Contact lenses for surfing and water sports have come a long way over the last several years. Regardless of how high a person's prescription is, it is probably possible to construct a soft contact lens for that person to use in water sports. Most prescriptions can be formulated in a disposable contact lens prescription. Those that cannot are still availble in a custom form that is compatible with water sports. It is possible to construct a lens that is larger than normal for water sports. This allows the lens edges to tuck up under the eyelids creating a more stable lens design.
While it is still possible for a surfer to have a big wipe out and occasionally lose a lens, this is the exception rather than the rule when contact lenses are used for surfing. If a lens is lost, it is usually on just one side. This allows usable vision to return to shore and either get another lens or call it a day. There are also certain disposable lens designs that are bigger than average and lend themselves to water sports.
There is another alternative to vision correction that can work quite well for patients that have a correction up to -5.00 and even higher. This is known as "orthokeratology". In orhtokeratology, special rigid contact lenses are applied to the eyes to be worn at night (although they can be used during the day as well)and the lenses reshape the cornea to the point that the vision is good enough to be able to function in the water (and during the day in normal activities)so that no contact lenses are required after the lenses are removed from the eyes. This is an obvious benefit for surfing as it eliminates the contact lens loss factor.
The best way for interested surfers to explore these contact lens possibilities is to visit an eye doctor that has experience in fitting custom contact lenses. If the reader of this blog has any questions regarding these options I am willing to discuss them on an individual basis. My email is: jon@villageeyes.com.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Blepharitis
Here is an excellent description of blepharitis describing the condition and how to treat it. The following is a link to the article:
Blepharitis
Blepharitis
Friday, February 5, 2010
Surfer's Eye Problems
This entry will focus on issues that specifically confront surfers, but it could also apply to anyone that spends a great deal of time in the sun without adequate eye protection.
The problem that confronts surfers is related to their eye exposure to the sun and wind and the non-use of sun protection due to the water based nature of the sport. Sun protection does exist for surfers, but it is rarely used while in the water. This is due to the difficulty of keeping the protective eyewear on the head securely while surfing large and powerful waves. Even smaller waves have the potential, if the surfer "wipes out", to cause the wearer to lose the eye protective product. There is also the issue of the lenses "fogging up" as well as water droplets collecting on the surface of the lenses resulting in obscuring the vision.
It still would be better if surfers could wear eye protection. This would help prevent the occurence of various conditions that are commonly associated with sun exposure. Here are some of the conditions that are frequently seen among surfers as well as individuals that spend a great deal of time in the sun: 1. The pinguecula. This is a growth on the side of the cornea..typically in the 9:00 or 3:00 positions, that can either be caused by sun and wind exposure or can be aggravated by the exposure. These growths are elevated from the underlying white part of the eye. In so much as they are elevated, they are more prone to drying out as well as exposure. When they become irritated they can become red and can cause the eye to feel dry or "scratchy". In years past there was no recommended treatment for the pinguecula. Now there are improvements in surgical techniques that make their removal possible. If a pinguecula is irritated, relief can be obtained by the usage of artificial tears. The best artificial tears are of the non-preserved variety. Sometimes an anti-inflammatory medication can help make the eye more comfortable. 2. The pterygium. This is a growth in more of less the same area as the pinguecula, but in this case the growth actually is onto the cornea. The same conditions can cause and contribute to this problem, but the irritation can be more serious. In addition, should the pterygium grow to a large enough dimension, there is the possibility that it can impair the vision. Typically, the growth can induce an increase in astigmatism. The pterygium can also be treated by surgery. There is a risk that the pterygium can return after surgery. As a result, once surgery is performed, the patient must do everything possible to protect the eyes from sun and wind. The non-surgical treatment for the pterygium is basically the same as for the pinguecula (artificial tears and anti-inflammatory medications). 3. Solar Keratitis. This refers to an actual sunburn of the white part of the eye and the cornea. This is due to extreme sun exposure. This could occur, for example, if a patient were to spend a day skiing without wearing sunglasses. The condition is quite painful. While painful and uncomfortable, the condition is usually not serious and will abate over a short period of time. Artificial tears help to offer some relief. The patient can feel temporarily blinded by this condition as the cornea will become cloudy due to the irritation and swelling that accompanies the sun exposure. 4. Cataracts. There is a definite causal relationship between sun exposure and cataract formation. While everyone will eventually get cataracts if they live long enough (they are a normal aging change in the eyes), they can be brought on much sooner due to sun exposure. Again, sun protection is helpful in halting or slowing down cataract formation.
