There are two types of "eye doctors," who are both trained to detect, diagnose and manage eye diseases—optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Optometrists earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and are licensed to examine eyes for both vision and health problems. They routinely write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses and can treat some eye diseases but when serious eye disease is detected, you'll likely be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are licensed to perform eye surgery and specialize in monitoring and treating conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Like optometrists, ophthalmologists perform routine vision and health screenings—but only ophthalmologists can provide the entire scope of treatment options.
The most common test either type of doctor will conduct will be a measurement of how well you see. Normal vision is considered 20/20—when standing or seated 20 feet away from a vision chart, you can see what a "normal" eye sees. If you have 20/40 vision, it means that when you stand 20 feet away from the chart you can see what a normal human can see when standing 40 feet from the chart.
Most abnormal vision is caused by "refractive errors," problems with the way the front of the eye is able to bend (or refract) light and point it to the back surface of the eye, called the retina. Any changes in the length of the eye, or the shape of either the lens or the cornea, make it more difficult for the eyes to focus light.
When the cornea (the clear tissue covering the front of the eye) is abnormally curved, it causes blurry vision—a refractive error called astigmatism. The cause of astigmatism is unknown. It is usually present from birth, and often occurs in combination with one of the two most common refractive errors:
- Nearsightedness: If you are nearsighted, you have trouble seeing things that are far away. Light entering the near-sighted eye is focused incorrectly, making distant objects appear blurred.
- Farsightedness: If you are farsighted, you have trouble seeing things closer to you than in the distance. With farsightedness, visual images are often focused behind the eye's retina rather than on it.
Abnormal vision can be "corrected" with glasses and contact lenses created by opticians. Opticians are not eye doctors. They use prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists to fill and sell eyeglasses, contact lenses and other corrective eyewear.
Questions about Your Eyes? Call Nurseline!
If you're having eye problems, members can call Nurseline at 866.220.3138 any time of the day or night. We can help you evaluate your symptoms and recommend what type of eye care provider would best meet your needs.
Hear About Common Eye Problems: The Nurseline Audio Library
The Nurseline Audio Library has information on a wide variety of health and safety topics. To hear more about eye problems and other eye-related issues, call 866.220.3138 and push 2. When prompted, punch in:
- 1516 Diabetic Retinopathy
- 1700 Eye Problems
- 1702 Vision Tests
- 1703 Contact Lens Care
- 1705 Eye Injuries
- 1708 Pinkeye
- 1709 Cataracts
- 1710 Color Blindness
- 1711 Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- 1712 Glaucoma
- 1713 Strabismus
- 1716 Should I Have Laser Surgery for Nearsightedness?
- 1717 Floaters and Flashes
- 2152 Cataract Surgery
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