Patients
Request Consultation
Patient History
Doctor Information
– Aetna
– Aetna Better Health of MD
– Amerigroup
– Blue Cross Blue Shield
– Blue Cross Carefirst
– Cigna
– Cigna Health Spring
– Construction Workers Health Fund
– FCE Benefits
– John Hopkins EHP
– Maryland Physician Care
– MD Electrical Workers Health Fund
– Medicare
– Medical Assistance
– NCAS
– Priority Partners
– Security Workers Health and Welfare Fund
– Sheet Metal Workers Union
– Teamsters Local 355
– Tricare
– United Healthcare
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists complete 12 to 13 years of training and education, and are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. This advanced training allows ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat a wider range of conditions than optometrists. Typical training includes a four-year college degree followed by at least eight years of additional medical training. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases and performs eye surgery.
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from vision testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. They are licensed to practice optometry, which primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. Many ophthalmologists and optometrists work together in the same offices, as a team.
When should I get an eye exam?
Getting an eye exam is an important part of staying healthy. Get the right exam at the right time and ensure your vision lasts a lifetime. A routine eye exam should be once every one to two years. Although, patients with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of eye disease, should consider seeing their ophthalmologist on a yearly basis or as recommended.
What is glaucoma?
According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old but blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.
Is glaucoma preventable?
The best thing you can do to prevent the disease is live a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables and get regular eye exams. A healthy lifestyle is important as some studies suggest a history of high blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors for glaucoma.
Will I have symptoms if I develop glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a slow, progressive disease that can cause a variety of changes in vision. Depending on the form of Glaucoma, the vast majority of patients don’t realize they have the disease until it is extremely advanced but most commonly, your peripheral vision off to the side is affected followed by central vision.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma. This includes people who:
- are over the age of 40
- have family members with glaucoma
- are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
- have high eye pressure
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- have had an eye injury
- have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, or poor blood circulation
- have health issues affecting the whole body
People with more than one of these risk factors have an even higher risk of glaucoma.
Is glaucoma treatable?
Glaucoma damage is permanent- it cannot be reversed but medicine and surgery help to stop further damage. Typically, treatment starts with eye drop medication. Used every day, the eye drops lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to your nerve. For more advanced cases or in patients who want an alternative to eye drops, there are several types of glaucoma surgeries that can be performed at Charm City Eye Care.