What Should I Look For When Getting My Eyes Checked?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around considerations for getting an eye examination, particularly for someone experiencing changes in vision and depth perception. Participants explore what to look for in an eye care provider, the implications of aging on vision, and the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes experiencing fuzzy vision and fading depth perception, expressing concern about the need for an eye exam after several years.
  • Another participant suggests that depth perception may be affected if one eye is weaker, emphasizing the importance of careful fitting for high prescription glasses.
  • Some participants propose that pulling glasses down to read could indicate presbyopia, which should be addressed by the eye doctor.
  • There is a suggestion to seek an optometrist who can perform comprehensive checks beyond just vision, especially after a long gap since the last examination.
  • One participant mentions that laser surgery may not be suitable for presbyopia and recommends inexpensive reading glasses instead.
  • Another viewpoint advocates for seeing an ophthalmologist over an optometrist, as ophthalmologists can recognize and treat medical conditions.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the necessity of glasses, citing personal experiences of adapting to vision changes without them.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists, particularly in terms of their training and capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a thorough eye examination and the potential need for different types of eye care professionals. However, there are competing views regarding the necessity and effectiveness of glasses, as well as the best type of eye care provider to consult.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the need for glasses and the effectiveness of laser surgery remain unresolved. The discussion includes varying opinions on the qualifications of optometrists versus ophthalmologists, without a definitive consensus on which is preferable.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing changes in vision, those considering eye examinations, and anyone interested in understanding the differences between eye care professionals may find this discussion relevant.

glondor
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aaarg I think I need to get my eyes checked...pahhh. I have noticed over the last few months the vision in my left eye is a lil fuzzy and my depth perception is fading a bit. Not so good in my line of work. I have not had the eyes checked in years and I was wondering what new and exciting things I should look for when I do get them done. Also I have to pull my glasses down a bit on my nose when I read. Bugger. I guess with my eyes in transition now would not be a good time for laser surgery. It does distress me a bit as the eyes are both already at minus 9 diopters and the damned glasses must have high refractory plastic lenses. zeiss glass has a higher refrectory index but is not legal in Canada as it can shatter when hit. Sooo I must go to the eye Doc... What should I look for to ensure good care?
 
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If you can see equally well with both eyes, depth perception will be OK. If one eye starts to drift, the other will take over the bulk of the duties and stereoscopic advantages will suffer. At -9, you need a lot of correction, so your optician will have to fit the new glasses very carefully - even slight off-axis fitting will cause you no end of problems.

Pulling glasses down when you read might be a symptom of loss of close focus (presbyopia) and you should expect that your eye doctor will address that. As a board-certified optician, I have worked with people in your position, and I advise you to seek out an eye doctor with an in-house optician lab that will stand behind their work. You cannot take your prescription to an eyeglass-outlet and expect proper work. Most of the "opticians" in such places have learned how to edge lenses and put them in frames with very little understanding of optics and no understanding on optical physiology. They use cookbook procedures and are expected to crank out volume, not quality. Don't skimp on your eyes.
 
IMO you should go to an optpmetrists that can check for more than just your vision. Since it's been a long time since you've seen anyone about your eyes.

You woud need to talk to the doctor about laser surgery. If you just need glasses for reading as a result of becoming older, then laser surgery can't correct that. As far as I know.
 
glondor said:
aaarg I think I need to get my eyes checked...pahhh. I have noticed over the last few months the vision in my left eye is a lil fuzzy and my depth perception is fading a bit. Not so good in my line of work. I have not had the eyes checked in years and I was wondering what new and exciting things I should look for when I do get them done. Also I have to pull my glasses down a bit on my nose when I read. Bugger. I guess with my eyes in transition now would not be a good time for laser surgery. It does distress me a bit as the eyes are both already at minus 9 diopters and the damned glasses must have high refractory plastic lenses. zeiss glass has a higher refrectory index but is not legal in Canada as it can shatter when hit. Sooo I must go to the eye Doc... What should I look for to ensure good care?

Just by looking at your avatar, you should have the doc look at that red rash around your eye :-p .

Seriously, as long as the person you see has a doctorate in optometry, you should be in fine hands.
 
dlgoff said:
IMO you should go to an optpmetrists that can check for more than just your vision. Since it's been a long time since you've seen anyone about your eyes.

You woud need to talk to the doctor about laser surgery. If you just need glasses for reading as a result of becoming older, then laser surgery can't correct that. As far as I know.
You're right. Laser surgery won't correct for presbyopia. The best correction for that is a pair of inexpensive reading glasses, because once the eyes' lenses have started stiffening, the near-field correction gets higher and higher with age and it's pretty inexpensive to go to the drug store and get another pair of reading glasses.

Actually, if it is possible, I would recommend getting one's eyes examined by an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist, because they are trained to recognize and treat medical conditions. the Optometrist might recognize a medical condition and give a referral, but is not licensed to perform medical procedures.
 
Glasses are a big con, i was told i needed glasses years ago, but ny eyes asapted and i stll have 10 10 vissiom.
 
wolram said:
Glasses are a big con, i was told i needed glasses years ago, but ny eyes asapted and i stll have 10 10 vissiom.
:smile:
 
turbo-1 said:
Actually, if it is possible, I would recommend getting one's eyes examined by an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist, ...
Thanks. I had that in mind when posting.
 
Thanks for the info guys and gals. What is the diff between an opthamologist and an optometrist?
 
  • #10
glondor said:
Thanks for the info guys and gals. What is the diff between an opthamologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor that is licensed to perform medical procedures (including surgeries), prescribe medications, etc. An optometrist is trained to do eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and may or may not be certified to fit contact lenses. I used to make up a lot of PowerPoint presentations for the ophthalmologists that I worked for, so they could show them at conferences training optometrists to detect medical conditions and refer patients for treatment.

If you can get a regular eye-doctor who is an ophthalmologist, and who has an in-house optician's shop, you're in the best hands. Do not try to save money by walking out with a prescription, and taking it to a "Glasses-R-Us" chain. With the level of correction you require, even a tiny misalignment of the optical centers or planes of the lenses can result in eye strain and continued problems. For someone needing a diopter or two of correction, not such a big deal. You need to patronize a practice with board-certified optician(s) on staff so that your eyeglasses will accurately correct your vision.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Thanks Turbo. I will try to search one out.
 

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