What Is Optometry?

Optometry is the diagnosis and treatment of disease, optical deficiencies and deformities, and visual and muscular irregularities as related to the human eye and adjacent tissue.

Optometrists are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system.

How do optometrists treat these conditions?

Optometrists can prescribe the following:

● Corrective lenses, contact lenses, and low-vision rehabilitative devices

● Prism lenses and eye exercises to correct eye-muscle imbalances

● Medical drugs for the treatment of eye conditions

When would I use the services of an optometrist?

Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and complaints such as headaches or eyestrain after visual tasks are common reasons individuals seek the services of an optometrist. Most of these problems can be treated by the prescribing of eye drops or corrective lenses.

Is there a usual age for a child to get his or her first eye exam?

Your baby's eyes should be examined for signs of congenital eye problems. These are rare, but early diagnosis and treatment are important to your child's development.

Generally, children should have their first thorough eye exam at six months of age to determine if there are any visual problems. A more comprehensive examination should be performed when the child is three years of age, and again before the child begins school. Unusual signs or symptoms should prompt earlier and more frequent evaluations.