What doctor do I see for contacts?

Optometrists examine eyes for vision and health problems, diagnose and treat certain eye diseases and conditions, and prescribe and fit patients with glasses or contacts for common refractive errors.

Do you need to see an optometrist for contacts?

If you wear or want contacts, you need a contact lens exam in addition to a comprehensive eye exam. The first test will measure your eye surface to determine what size and type of contacts are best for you. Your doctor may also do a tear film evaluation to make sure you have enough tears to comfortably wear contacts.

Is it better to go to an optometrist or ophthalmologist?

In general, you should see your optometrist for primary eye care, like routine eye exams. But if you have a more complex issue or need medical or surgical care, your optometrist can refer you to an experienced and trusted ophthalmologist.

Can ophthalmologist dispense contact lenses?

Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex and delicate eye surgery.

How do I choose an optometrist?

How to Choose the Best Optometrist: Your Complete Guide

1. Know the Different Professions.
2. Seek Recommendations.
3. Look for Reviews.
4. Check That the Price is Right.
5. Ensure They Use Modern Technology.
6. Check Their Qualifications and Experience.
7. High Level of Availability.
8. Look for a Welcoming and Professional Manner.

What’s the difference between an optician and optometrist?

Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians are all professionals who specialize in eye care. An optometrist is an eye doctor that can examine, diagnose, and treat your eyes. An optician is a professional who can help fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-correcting devices.

How often do you need an eye exam for contacts?

If you wear contacts, you need to see your eye doctor annually for an exam. Since contact lenses cover a portion of the eye they reduce the amount of oxygen getting to the cornea. Over time, this can impact the health of the eye and cause damage.

When should I see an ophthalmologist?

You should see an ophthalmologist if you experience physical changes to your eyes, such as crossed eyes or eyes that turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist right away if you have eye pain, as this might be a symptom of a serious problem.

When should I see an optician?

5 signs you need to see an optician

• You have frequent headaches.
• Holding objects at varying distances to see clearly.
• Your eyes are itchy, dry or red.
• You have started to see spots, flashes of light or floaters.
• If you can’t remember when your last eye examination was!

When should you see optometrist?

Reasons to See an Optometrist See an optometrist if you: Wear corrective lenses, or think you need glasses or contacts. Have a chronic disease like diabetes, which has a greater risk of eye disease. Have a family history of vision loss or eye disease.

What can an optometrist detect?

For 2020: Year of the Eye, here are 20 surprising conditions your eye doctor may detect during a comprehensive eye exam:

• Aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bubble in the wall of a blood vessel.
• Brain tumor.
• Cancers of blood, tissue or skin.
• Diabetes.
• Giant cell arteritis.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.