It is hard to overestimate the role of vision in the life of every person. We get most of the information from the outside world through visual perception: the shape, size, remoteness of objects, thanks to which we are clearly oriented in space. Virtually any skilled work requires the participation of vision. Unfortunately, with the growth of digital and computer technologies, the number of eye diseases and visual impairment increases in direct proportion. In this regard, more and more people who want to get an appointment with an optometrist.
Today, ophthalmology, a science that studies the physiology of the organs of vision, is undergoing a period of active development. Diseases that seemed incurable several years ago are now being successfully eliminated.
What does an oculist do?
An optometrist is a doctor who is involved in the prevention and treatment of eye diseases. It is also called an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor. In addition to deep knowledge of the structure of the eye and its diseases, the ophthalmologist must be able to understand the anatomy of the body, since eye diseases can be directly associated with impaired functioning of various organs.
Therefore, the optometrist is, first of all, a specialist of a wide profile, capable of not only making a diagnosis, but also identifying its cause.
Ophthalmology is a very responsible science that requires the use of modern equipment and instruments. Thanks to the use of new generation equipment and advanced examination methods, the appointment of an optometrist takes a minimum of time and proceeds absolutely painlessly.
How often should an eye test be performed?
At a young age, a person who does not have problems with vision is recommended to have an oculist check every 3-5 years.
In the period from 40 to 65 years, it is necessary to undergo an examination every 2-4 years.
People over 65 are advised to check their vision once a year. Subject to the presence of problems in this area, it is necessary that the optometrist prescribe treatment and a subsequent examination schedule.
At risk for eye diseases are people who are mature, old, and also suffering from diabetes mellitus and other diseases that affect vision.
Past injuries or eye diseases increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dystrophy, astigmatism.
Symptoms of eye diseases
If the following signs of visual impairment appear, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist:
swelling of the eyelids;
- change the color of the iris;
- squint;
- the appearance of pain, itching, burning in the eyes;
excessive tearing;
- bifurcation of objects;
- spots, extraneous lines in the field of view;
- difficulty in adapting eyes in dark rooms;
- increased photosensitivity;
- the appearance of a veil in the eyes, which prevents clear vision.
What does an eye test include?
During the diagnosis, the doctor will accurately determine visual acuity, measure intraocular pressure, examine the eye with a microscope, measure the thickness of the cornea, determine the length of the eye, carefully examine the retina, and also determine the level of tear production.
Eye Examination
Examination of the outer surface of the eye in most institutions is carried out according to the standard scheme. If necessary, the scope of the study extends optometrist. Vision testing begins with an examination of peripheral vision. Then an external examination of the eyelids is carried out for the absence of barley, tumor, cyst or weakening of the muscles of the eyelids. The assessment of the cornea, as well as the condition of the outer surface of the eyeballs.
Through a biomicroscope, the doctor examines the sclera - a dense white shell that covers the eye from the outside, as well as the conjunctiva - the transparent mucosa that protects the front of the eyeball. The reaction of the pupils to the effects of light is studied.
Vision Coordination Analysis
An important component of the examination is to check the functioning of the 6 muscles that provide good vision. The optometrist selects a suitable test and analyzes the functioning of these six muscles for synchronism. The brain groups incoming information from the eyes about surrounding objects, and then a three-dimensional picture is formed. To test the operation of the grouping mechanism, vision focuses on some object. At the same time, with the help of a special scapula, both eyes are covered and opened in turn. Through this method, information from both eyes terminates the connection. At this point, the optometrist identifies possible abnormalities. There is another way to check the synchronicity of eyeball movement: tracking a beam of light.
Inspection of the inner surface of the eye
Using biomicroscopy, optical media and eye tissue are examined. For this, a slit lamp is used - a diagnostic tool. It helps to clearly examine the cornea, the inner chamber of the eyes, the lens and the vitreous. An ophthalmologist performs a complete analysis to verify that there is no inflammation, cataracts, tumors, or damage to blood vessels.
With the help of a lamp that allows you to carefully examine the internal state of the eye, the possibility of an incorrect doctor's conclusion is excluded. An optometrist is an expert analyst who, based on the large amount of information collected, is able to establish an accurate and final diagnosis.
Examination of dilated pupils
For the convenience of examining the inner surface of the eyes, the doctor uses special drops that dilate the pupils. In this case, difficulties may arise in concentrating the gaze on objects located nearby. After the examination, it is not recommended to drive a car or go outside without sunglasses. If necessary, drops are quickly applied to restore the pupil to its normal state, which contributed to the narrowing of the pupil.
Intraocular pressure measurement
In order to identify the initial stage of a disease such as glaucoma, the doctor measures the eye pressure. To eliminate discomfort during the procedure, anesthetic drops are introduced. After that, a special device is applied to the cornea, exerting pressure on it.
By means of this tonometer instrument, the resistance of the surface of the cornea is measured. This procedure is most accurate compared to other options, such as using a jet of air.
Fundus examination procedure
An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the internal state of the eye. This tool consists of focusing lenses as well as a slit lamp. They form a deeper picture of the state of the eye, allow you to evaluate the vitreous body, retina, macula, optic nerve and vessels supplying it.
In some patients, with such an in-depth examination, dystrophy, tears, retinal detachments are revealed - types of fundus pathology that do not manifest themselves clinically, but require urgent treatment.
With any microsurgical or laser intervention, a comprehensive eye examination is preliminarily performed using computer technology. Such diagnostics help to identify existing problems, threats of new diseases, as well as determine the sequence of treatment.
Despite the absence of complaints of vision, do not neglect preventive examinations by an ophthalmologist. The correct treatment for eye diseases can be prescribed only by an optometrist. Patient reviews about the state of health are taken into account without fail. No advertising campaign for eye examination in optics stores can replace a full examination by a doctor.
Thus, the optometrist is a specialist with a wide profile, possessing an extensive base of knowledge and skills that allow timely detection of signs of any disease even at the stage of occurrence. Timely detected disease and surgical treatment will extend the health of the eyes for many years. In this regard, it must be remembered that the key to excellent vision is regular examinations by an ophthalmologist.