If you ever notice any change in your eyesight, do not hesitate to see an eye specialist. You should know that there are four kinds of eye specialists. How will you know which one to make an appointment with? This article shares the differences and how to make the right decision.

What Are Your Options?

The commonly known specialist is an optician who handles design, verification, and fitting prescription lenses and frames. The optician does, however, require a prescription provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to design your glasses. You will, therefore, need to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get that prescription.

An optometrist is a specialist who can carry out eye tests or exams and correct vision changes by prescribing corrective lenses. For some of these eye problems, the optometrist can prescribe medication. Any eye problem that does not fall under the correction of vision is referred to an ophthalmologist, also known as an eye surgeon. He or she is the only specialist who can carry out eye surgery. The fourth eye specialist is an orthoptist which is a specialty under ophthalmology. The orthoptist helps the ophthalmologist but cannot conduct surgery alone.

How Do You Know Which Specialist to See?

The more qualified a specialist is, the more money you pay for an appointment. If it is your first visit to an eye doctor's clinic, you should see an optometrist. Why? It will cost you less and the optometrist can tell you if you have a vision correction problem or whether you need to visit an ophthalmologist.

Can You Tell from Your Symptoms Whether You Might Require Surgery?

Since you are not a qualified eye specialist, you may not know whether you need surgery. If the optometrist has to conduct eye tests and exams to know what problem you have, it shows that you cannot tell whether you require surgery from just your symptoms. You should, however, know that if you are diagnosed with glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, you may require surgery. Some surgeries are optional, for example, if you don't want to wear prescription glasses or contacts, you can choose surgery to correct short-sightedness or long-sightedness.

What Happens When You Need Surgery?

This depends on the condition you are diagnosed with. It is important to discuss all your options with the eye surgeon and ask as many questions as possible to ease your worry. Ask about pain, healing time, risks, side effects, cost, insurance, medication, etc. The answers you get will help you prepare physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially. You might need a friend or relative for support and to help you make some decisions.