Beyond Glasses and Contacts: Understanding the Profession of Optometry
When it comes to caring for our eyes, most people immediately think of glasses and contact lenses as the primary solutions.
However, the field of optometry goes far beyond prescribing corrective eyewear.
Optometrists are dedicated professionals specializing in eye and vision care, offering a comprehensive range of services extending well beyond fitting frames or finding the perfect contact lens.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the multifaceted profession of optometry, exploring the crucial role these experts play in safeguarding our vision, detecting eye conditions, and providing personalized eye care solutions.
So, let's talk to one of the optometrists and owners of Helio Optometry and find out what it's all about.
We Spend A Lot of Time in Dark Rooms.
Dr. Ross McKenzie: Ah, the life of an optometrist—a significant chunk of our time is spent in dark rooms! Forget the typical office setting with bright lights and sunny windows; optometrists thrive in dimly lit, shadowy rooms. In fact most offices have very little natural daylight except for in the optical and reception areas.
I always joke that lack of sunlight wasn't in the brochure when I signed up for this career, but it's just part of the job. And it's one of the reasons we added so many windows in our eye care clinic so that we could at least get a little bit of natural light between patients.
Seeing Clearly: The Magic of Optometry
Dr. Matt Soblewski: As an optometrist, my greatest joy is helping people see clearly and effortlessly. Every day, I have the privilege of being part of a transformative journey for my patients. From the moment they step into my office, I try to unravel the complexities of their vision and find a way to give them optimal clarity.
Through comprehensive eye exams, I carefully assess visual acuity, refractive errors, and other factors that affect eyesight. Our office has all the latest diagnostic tools, allowing us to prescribe precise lens corrections, be it glasses or contact lenses, tailored to our patient’s unique needs. In some cases, we may elect to discuss alternative treatments like laser eye surgery or refractive lens exchange.
Seeing the happiness on a patient's face when they put on their new glasses for the first time and suddenly see the world with newfound sharpness and vibrancy is a rewarding experience. It's not just about correcting vision; it's about restoring confidence, independence, and the ability to fully engage with the world around them. Knowing I play a pivotal role in enhancing their quality of life fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
What Are the Most Common Vision Problems Optometrists See?
Dr. Ross McKenzie: As an optometrist, I encounter a wide range of vision issues on a daily basis, but there are a few that stand out as the most common.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects countless individuals, causing distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains relatively clear. In fact, its now estimated that by 2050, over 50% of the worlds population will be nearsighted, which is absolutely crazy.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, poses the opposite challenge, making nearby objects appear blurred while distance vision remains relatively unaffected. The biggest myth here is that people with farsightedness don't require glasses for driving and sports, which is far from the truth.
Astigmatism, another prevalent issue, results in distorted or blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. The biggest challenge with astigmatism is finding contact lenses that can centre well on the eye.
Lastly, presbyopia, often encountered as individuals reach their 40s or 50s, brings about difficulties in focusing on close-up objects, making reading or viewing fine details a challenge. If you can still see up close after age 45 without glasses, you should probably be wearing glasses to drive.
Recognizing these common vision issues is only the first step; as an optometrist, I take pride in thoroughly evaluating each patient's unique visual characteristics and developing personalized treatment plans to address their specific needs.
When Blurred Vision is More Serious.
Dr. Ross McKenzie: The most common concern that I encounter from people is blurred vision. But, blurred vision is not always a straightforward indication of needing a new prescription. As an optometrist, I am here to emphasize the importance of comprehensive eye exams to evaluate and diagnose potential eye conditions that can cause visual blurriness.
One of the most common conditions I see is dry eye syndrome, affecting individuals of all ages. This condition occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in discomfort, redness, and a gritty or burning sensation. Although dry eye may not sound serious, it can be debilitating to some people and must be taken seriously.
I also frequently diagnose and manage various forms of glaucoma, a group of eye conditions characterized by increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, this can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
Additionally, conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are common and require regular monitoring and intervention. My number one area of interest is diabetic eye disease, an area of focus within our practice. There is a gap in patient education surrounding diabetes and then effects on vision, which patients often find out about far too late.
Yes, We Still Fit Eyeglasses
Dr. Matt Sobloewski: I cannot stress enough the critical importance of fitting eyeglasses correctly.
It's not just about finding the right prescription; it's about ensuring that the glasses sit perfectly on your face, aligning with your unique facial features and providing optimal vision correction.
Ill-fitting glasses can lead to discomfort, headaches, and even distorted vision.
It’s important to take the time to carefully measure and assess the position of the glasses on your nose, the alignment with your eyes, and the appropriate temple length for a secure fit.
Properly fitted eyeglasses enhance your visual clarity and promote comfort and wearability, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities without unnecessary distractions. Remember, your eyes deserve the utmost care, and a well-fitted pair of glasses plays a crucial role in ensuring that you see the world with precision and comfort.
