The ophthalmologist, popularly known as an optician, is the doctor who specializes in evaluating and treating diseases related to vision, and which involve eyes and their attachments, such as the tear duct and eyelids. Some of the diseases most treated by this specialist are myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, strabismus, cataracts or glaucoma, for example.
The ophthalmologist conducts consultations, which can be private or through SUS, in which the eye exam is performed, vision tests, in addition to being able to be guided by exams, the use of glasses and medications to treat vision, and the ideal is that it is done an annual eye health assessment visit. See how the eye exam is done and what tests can be performed.
When to go to the ophthalmologist
The ophthalmologist should be contacted whenever there is any change in visual ability or symptoms in the eyes. However, even without symptoms, regular monitoring is necessary for early detection and treatment of changes that usually appear in vision throughout life.
1. Children
The first vision test is the eye test, which can be done by the pediatrician to detect early vision diseases in the baby, such as congenital cataracts, tumors, glaucoma or strabismus, and, if changes are detected, it is necessary to start eye monitoring.
However, if there are no changes in the eye test, the first visit to the ophthalmologist should be carried out between the ages of three and four, when it is possible to examine better and the child can better express visual difficulties.
From then on, even if no changes to the eye exam are detected, consultations can be made at intervals of 1 to 2 years, to monitor the child's visual development, and the appearance of changes such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, for example., which can hinder learning and performance at school.
2. Teens
At this stage, the visual system develops quickly, and changes such as myopia and keratoconus may appear, so regular vision exams are required, about once a year, or whenever there are visual changes or difficulties in reaching classes at school, due to symptoms such as eye strain, blurred vision, headaches.
In addition, during this period it is common to use makeup and contact lenses, which can cause eye allergies, or contact with infectious agents, which can cause conjunctivitis and styes.
It is also common for teenagers to be very exposed both to UV radiation from the sun, without the correct protection with quality sunglasses, and to the computer and tablet screen, which can be harmful to vision. Learn what computer vision syndrome is and what to do to avoid it.
3. Adults
From the age of 20 onwards, diseases that compromise the retina may start to appear, which can happen due to circulatory or degenerative problems, especially if there are unhealthy habits, such as smoking and irregular treatment of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Thus, if symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of central or localized vision in another region, or difficulty seeing at night appear, it is important to seek assistance from the ophthalmologist for specific assessments.
In adulthood it is also possible to perform some aesthetic or refractive surgeries, such as LASIK or PRK, which help to correct visual changes and reduce the need for prescription glasses.
In addition, after the age of 40, it is important to keep visiting the ophthalmologist annually, as during this period other changes may arise due to advancing age, such as presbyopia, known as tired eyes and glaucoma. Check out the risk of developing glaucoma and how to identify it soon.
4. Elderly
After the age of 50, and especially after the age of 60, it is possible that the difficulties in seeing may worsen and degenerative changes in the eyes may appear, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, which must be treated correctly to avoid blindness. Find out what age-related macular degeneration is and how to protect yourself.
Thus, it is important to keep an annual consultation with the ophthalmologist, so that these diseases are detected as soon as possible, allowing an effective treatment. In addition, it is important that vision is well corrected in the elderly, as changes, even small ones, can lead to a feeling of imbalance and risk of falls.
