What is an Ophthalmologist?   An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.



When should I see an Ophthalmologist?  Below is a general outline of when you and your family should visit your ophthalmolotist for a comprehensive eye evaluation. Protecting your eyes, and early detection and treatment of eye problems, are the best ways to take care of your vision throughout life.

Certain individuals may be at greater risk for eye problems and may need to see an ophthalmologist more often than recommended. If you have the following risk factors:

• A family history of eye problems
• Are an African American over age 40
• Diabetes
• A personal history of eye injury that required medical or surgical care

Infants
A pediatrician, family physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant should screen a newborn’s eyes for general health in the nursery.  By six months of age, all infants’ eyes should be screened by a health care professional (ophthalmologist,  primary care provider, family physician, pediatrician or other health care professional).

An infant should receive a comprehensive eye examination whenever there are questions about his or  her eye health. No infant is too young for an eye examination.

Before Age 5
Since it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it, your child should have his or her eyes screened at ages three and five by an eye care professional, physician for eye conditions such as:

• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Ptosis (dropping of the upper eyelid)
• Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)

Age 3 to 19
To ensure your child’s or teenager’s eyes remain healthy, he or she should have his or her eyes screened every one to two years during regular check-up appointments.

Age 20 to Age 39
Most young people have healthy eyes, but still need to take care of their vision by wearing protective eyewear when working in dangerous areas, playing sports, doing woodwork or yard work, working with chemicals or taking part in other activities that could result in an eye injury.

Have a complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39.  You should also be aware of symptoms that could point to a problem. See an eye doctor right away if you experience any eye problems such as:

• Visual changes or pain
• Flashes of light
• Seeing spots or ghost like images
• Dark spot appears in vision
• Lines and edges appear distorted or wavy
• Dry eyes with itching and burning

Ages 40 to 64
Even the adult and middle age groups can be affected by eye problems. Preventive measures should be taken to protect eyes from injury and detect disease early.  Schedule a comprehensive eye evaluation with your eye doctor every two to four years.

65 and Older
Seniors 65 and older should have comprehensive eye evaluations by their eye doctor every one to two years to assess eye health and diagnose any eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration.

Where Can I Get More Information?
Your eye doctor is the best source of information.   

Another helpful resource is the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s public information Web site at www.medem.com/eyemd.

To schedule your eye examination with us, please call our appointment line at 952-832-8110 or contact us by email.

This article was approved by: The Eye Health and Public Information Task Force, March 2002 Revised November 2003 AAO