Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we do accept appointments at our office. In fact, we highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with us in advance to ensure that you receive the best possible care.

An ophthalmologist serves as a medical expert who often takes on the dual roles of a physician and a surgeon. They are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of eye-related conditions and injuries.

Ophthalmologists are adept at diagnosing and managing various eye diseases, conducting intricate eye surgeries, and prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses to rectify vision impairments. Additionally, they are actively involved in scientific research endeavors aimed at uncovering the causes and treatments for eye ailments and vision disorders.

Educational Background

Optometrists receive specialized training in the management of eye conditions, contact lens prescription, and the removal of foreign objects from the eye. Typically, an optometrist completes four years of undergraduate education followed by four years in an optometry program, which emphasizes vision correction through eyeglasses and contact lenses. They also undergo coursework related to the detection of eye diseases.

On the contrary, an ophthalmologist is a licensed medical doctor who holds either an MD or a DO degree. Typically, their educational journey spans four years of medical school, four years of undergraduate studies, and an additional three years dedicated to surgical techniques and the treatment of eye diseases.

Patient Care Focus

While there is some overlap in the roles of optometrists and ophthalmologists, the primary focus of each profession differs. Ophthalmologists are equipped to prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses but primarily concentrate on diagnosing, treating, and managing serious eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, often requiring surgical interventions. Optometrists, on the other hand, primarily strive to enhance their patients’ vision. If they detect any eye diseases, they typically refer their patients to ophthalmologists for specialized treatment.

EyeCare 20/20 Retina & Vision Center is happy to offer a variety of services including:

• Cataract Surgery
• Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
• Refractive Error Treatment
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment
• LASIK
• Keratoconus Treatment
• Dry Eye Treatment
• Conjunctivitis

Regardless of your age or physical health, a comprehensive eye exam is important for detecting any eye problems at their early stages. Even if you have 20/20 vision, an eye exam can be a measure of overall health. The eyes are the only part of the body where arteries and veins can be viewed without having to perform surgery. Eyecare providers can see signs of stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and more, through an eye exam.

In addition, they can determine whether a person with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa or cataracts is suffering also from low vision, which is a condition associated with these age-related eye diseases.

An ophthalmologist is a doctor – an M.D. – with expertise in medical and surgical eye problems who performs operations on the eyes.

An optometrist is a doctor who assists patients with the health of the eyes and related vision. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision. They also diagnose and treat various eye diseases. An optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam.

An optician is a specialized practitioner who designs, fits and dispenses lenses for the correction of a person’s vision. Opticians determine the specifications of various ophthalmic solutions – from prescription, to eyeglass frames, to lens technology – that will give the necessary and best correction to a person’s eyesight.

Digital eye strain is the discomfort many individuals feel after looking at a digital screen for longer than two hours at a time. According to a survey by The Vision Council, many American adults report experiencing eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain after prolonged screen use. There are simple changes you can make in your daily digital device usage to relieve some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, including: reducing overhead lighting to eliminate screen glare; positioning yourself at an arm’s length distance from the screen; increasing text size on devices to better define content on the screen; and continuously taking breaks from looking at digital screens and focusing on something in the distance to relax the eyes, commonly known as the 20-20-20 rule.

One of the basic measurements most everyone is familiar with is the Snellen chart for 20/20 vision – a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet.

With 20/20 vision, individuals can see at 20 feet clearly what should be seen normally at that distance. Most individuals ought to visit a low vision specialist when vision reaches 20/70 or worse. With 20/70 vision, an individual must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 70 feet. Any vision loss interfering with one’s visual needs mandates a visit to an eyecare provider and a request for help.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are emitted by the sun in three forms: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere, UVB radiation is only partially blocked, and UVA radiation is not blocked at all and can burn the skin and eyes, as per the World Health Organization. According to a survey by The Vision Council, American adults report experiencing the following symptoms after prolonged UV exposure: irritation in the eye; trouble seeing; wrinkles around the eyes; red or swollen eyes; sunburn of the eyelids and eye; and, in some cases, cancer on or around the eyes.