Where you can find low vision eye doctors . Low vision eye doctors are those physicians who specialize in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry. Both of these professionals are qualified to treat vision problems, however ophthalmologists and optometrists deal with different aspects of eye health. They are in actuality two distinct types of low vision eye doctors, and if you suffer from AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, you may be treated by each in different ways.
The ophthalmologist is actually an M.D.; like heart surgeons, oncologists and other medical doctors, the ophthalmologist has completed several years of medical school and has met intern and residency requirements. S/he is qualified to perform surgery on the eye. If a patient’s age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is of the “wet” variety – which can be treated surgically if diagnosed early on – the ophthalmologist is the one that will actually perform the procedure, which today involves the use of lasers.
For those whose vision problems are related to the “dry” type of AMD, there is no known cure or long term treatment. However, there are low vision devices and other low vision products that can assist the patient in maximizing his/her remaining eyesight. The person who measures and fits the patient for such mechanical aids is actually an optometrist.
low vision eye doctors in the field of optometry hold an O.D., or Doctor of Optometry degree rather than an M.D.; their main concern is the measurement of a patient’s eyesight rather than the actual diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions (the second element of the word “optometry” is from the Greek metriá, meaning “measurement”). It is the optometrist’s task to determine which low-vision devices are appropriate as well as recommend low vision therapies.
While an optometrist is not qualified to treat AMD directly, s/he can recommend and fit the patient for a variety of low vision products, including telescopic and microscopic lenses. In addition, s/he may suggest certain vitamins and minerals, the use of which may inhibit the progression of AMD.
If you suspect that you are suffering from AMD, you’ll eventually be examined by both types of low-vision doctors. The first will be the optometrist, who will actually determine the nature of your low vision problem and refer you to an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will then make a more exact diagnosis and determine what treatments, if any, are appropriate. Afterwards, you will return to the optometrist in order to discuss and be fitted for whatever low vision products are available and most helpful for your condition.
When it comes to the effective treatment of EMD, the services of both types of low vision doctors is necessary.