Our eyes are so important, it is important to take care of them and get them checked regularly by an eye doctor. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are different in that optometrists prescribe glasses, diagnose and treat eye diseases, and ophthalmologists focus on eye diseases and surgery. Even if you think your eyes are fine, seeing an eye doctor is important. There are eye conditions that sneak up without warning that your eye doctor can detect.To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses outside and wear protective eye wear when doing hazardous activities on the job, at school, or at home. Eat a healthy diet and exercise to prevent or address health conditions such as diabetes that can be damaging to the eyes. Smoking can damage the eyes, so don’t smoke.If you wear contact lenses, make sure to throw them away as prescribed and maintain good cleanliness with your lens case.If you have any problems with your eyes such as lights, spots, or a curtain in your vision, eye pain or irritation, injury, or worsening of any eye conditions, make sure to be seen by an eye doctor promptly. If you have eye conditions or have already lost some vision due to eye disease or injury, make sure to get regular eye exams to preserve your remaining vision. An optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist if you have a serious condition, so don’t worry too much about where you go first. Just make sure you go to either one promptly if you suspect something serious is affecting your eyes.