What can a surfer do to help avoid these conditions? The best way to protect the eyes is sun protective eyewear. There are a number of companies that make eyewear to protect the eyes even when in the water. Unfortunately, not all surfers are willing to wear the sun protection. It is also possible to wear a visor while in the water. This will protect from the sun getting directly into the eyes, but it will not really deal with reflected glare off of the water. There are also available certain types of contact lenses that offer some UV protection. The issue here is that while there is UV protection to the cornea the white part of the eye is still exposed. Again, sun protective eyewear is the best solution.
Patients that have to wear eyeglasses to see clearly can now use contact lenses when in the water doing various water sports. There are a number of products available. Many offer UV protection.
The best way for a surfer or avid outdoor enthusiast to find out how to protect their eyes is to visit their eye doctor. An eye doctor can custom tailor a treatment plan that will best suit the patient.
The problem that confronts surfers is related to their eye exposure to the sun and wind and the non-use of sun protection due to the water based nature of the sport. Sun protection does exist for surfers, but it is rarely used while in the water. This is due to the difficulty of keeping the protective eyewear on the head securely while surfing large and powerful waves. Even smaller waves have the potential, if the surfer "wipes out", to cause the wearer to lose the eye protective product. There is also the issue of the lenses "fogging up" as well as water droplets collecting on the surface of the lenses resulting in obscuring the vision.
It still would be better if surfers could wear eye protection. This would help prevent the occurence of various conditions that are commonly associated with sun exposure. Here are some of the conditions that are frequently seen among surfers as well as individuals that spend a great deal of time in the sun: 1. The pinguecula. This is a growth on the side of the cornea..typically in the 9:00 or 3:00 positions, that can either be caused by sun and wind exposure or can be aggravated by the exposure. These growths are elevated from the underlying white part of the eye. In so much as they are elevated, they are more prone to drying out as well as exposure. When they become irritated they can become red and can cause the eye to feel dry or "scratchy". In years past there was no recommended treatment for the pinguecula. Now there are improvements in surgical techniques that make their removal possible. If a pinguecula is irritated, relief can be obtained by the usage of artificial tears. The best artificial tears are of the non-preserved variety. Sometimes an anti-inflammatory medication can help make the eye more comfortable. 2. The pterygium. This is a growth in more of less the same area as the pinguecula, but in this case the growth actually is onto the cornea. The same conditions can cause and contribute to this problem, but the irritation can be more serious. In addition, should the pterygium grow to a large enough dimension, there is the possibility that it can impair the vision. Typically, the growth can induce an increase in astigmatism. The pterygium can also be treated by surgery. There is a risk that the pterygium can return after surgery. As a result, once surgery is performed, the patient must do everything possible to protect the eyes from sun and wind. The non-surgical treatment for the pterygium is basically the same as for the pinguecula (artificial tears and anti-inflammatory medications). 3. Solar Keratitis. This refers to an actual sunburn of the white part of the eye and the cornea. This is due to extreme sun exposure. This could occur, for example, if a patient were to spend a day skiing without wearing sunglasses. The condition is quite painful. While painful and uncomfortable, the condition is usually not serious and will abate over a short period of time. Artificial tears help to offer some relief. The patient can feel temporarily blinded by this condition as the cornea will become cloudy due to the irritation and swelling that accompanies the sun exposure. 4. Cataracts. There is a definite causal relationship between sun exposure and cataract formation. While everyone will eventually get cataracts if they live long enough (they are a normal aging change in the eyes), they can be brought on much sooner due to sun exposure. Again, sun protection is helpful in halting or slowing down cataract formation.
What can a surfer do to help avoid these conditions? The best way to protect the eyes is sun protective eyewear. There are a number of companies that make eyewear to protect the eyes even when in the water. Unfortunately, not all surfers are willing to wear the sun protection. It is also possible to wear a visor while in the water. This will protect from the sun getting directly into the eyes, but it will not really deal with reflected glare off of the water. There are also available certain types of contact lenses that offer some UV protection. The issue here is that while there is UV protection to the cornea the white part of the eye is still exposed. Again, sun protective eyewear is the best solution.
Patients that have to wear eyeglasses to see clearly can now use contact lenses when in the water doing various water sports. There are a number of products available. Many offer UV protection.
