Our eyes are among the most vital of all our sensory organs. Yet they are surprisingly delicate and need regular checks to ensure they are getting the job done as they should. For this purpose, we need to visit a specialist, someone trained in eye care that we can trust. That person is a highly qualified expert known as an optometrist. There’s an example Optometrist Edmonton at prairieeye.com/edmonton-optometrist which has a fine reputation.

So, what does an optometrist do, and when should you make an appointment to visit one? That’s what we want to talk about in this brief article, so let’s get started.

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a professional who specializes in primary eye care. To qualify one needs to have a relevant bachelor’s degree and also pass specialist exams to gain a license to practice. You can rest assured that you are in good hands! The job of an optometrist involves the following:

• Providing vision tests and eye exams
• Prescribing and fitting corrective lenses
• Identifying and monitoring eye conditions related to other diseases such as diabetes
• Treating common eye issues, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
• Prescribing and fitting vision aids such as glasses.

As this is a skilled and professional medical job that involves getting close to patients you should choose your optometrist carefully and make sure you understand all that is going on. When should you see an optometrist? That’s our next section.

How Do I Know I Should See an Optometrist?

It is important that even if you do not have problems with your eyes, you make a regular appointment to have them tested by an optometrist as you may have problems you are not aware of. Should you experience any of the following problems with your eyes you are strongly advised to see an optometrist quickly:

• Eye pain
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Circles that look like halos around lights
• Red, irritated eyes
• Floaters — specks that float before your eyes
• Flashes of light

Each of the above can signify problems that should not be left alone and need diagnosis. Even if you do not have problems such as those above you should make a regular appointment if any of the following applies to you:

• You wear corrective lenses or are think you need glasses
• You suffer from a chronic disease like diabetes which increases the risk of eye disease
• There is a family history of vision loss or eye disease
• You take prescription medications that affect your eyes

The optometrist will keep a regular check on your eyes and eyesight so that you can be sure of the best level of vision.

What Tests Will an Optometrist Perform?

An optometrist will perform a series of eye tests that include the important and traditional example in which you read out letters on a card. Tests for the eyes are more sophisticated now and include those that check the pressure of the eyes – an important factor in eye health – and that map the inside of the eye so the optometrist can see if there are any problems internally. This series of tests may also require you to have drops put in that expand the pupils, and if this is so you will not be permitted to drive for some hours afterward.

How to Choose an Optometrist

There are many optometrists to choose from in and around Edmonton so you should have no trouble finding one that you feel comfortable with. Start by perhaps checking out the one we mentioned, and you may find that they are the ideal fit for your needs.