, if you suddenly develop the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

• Blurred vision
• A sudden increase in floaters
• Darkened vision

Additionally, if you have diabetes, you should see an eye doctor at least once a year. Diabetes can damage your blood vessels, including the tiny vessels in your eyes, causing a condition called diabetic retinopathy. 

Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physicians offer same-day appointments whenever possible to ensure you and your family always have access to the care you need.

What services do optometry and ophthalmology include?

Eye exams are the foundation of both optometry and ophthalmology. The team provides comprehensive screening to check for signs of eye disease as well as monitoring your visual acuity. They can prescribe lenses as needed. 

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should have an eye exam every year to make sure your prescription is providing the clearest possible vision. If you don't need corrective lenses, you should still have your eyes checked every other year. 

In addition to eye exams, the team also treats and manages eye diseases. For example, they can provide medication for glaucoma or monitor the progression of your cataracts until you need cataract surgery. 

They can also treat eye emergencies like if you get a foreign object or debris in your eye or if a young child or pet accidentally scratches your eye. 

Call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today!