Problems With Your Eyes? Signs You Should Be Seeing An Ophthalmologist

If you want to keep your eyes healthy, you need to see your optometrist for routine eye exams. But if you're having serious problems with your vision, you need to see an ophthalmologist right away. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of eye and vision problems. That's why you should see an ophthalmologist when you have vision problems that are out of the ordinary.

Not sure that your vision problems require an ophthalmologist? Read the list provided below. If you're dealing with any of the issues here, it's time to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist. 

You Need Corrective Eye Surgery

If you need corrective surgery for your eyes, it's time to visit an ophthalmologist. Corrective surgery can repair damage caused by injuries. Corrective surgery can also help restore vision loss caused by cataracts and glaucoma. If you're ready to surgically correct your vision problems, an ophthalmologist will perform the procedure for you. 

Your Vision Has Suddenly Changed

If you've noticed drastic changes in your vision, don't wait to visit an ophthalmologist. Sudden vision changes can be a sign of something serious. Some vision changes to worry about include blurred vision, flashes of light, and floating spots. Other changes can include light sensitivity and double vision. If you've experienced any of these vision changes, it's time to see an ophthalmologist right away. 

You've Been Diagnosed With Diabetes

If you're being treated for diabetes, you need to add an ophthalmologist to your healthcare team. You might not realize this, but diabetes puts you at an increased risk for serious vision problems. Three of those conditions include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. That's why treatment by an ophthalmologist is so important. Your ophthalmologist can track your eye health, and identify diabetic-related vision problems. This will allow the ophthalmologist to begin treatment on your eyes right away. That way, you can protect your vision for as long as possible. 

Your Family has Genetic Eye Diseases

If eye disease runs in your family, it's a good idea to schedule routine eye exams with an ophthalmologist. Your risk for certain eye diseases increases when there's a family history for those diseases. One disease that can run in the family includes macular degeneration. But glaucoma and cataracts can also run in the family. To make sure you get treatment in time, talk to an ophthalmologist about your family's history of eye disease.

For more information, reach out to an ophthalmology clinic near you.