The best way for a surfer or avid outdoor enthusiast to find out how to protect their eyes is to visit their eye doctor. An eye doctor can custom tailor a treatment plan that will best suit the patient.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Dear Readers: I invite you to follow my blog!
I want to thank all the readers that have taken the time to view my blog. I also invite readers to make any comments that they feel are relevant in the comment section at the bottom of the various entries. In addition, if there are any subjects that an individual reader would like to be discussed in the blog, please let me know. I invite all readers to become followers of my blog. It is very easy to do so. Just click on the "Follow" icon and follow the prompts. By becoming a follower and a "fan" this allows readers to easily share the information that I have posted with their friends,families and associates.
Thanks again,
Dr. Jon
Thanks again,
Dr. Jon
Monday, February 1, 2010
Blurred Vision: Should I Be Concerned?
Blurred vision is a major complaint of patients that come to Village Eyes Optometry. There can be several causes of blurred vision. Some of them are not serious and some of them can be very serious. It is up to the eye doctor to determine the cause of the blurred vision, the best remedy, and the necessity of any medical intervention should the blurred vision be due to a serious medical problem.
Here are some common causes of blurred vision:
1. Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These are probably the most common causes of blurred vision. The solution is to prescribe the proper eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions to solve the problem.
2. Computer usage. In this case the eyes can become blurred due to long term looking at a computer screen. This can occur even if the patient does not have a condition such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. The eyes can become dry and this can also contribute to blurred vision.
3. Eye muscle problems. Here the eyes can become blurred as they compensate for the inability of the eye muscles to point properly at the desired reading material.
4. General fatigue. If a person is physically tired, their vision can become blurred.
5. Medications. Certain medications can contribute to blurred vision. The eye doctor needs to take a well documented case history to make sure that a medication that the patient is taking is not causing the blurred vision.
6. Medical conditions affecting the eyes. There are a number of systemic conditions as well as localized eye medical conditions that can cause blurred vision.
Multiple Sclerosis, Graves Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscular Dystrophy, Diabetes, and Hypertension are just a few of the systemic diseases that can cause blurred vision. Withing the eye itself, several conditions can cause blurred vision such as cataracts, dry eyes, glaucoma, corneal problems such as keratoconus, problems with the iris such as iritis, problems with the vitreous (the middle part of the eye), eye floaters, and problems with the retina. The retina can cause all sorts of blurred vision problems such as macular degeneration and macular edema.
These are just an overview of the various issues that can lead to blurred vision. The most important thing to do is to see your eye doctor when you experience blurred vision. Your eye doctor will be able to determine if the cause of your blurred vision is something simple or is a more complicated matter requiring more involved treatment.
Here are some common causes of blurred vision:
1. Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These are probably the most common causes of blurred vision. The solution is to prescribe the proper eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions to solve the problem.
2. Computer usage. In this case the eyes can become blurred due to long term looking at a computer screen. This can occur even if the patient does not have a condition such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. The eyes can become dry and this can also contribute to blurred vision.
3. Eye muscle problems. Here the eyes can become blurred as they compensate for the inability of the eye muscles to point properly at the desired reading material.
4. General fatigue. If a person is physically tired, their vision can become blurred.
5. Medications. Certain medications can contribute to blurred vision. The eye doctor needs to take a well documented case history to make sure that a medication that the patient is taking is not causing the blurred vision.
6. Medical conditions affecting the eyes. There are a number of systemic conditions as well as localized eye medical conditions that can cause blurred vision.
Multiple Sclerosis, Graves Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscular Dystrophy, Diabetes, and Hypertension are just a few of the systemic diseases that can cause blurred vision. Withing the eye itself, several conditions can cause blurred vision such as cataracts, dry eyes, glaucoma, corneal problems such as keratoconus, problems with the iris such as iritis, problems with the vitreous (the middle part of the eye), eye floaters, and problems with the retina. The retina can cause all sorts of blurred vision problems such as macular degeneration and macular edema.
These are just an overview of the various issues that can lead to blurred vision. The most important thing to do is to see your eye doctor when you experience blurred vision. Your eye doctor will be able to determine if the cause of your blurred vision is something simple or is a more complicated matter requiring more involved treatment.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Internet or "Squinternet"?
Has the internet become the "squinternet"?