Glasses are not all created equally. There are very cheap and very high-end glasses, just like cars and clothing. We also understand, as doctors, that everyone has a budget. We want to get people into the best products they can afford, which is why we offer our entry-level Aperture collection and our Helio Premium Collections.
We're Really Good at Fitting Contact Lenses.
Dr. Matt Sobolewski: Being an optometrist has allowed me to develop particular expertise in fitting contact lenses, and it brings me immense satisfaction to help patients achieve clear vision and optimal comfort through this remarkable alternative to eyeglasses.
Fitting contact lenses requires precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the eye's anatomy. From assessing the shape of your eye to evaluating your tear film quality, where your eyelids site, I carefully consider each patient's unique needs, lifestyle, and vision requirements. By selecting the appropriate lens type, size, and material, I ensure a proper fit that allows for excellent visual correction while promoting eye health.
Whether addressing astigmatism, presbyopia, or simple refractive errors, I aim to offer a tailored contact lens solution that seamlessly integrates into my patients' lives, providing them with the freedom and convenience to confidently pursue their daily activities.
Plus, you don't need to book a separate appointment with a contact lens fitter and try to re-explain all your visual concerns. We fit so many contact lenses that we can do it relatively quickly and with a high degree of accuracy the first time.
We Have A Lot of Cool Equipment & Modern Technology.
Dr. Ross McKenzie: One of the most exciting aspects of my profession is having access to a wide array of advanced diagnostic equipment. These cutting-edge tools allow me to explore the intricacies of the eye and provide comprehensive care to my patients.
Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging, for instance, revolutionizes the way we capture detailed images of the retina, enabling us to detect and monitor conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tumours and glaucoma with unprecedented clarity and efficiency. We can also show you these images in the exam room to help you better understand how your eyes work and any concerns we may have.
3D-OCT retinal scans provide cross-sectional images of the eye, helping us visualize the structures beneath the surface and identify subtle changes that may be indicative of eye diseases. They also allow us to analyze the eye for structural changes in conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetes.
Pachymetry allows for precise corneal thickness measurements, a vital parameter for assessing conditions like glaucoma and planning refractive surgeries like PRK, LASIK or SMILE.
Biometers enable us to obtain accurate measurements for intraocular lens (IOL) calculations in cataract surgeries or when prescribing myopia management treatments in kids.
Additionally, computerized visual fields assist in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting your peripheral or central vision, such as glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, pituitary gland tumours and other neurological disorders.
Having access to this incredible range of equipment empowers me as an optometrist to provide my patients with the highest level of care, delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, and monitoring the progression of eye conditions with utmost precision.
We See A Lot of Eye Emergencies
Dr. Ross McKenzie: I encounter a variety of eye care emergencies on a regular basis, and it's crucial to address these situations promptly to ensure the best possible outcomes for my patients.
One of the most common emergencies is eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (red eye or pink eye) or keratitis, which can cause significant discomfort, redness, and vision changes. In some cases, these 'red eyes' may be signs of autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Sjogren's syndrome, or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
Dr. Matt Soobolewski: We also see many eyelid infections, from Styes (Hordeolum's or Chalazion's), Meibomitis (Clogged Oil Glands), and Blepharitis (Bacteria Along the Eyelids). We usually prescribe a combination of both at-home treatments and pharmaceutical agents to help speed the process up.
Retinal detachments are also critical emergencies that require immediate attention, as they involve the separation of the retina from its underlying tissue and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Patients may complain of new floaters or flashes of light.
Foreign objects lodged in the eye, be it a speck of dust or a piece of metal debris, can cause pain, redness, and potential corneal damage. We'll often need to remove these with a metal or magnetic spud and, in some cases, remove rust rings with an Algerbrush debridement tool.
Double vision, especially if sudden onset, can indicate underlying health issues and requires urgent evaluation.
Lastly, trauma to the eye, whether from accidents, sports injuries, domestic abuse, or workplace incidents, necessitates immediate care to assess for damage, treat any injuries, and prevent further complications.
As optometrists, we are prepared to handle these eye care emergencies, providing timely diagnosis, appropriate interventions, and necessary referrals to ensure the best possible outcomes for my patients' ocular health and overall well-being. We can also help alleviate the wait times in emergency rooms and walk-in medical clinics.
Why I Love Being an Optometrist.
Dr. Ross McKenzie: Being an optometrist is not just a profession; it's a calling that brings me immense joy and satisfaction. Every day, I have the privilege of positively impacting people's lives through the gift of clear vision and healthy eyes.
Dr. Matt Sobolewski: Being an eye doctor allows me to constantly learn and grow as new technologies, treatments, and research emerge in our profession. This continuous learning journey keeps me engaged, motivated, and passionate about staying at the forefront of eye care advancements.
If you're looking for a career in optometry, we would love to talk to you. If you're looking for an optometrist who loves what they do, I welcome you to book your next eye care appointment in our clinic.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.