Ophthalmologist also known as Optometrist is a skilled medical doctor (MD) with higher medical and surgical training who specializes in eye and vision care.

What Ophthalmologists do?

1. Among others, they:
2. Perform eye tests, diagnose and treat diseases, and advise medications. 
3. Write down prescriptions, fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems.
4. Perform eye surgery. 
5. Several of them also do scientific research on the reasons and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders. 
6. Sometimes, they identify other health problems that aren’t directly linked to the eye, and pass on those patients to the concerned medical doctors for cure.

When to visit your Ophthalmologist?

Visit your Ophthalmologist if you notice some physical changes to your eyes, like, for example, crossed eyes or eyes that turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. 

Besides these, see him if you have:

1. Difficulty in seeing clearly during night or while driving: Perhaps, driving at night is the most significant yardstick of when your vision is beginning to deteriorate. The reason: nearly everybody has more difficulties seeing something clearly in the dark, or in the far distance. Hence, if your eyes are already under pressure, it’ll become even clearer in these particular circumstances. The answer could be as simple as a new glasses prescription, or it could be an indication of something more challenging problem, like, for example, a cataract that’s starting to form. Your Optometrist will be in a position to decide your night vision and also the best course of action for you.
2. Red or pink eyes: Red or pink in the eye may be incredibly problematical and highly risky as well. It’s linked with numerous kinds of health conditions, such as conjunctivitis, allergies, or even a rare kind of glaucoma.
3. Sensitivity to light: The problem could be with your cornea, the thin transparent layer that covers your iris and pupil, or it might go deeper into the eye. No matter what it is, attend to it ASAP, as some conditions that can lead to sensitivity to light may result in scarring, which in some specific circumstances may continue forever. 
4. Unclear vision or difficulty in focusing on things: Since there could be numerous reasons why you might notice such unexpected vision changes, ensure that your eye doctor performs a thorough exam to find out the problem. 
5. Pain in the Eye: If you have pain in your eyes, visit your eye specialist as soon as possible, since a serious health issue may be just around the corner. Severe angle-closure glaucoma, for example, causes ruthless pain and worse it can make you blind in just a couple of days. As discussed earlier, it’s a rare kind of glaucoma that’s regarded a medical emergency. Hazy vision, headache, vomiting, nausea…these are just some of its symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Ophthalmologists are trained medical doctors (MDs). They are eye and vision care specialists. They perform eye tests, diagnose and take care of diseases, and recommend medications. Visit them if you suffer from any of the five vital health issues discussed above.