What I mean by this is that usage of the computer for hours at a time to access the internet, do social networking, surf, etc. has placed tremendous demands upon our eyes. This has caused a great deal of problems for those that participate. The various issues that patients confront can vary from eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, double vision, neck ache, as well as pain to the wrists and forearms, numbness etc.
The way we often react with our eyes to difficulty in focusing or eyestrain is by squinting. Hence, the "squinternet".
So how do we best deal with these issues? Here are some suggestions:
1. Without being self serving the first thing I recommend is that you see your eye doctor and get an eye exam. Make sure that your prescription is correct for you and that it best represents what you specifically need to be able to focus on the computer screen. This may sound simple but it can be complicated. Your screen is at one distance and the keyboard is at another. You may be using different computers at work and at home. The distance for you to focus on a lap top is different from a desk top. All of these issues can affect how you focus and how you use your eyes when on the computer. Some patients need different pairs of glasses depending upon where they are working at the time. Some patients only need simple reading glasses. Your doctor will be able to determine the best approach for you. When you go in for your appointment it is very helpful if you can bring in data that accurately describes how far you sit from the various screens that you are working on. Assume your normal position in front of the screen and have someone measure the distance from the screen to your eye and the distance from the keyboard to your eye. This will help the doctor to best prescribe for you. New lens products have been recently introduced that provide tremendous help for computer users. There is a new progressive multifocal available that has in the center of the lens a large area designed to focus on the screen distance. In the top of the lens is a smaller distance viewing area and in the bottom of the lens is more magnification for small text. This allow the computer user to have a large "sweet spot" for their computer viewing and also see distances as well as up close for text viewing. There are also greatly improved glare free coating that allow more light to get into the eyes.
2. Glare can be a big problem for computer users. It is best to have your computer in an area where you will not have an open window in front of you as you view the screen. It would be better to position the screen, if you can, with the window behind you or off to the side. If you cannot accomplish this you can use blinds or drapes to cover the window. Many patients are bothered by overhead glare from overhead light sources. In the case of flourescent lighting, it can be helpful to remove some to the "tubes" to cut down on the amount of light upon the screen. It can also be helpful to wear a hat or visor to cut down on the glare from above. If reflections from the screen are an issue, make sure that the screen is as clean as possible. The new flat screens are a big improvement. It is also possible to make a "bonnet" for the screen itself. Take a piece of cardboard and cut it so it will fit over the computer screen and extend out five or six inches. You can tape it to the back of the screen with duct tape. This will get that overhead glare off of the front of the screen.
3. Sit at a distance that allows you to see the screen without leaning forward. If you lean in this will take a toll on your neck and back. Make sure that your chair has good back support. Pillows are available to give you better lumbar supprot. In an ideal situation, the screen is supposed to be slightly below eye level. If you can make this happen this is great. If you cannot, make sure you discuss the positioning of the screen with your eye doctor.
4. Sometimes, the difficulty a patient has with their vision is not just focusing but has to do with the ability of the eyes to point together at the screen distance for an extended period of time. If a patient has difficulty in this area, exercises can be prescribed to strengthen the eye muscles that allow us to point our eyes at the appropriate distance. Exercises can also help relax the eyes and strengthen them to help with focusing between distance and near. Eye doctors talk about the 20/20/20 rule. This pertains to taking the time to relax your eyes regularly by looking away from the screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and blinking 20 times. This accomplishes several things: Looking away stretches the muscles in the eyes allowing them to relax after looking up close for a long period of time. Physically, it allows the computer user to get back from the screen and to also relax the neck muscles, shoulder muscles, etc. Blinking rewets the tissues of the eyes and makes eyes more comfotable.
5. Dryness of the eyes is a common complaint among patients using the computer. Following the 20/20/20 rule above will help. Here are some other suggestions: Drink enough water. Blink more in general: To accomplish this take a "post it" and write the word blink on it. Stick it on the computer near the top. When you see this during the day make sure that the blink you make is a full blink. Research has shown that our blink rate goes way down on the computer...by as much as two thirds. This contributes to dryness, burning and general visual discomfort. Blinking more really helps. It is also helpful to have some wetting drops by the work station. Not all wetting drops are the same. Your eye doctor will make a recommendation for the drops that best suit your particular needs. In general, the best drops are those that are non-preserved. They are a little more expensive, but the preservatives that are in over the counter eyedrops can cause problems and irritation that can be avoided by using the non-preserved variety. Severe dryness problems require more attention and a more complicatead solution than can be provided by eyedrops. Your eye doctor will be able to help you if your are still experiencing dryness even when using eyedrops or in spite of having tried the above suggestion.
