What the ophthalmologist is doing and when to consult
The ophthalmologist, popularly known as optician, is the doctor who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of vision-related diseases involving the eyes and their insertions, such as the tear canal and eyelids, some of the diseases most treated by this specialist are nearsightedness, astigmatism, hyperopia, strata, cataracts or glaucoma, for example.
- The ophthalmologist performs consultations.
- Which may be private or via SUS.
- In which eye exams.
- Vision tests are performed.
- As well as being guided by exams.
- The use of glasses and medications to treat vision.
- And ideally this is done on an annual visit of evaluation of eye health.
- See how the eye exam is done and what tests can be done.
The ophthalmologist should be contacted whenever there is a change in visual ability or symptoms in the eyes; However, even without symptoms, regular follow-up is needed for early detection and treatment of changes that often appear in vision throughout life.
The first eye test is the eye test, which can be performed by the pediatrician to detect early vision diseases in the baby, such as congenital cataracts, tumors, glaucoma or stratamus, and, if changes are detected, eye follow-up is necessary. .
However, if there are no changes to the eye test, the first visit to the ophthalmologist should be made between the three and four years, when it is possible to examine better and the child can better. express your visual difficulties.
Therefore, even if no changes are detected in the eye scan, consultations can be made at intervals of 1 to 2 years, to monitor the visual development of the child, and the appearance of alterations such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia for example, which can affect learning and performance in school.
At this stage, the visual system develops rapidly and changes such as myopia and keratoconus may occur, which is why regular eye exams are needed, approximately once a year, or whenever there are visual changes or difficulties accessing school classes, due to symptoms such as eye fatigue. , blurred vision, headaches.
In addition, during this time, it is common to use makeup and contact lenses, which can cause eye allergies, or contact with infectious agents, which can cause conjunctivitis and barley.
It is also common for teens to be highly exposed to both ultraviolet rays from the sun, without adequate protection with quality sunglasses, as well as to the computer and tablet screen, which can interfere with vision. Avoid.
From the age of 20, diseases that compromise the retina can begin to appear, which can occur from 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.
For example, if symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of central or localized vision occur in another region, or difficulty seeing at night, it is important to seek the ophthalmologist’s help in making specific assessments.
In adulthood, it is also possible to perform certain cosmetic or refractive surgeries, such as LASIK or PRK, that help correct visual changes and reduce the need for glasses.
In addition, after age 40, it is important to continue to consult the ophthalmologist every year, as other changes may occur during this period due to advanced age, such as presbicia, known as the name of tired eyes and glaucoma. Discover the risk of developing glaucoma and how to quickly identify it.
After age 50, and especially from the age of 60, vision difficulties may worsen and degenerative changes in the eyes, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, may appear and should be adequately treated to prevent blindness. is and how to protect yourself.
Therefore, it is important to maintain the annual consultation with the ophthalmologist, so that these diseases are detected as soon as possible, allowing effective treatment, in addition, it is important that the vision is corrected in older adults, since changes, even minors. , may cause an imbalance and risk of falls.