Published: 02 December 2024

Knowing the difference between the various specialties in the eye care industry can be confusing, especially given the fact that they all start with the same letter and in many ways sound alike. So, here’s a breakdown of the different monikers to make life a little less confusing for those wanting to get an eye exam. Ophthalmologists Ophthalmologists (pronounced “OFF-thal-mologists”) are eye doctors who went to four years of undergraduate university, four years of medical school and four to five years of ophthalmic residency training in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disease. Many ophthalmologists then go on to pursue sub-specialty fellowships that can be an additional one to three years of education in areas such as cataract and refractive surgery, cornea and external disease, retina, oculoplastic surgery, pediatrics, and neuro-ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists are licensed to perform eye surgery, treat eye diseases with eye drops or oral medications, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Optometrists Optometrists are eye doctors who went to undergraduate university for four years, then went on to optometry school for four years. Many optometrists choose to pursue an additional year of residency after optometry school, though this is not a requirement for licensure. Optometrists are licensed in the medical treatment and management of eye disease, and prescribing glasses and contact lenses. The ability to prescribe varies by state law. In some states, optometrists can perform certain minimally invasive laser surgical procedures, but on the whole, optometrists do not perform eye surgery. In addition, optometrists usually have different sub-specialties from ophthalmologists, including vision therapy, specialty contact lenses, and low vision. The analogy I use most often in comparing optometrists to ophthalmologists is that of a dentist and oral surgeon. Many people choose to have optometrists as their primary eye care provider doctor for medical treatment of eye disease, but when surgery is needed, they are referred to the proper ophthalmologist. Opticians Opticians specialize in the fitting, adjustment, and measuring of eye glasses. Some states require that opticians are licensed, and others do not. If you have any questions about which professional is the right fit for your needs, check with your eye-care professional’s office and they’ll be happy to answer them for you. Article contributed by Dr. Jonathan Gerard

Published: 18 November 2024

If you were to do a Google news search for sports-related eye injuries today, chances are you'd find multiple recent stories about some pretty scary eye injuries. Whether they are professionals, high school or college athletes, or kids in community sports programs, no one is immune to the increased danger sports brings to the eyes. Here are some facts about sports-related eye injuries: Eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children in the United States and most injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related. One-third of the victims of sports-related eye injuries are children. Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the United States treats a sports-related eye injury. These injuries account for an estimated 100,000 physician visits per year at a cost of more than $175 million. Ninety percent of sports-related eye injuries could be avoided with the use of protective eyewear. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards designed for individual sports. Protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate or Trivex. Ordinary prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses do not protect against eye injuries. Safety goggles should be worn over them. The highest risk sports are: Paintball Baseball Basketball Racquet Sports Boxing and Martial Arts The most common injuries associated with sports are: Abrasions and contusions Detached retinas Corneal lacerations and abrasions Cataracts Hemorrhages Eye loss Protect your vision--or that of your young sports star. Make an appointment with your eye doctor today to discuss protective eyewear for your young athlete! Article contributed by Dr. Brian Wnorowski, M.D.