I hope these suggestions have been helpful. Please visit your eye doctor for a thorough evaluation of your computer vision needs and keep the internet from becoming the "squinternet".
What I mean by this is that usage of the computer for hours at a time to access the internet, do social networking, surf, etc. has placed tremendous demands upon our eyes. This has caused a great deal of problems for those that participate. The various issues that patients confront can vary from eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, double vision, neck ache, as well as pain to the wrists and forearms, numbness etc.
The way we often react with our eyes to difficulty in focusing or eyestrain is by squinting. Hence, the "squinternet".
So how do we best deal with these issues? Here are some suggestions:
1. Without being self serving the first thing I recommend is that you see your eye doctor and get an eye exam. Make sure that your prescription is correct for you and that it best represents what you specifically need to be able to focus on the computer screen. This may sound simple but it can be complicated. Your screen is at one distance and the keyboard is at another. You may be using different computers at work and at home. The distance for you to focus on a lap top is different from a desk top. All of these issues can affect how you focus and how you use your eyes when on the computer. Some patients need different pairs of glasses depending upon where they are working at the time. Some patients only need simple reading glasses. Your doctor will be able to determine the best approach for you. When you go in for your appointment it is very helpful if you can bring in data that accurately describes how far you sit from the various screens that you are working on. Assume your normal position in front of the screen and have someone measure the distance from the screen to your eye and the distance from the keyboard to your eye. This will help the doctor to best prescribe for you. New lens products have been recently introduced that provide tremendous help for computer users. There is a new progressive multifocal available that has in the center of the lens a large area designed to focus on the screen distance. In the top of the lens is a smaller distance viewing area and in the bottom of the lens is more magnification for small text. This allow the computer user to have a large "sweet spot" for their computer viewing and also see distances as well as up close for text viewing. There are also greatly improved glare free coating that allow more light to get into the eyes.
2. Glare can be a big problem for computer users. It is best to have your computer in an area where you will not have an open window in front of you as you view the screen. It would be better to position the screen, if you can, with the window behind you or off to the side. If you cannot accomplish this you can use blinds or drapes to cover the window. Many patients are bothered by overhead glare from overhead light sources. In the case of flourescent lighting, it can be helpful to remove some to the "tubes" to cut down on the amount of light upon the screen. It can also be helpful to wear a hat or visor to cut down on the glare from above. If reflections from the screen are an issue, make sure that the screen is as clean as possible. The new flat screens are a big improvement. It is also possible to make a "bonnet" for the screen itself. Take a piece of cardboard and cut it so it will fit over the computer screen and extend out five or six inches. You can tape it to the back of the screen with duct tape. This will get that overhead glare off of the front of the screen.
3. Sit at a distance that allows you to see the screen without leaning forward. If you lean in this will take a toll on your neck and back. Make sure that your chair has good back support. Pillows are available to give you better lumbar supprot. In an ideal situation, the screen is supposed to be slightly below eye level. If you can make this happen this is great. If you cannot, make sure you discuss the positioning of the screen with your eye doctor.
4. Sometimes, the difficulty a patient has with their vision is not just focusing but has to do with the ability of the eyes to point together at the screen distance for an extended period of time. If a patient has difficulty in this area, exercises can be prescribed to strengthen the eye muscles that allow us to point our eyes at the appropriate distance. Exercises can also help relax the eyes and strengthen them to help with focusing between distance and near. Eye doctors talk about the 20/20/20 rule. This pertains to taking the time to relax your eyes regularly by looking away from the screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and blinking 20 times. This accomplishes several things: Looking away stretches the muscles in the eyes allowing them to relax after looking up close for a long period of time. Physically, it allows the computer user to get back from the screen and to also relax the neck muscles, shoulder muscles, etc. Blinking rewets the tissues of the eyes and makes eyes more comfotable.
