You suspect you might have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. How do you choose a doctor? A little while back, I wrote about the differences between eye doctors. Now that you know the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, how do you choose which is right for you? When do you need to see a retinal specialist? Remember that optometrists and ophthalmologists … [Read more...]
The “O” in Eye Doctor
October 22, 2009 By 2 Comments
Every wonder how many kinds of eye doctors there are? It can be somewhat confusing as there are 2 professions, starting with the letter "O," who are referred to as "eye doctor." An eye doctor is usually an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. (There are also ocularists and opticians. Ocularists work and fit prostheses. Opticians prepare and dispense eyeglasses.) What is the difference … [Read more...]
Macular Degeneration: How to Monitor Your Vision at Home
July 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
There are two worrisome signs that a patient with macular disease is having signficant problems; sudden and persistent decreased vision and/or distortion. Patients with macular degeneration, wet or dry, need to monitor their vision regularly in hopes of catching and treating any progression of the disease. Traditionally, patients were sent home with an Amsler grid. It is basically a piece of … [Read more...]
Good Sugar Control Does Not Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy
July 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Despite all of the technology that we have today, most people, including doctors, do not realize that sugar control does not prevent diabetic retinopathy. While sugar may affect the severity of diabetic retinopathy, the number of years that one is diabetic is the single most predictive variable. Over the years, I have found it very difficult to get this message to the primary care physicians; … [Read more...]