5. Dryness of the eyes is a common complaint among patients using the computer. Following the 20/20/20 rule above will help. Here are some other suggestions: Drink enough water. Blink more in general: To accomplish this take a "post it" and write the word blink on it. Stick it on the computer near the top. When you see this during the day make sure that the blink you make is a full blink. Research has shown that our blink rate goes way down on the computer...by as much as two thirds. This contributes to dryness, burning and general visual discomfort. Blinking more really helps. It is also helpful to have some wetting drops by the work station. Not all wetting drops are the same. Your eye doctor will make a recommendation for the drops that best suit your particular needs. In general, the best drops are those that are non-preserved. They are a little more expensive, but the preservatives that are in over the counter eyedrops can cause problems and irritation that can be avoided by using the non-preserved variety. Severe dryness problems require more attention and a more complicatead solution than can be provided by eyedrops. Your eye doctor will be able to help you if your are still experiencing dryness even when using eyedrops or in spite of having tried the above suggestion.
I hope these suggestions have been helpful. Please visit your eye doctor for a thorough evaluation of your computer vision needs and keep the internet from becoming the "squinternet".
Monday, January 25, 2010
Optometrists Ophthalmologists & Opticians (The Three O's)
I am an optometrist and I have been in practice in Westwood Village, a suburb of West Los Angeles, since 1971. Patients will still refer to me as an ophthalmologist or optician from time to time. I think the reason that there is confusion among the public is due to the fact that there is a great deal of overlap in terms of what the three professions provide. All are involved with various aspects of vision care. In addition, the definition of optician and optometrist varies from country to country. In some countries, optometrists can only refract (test vision) and provide eyeglasses and contact lenses. They can not treat eye diseases or do eye health evaluations. Opticians can refract in some countries and not in others. In the United States, opticians can fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses but they cannot refract and test vision. Optometrists in the United States can treat eye infections, dry eyes, eye allergies, and eye diseases as well as test vision and refract. This has not always been the case. When I graduated from optometry school optometrists did not have the ability to treat eye diseases. We were trained to detect them, but we always had to refer out to a medical doctor when we detected a medical problem. If the problem was an eye problem, we would refer to the appropriate ophthalmologist. If the problem was with a general medical condition such as hypertension or diabetes, we would refer to an internal medicine specialist or general practitioner.
Things have changed over the years. The scope of practice of optometry has expanded. The laws that govern the practice of optometry have changed over the years to include the treatment of eye diseases and eye medical problems. This has occurred on a state by state basis. Here in California, once optometrists were granted an increased scope of practice, they had to take and extended number of additional hours of specialized education and pass a comprehensive examination. In addtion, they had to work side by side with ophthalmoligists according to a schedule specified by the state Board of Optometry before they could begin utilizing their new skills. Optometrists can now treat eye diseases such as glaucoma. We can treat eye infections and eye allergies as well as dry eyes. This increased treatment capability was originally only available within the realm of ophthalmology. If optometrists do detect or diagnose a problem that is beyond our expertise, the patient is referred to the appropriate medical practitioner.
Optometrists are well connected with the best medical specialists in their respective areas. Patients that are referred out for specialty care are then referred back to the referring optometist for continued care. This is called "co-management".
So, is it still confusing for patients to understand the difference between "The Three O's"? The answer is probably yes. Due to the overlap of services that is frequently provided is is only normal that patients can confuse "The Three O's". It is up to the optometrist, the ophthalmologist and the optician to fully explain the services that can be offered to their patients.
Things have changed over the years. The scope of practice of optometry has expanded. The laws that govern the practice of optometry have changed over the years to include the treatment of eye diseases and eye medical problems. This has occurred on a state by state basis. Here in California, once optometrists were granted an increased scope of practice, they had to take and extended number of additional hours of specialized education and pass a comprehensive examination. In addtion, they had to work side by side with ophthalmoligists according to a schedule specified by the state Board of Optometry before they could begin utilizing their new skills. Optometrists can now treat eye diseases such as glaucoma. We can treat eye infections and eye allergies as well as dry eyes. This increased treatment capability was originally only available within the realm of ophthalmology. If optometrists do detect or diagnose a problem that is beyond our expertise, the patient is referred to the appropriate medical practitioner.
Optometrists are well connected with the best medical specialists in their respective areas. Patients that are referred out for specialty care are then referred back to the referring optometist for continued care. This is called "co-management".
So, is it still confusing for patients to understand the difference between "The Three O's"? The answer is probably yes. Due to the overlap of services that is frequently provided is is only normal that patients can confuse "The Three O's". It is up to the optometrist, the ophthalmologist and the optician to fully explain the services that can be offered to their patients.
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